News & Stories for Musicians

Vote in the MU Delegate Election 2025

Members in Scotland & Northern Ireland, Wales & South West England and North Of England regions have the chance to vote in the online ballot for who represents their region at Delegate Conference 2025.

Published: 21 May 2025

Young male musician, sat cross legged on the bedroom floor, playing acoustic guitar to his young baby.

Peer Support Network Launches for Music Industry Parents and Carers in the North of England

PiPA and Come Play With Me, supported by the MU, are collaborating on a pilot project to build a sustainable support network, in-person and online, for parents and carers who work in music, based in Leeds, Liverpool and Newcastle.

Published: 21 May 2025

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Why the Cultural Sector Needs Trade Unions: Join the MU and Others for a Free Event in Bradford

Discover the vital role of trade unions in the cultural and creative industries - with expert advice from the MU, Equity, Bectu, and more, at this free event on 3 June for freelancers and employees working across Yorkshire.

Published: 16 May 2025

Shakespeare themed campaign placards saying

Northern Ballet and MU Continue Orchestra Contract Negotiations

An update for members regarding ongoing contract negotiations for orchestral musicians at Northern Ballet, following the company’s decision to use non-Union agreements for some performances.

Published: 15 May 2025

New Workshops and Forums for Jazz Musicians in the North of England

Jazz North has announced a series of free, online workshops and forums exclusively for artists based in the North of England.

Published: 14 April 2025

The exterior of the Opera House in Buxton, Derybshire.

New Agreement between Buxton International Festival and the Musicians’ Union

We are delighted to announce a new agreement between the MU and Buxton International Festival (BIF), detailing how its musicians will work as well as the minimum fees they will be paid.

Published: 18 March 2025

Two people sat having a coffee in a coffee shop, with laptop, phones and notebooks.

New One-to-One Advice Surgeries and Online Events Announced for MU North of England Members

One-to-one advice sessions will take place in Birkenhead, Manchester and York in the coming months, and online events will occur throughout the year, to help members familiarise themselves with the range of MU benefits available to them.

Published: 27 February 2025

A large vibrant banner saying “It’s our time, Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture”, outside of the Science and Media Museum building.

MU Signs MOU with Bradford 2025 City of Culture

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is a framework which ensures that creative workers engaged in Bradford’s upcoming programme of events, as newly appointed City of Culture for 2025, receive fair pay and working conditions.

Published: 20 February 2025

Close up of a white t-shirt with red writing saying “Sunderland is a music city”, next to a leaflet saying “A music strategy for Sunderland 2025-2030”.

MU Congratulates Sunderland as Newest Member of the Music Cities Network

Sunderland is only the second city in the UK to join the international Music Cities Network, which offers its members collaborative opportunities, resources, and advocacy.

Published: 27 January 2025

Northern Ballet orchestra musicians performing as part of a demo.

Northern Ballet: Update on Negotiations

Northern Ballet have decided not to extend our agreement with them under existing terms, meaning any work offered by them is currently under non-union terms.

Published: 09 January 2025

Northern Ballet demo in October, members are holding signs saying keep northern ballet live.

Musicians’ Unions Worldwide Back Call to Save Northern Ballet’s Orchestra

The International Federation of Musicians backs Northern Ballet Sinfonia in a message of solidarity signed by over 20 musicians’ unions worldwide

Published: 05 November 2024

A folk band playing at Band on the Wall in Manchester.

Exclusive Member Discount for Un-Convention Conference in Manchester

Un-Convention 112th music conference and showcase returns to Manchester on November 21 and 22, for which MU members are able to get discounted tickets.

Published: 30 October 2024

Member only Read more about Exclusive Member Discount for Un-Convention Conference in Manchester

Craig Charles, Richard Kemp CBE, Chris Amoo and Dave Smith, along with their family, on stage at the Awards evening. The audience are giving a standing ovation.

The Real Thing Honoured: A Celebration in Liverpool

Chris Amoo, longstanding MU Member and one of the founders of seminal Liverpool four piece The Real Thing, has received a major honour inside Black History Month. The MU would like to extend its congratulations to Chris, his bandmates and family on this long overdue accolade.

Published: 17 October 2024

Naomi Pohl at Labour Party Conference 2024 holding a placard that says 'Labour's New Deal for Working People'.

MU Celebrates Employment Rights Bill – A Major Win for Trade Unions

We welcome the Labour Government's new Employment Rights Bill, introducing measures that strengthen the collective voice of workers across the UK.

Published: 10 October 2024

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl standing with Lisa Nandy Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport at Labour Party Conference 2024.

MU Policies on AI and Misogyny in Music Adopted at Labour Party Conference 2024

The MU shaped policy on artificial intelligence and workers’ rights, and landed a historic recognition of the value of music education at Labour Party Conference this year.

Published: 26 September 2024

Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaking at Labour Party Conference 2024.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer Backs Access to Music Education for Every Child

The Prime Minister shared how music has improved his life, and why he supports access to music education for every child.

Published: 25 September 2024

Naomi Pohl speaking at Labour Party Conference 2024.

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl Speaks at Labour Unions Rally Alongside Prime Minister

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl spoke at the Labour Unions rally alongside Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner.

Published: 25 September 2024

MU staff, members and supporters wearing keep Northern Ballet Live t-shirts and Shakespeare masks at an earlier demo in May 2024.

Keep Northern Ballet Live Campaign Takes Action Ahead of First Performance with Recorded Music

Supporters will be leafleting today ahead of opening night for Northern Ballet’s Romeo and Juliet, highlighting the tragedy of lost live music as it uses recorded tracks instead of the orchestra for the first time.

Published: 19 September 2024

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Stand for the MU's Executive Committee

We are now looking for members who wish to stand for our Executive Committee (EC) starting in 2025. Find out what being on the EC involves and if you're eligible to stand.

Published: 27 August 2024

Portrait of Balraj Samrai standing on the street.

MU Joins Greater Manchester Music Commission

The Commission, set up in 2021, aims to support and promote music in Greater Manchester’s ecosystem, with the MU being represented by North of England Regional Committee member Balraj Samrai.

Published: 22 August 2024

A graphic with yellow and white design elements and black text.

Nominations Open for MU Executive Committee and Regional Committees

Nominations are now open for members who wish to get involved in our Executive Committee and Regional Committees starting in 2025.

Published: 20 August 2024

Claire performing with an acoustic guitar on International Workers’ Day in 2022 in Manchester.

Tribute to Claire Mooney

The Musicians’ Union pays tribute to Claire Mooney, iconic songwriter, activist and former North of England Regional Committee member.

Published: 15 August 2024

Musicians' Union staff and members holding Pride flags at a Pride march.

MU Reaches Membership Milestone

The Musicians' Union has reached 35,000 members this year, marking a milestone in its continued growth.

Published: 01 August 2024

Stage curtains opened a crack, showing theatre and lights behind.

MU Hails Campaigners Who Saved Historic Oldham Theatre

We’re pleased to learn that Oldham Coliseum Theatre is now set to re-open in time for the 2025 pantomime season, following a successful grassroots campaign to save the historic venue from closure.

Published: 31 July 2024

Old, golden theatre binoculars resting on top of a musical score sheet.

What the Current Status of UK Opera Funding Means for Musicians and Audiences in 2024

Further to the release of Arts Council England’s Let's Create report, an analysis of opera and music theatre in England and Wales, journalist Andrew Stewart investigates the sector's current landscape and how this relates to the report, our members and the wider industry.

Published: 01 July 2024

People gathering in Durham to march at the Miners' Gala.

MU Members Invited to Join March at Durham Miners’ Gala 2024

MU members are invited to march at Durham Miners’ Gala on Saturday 13 July - the world's biggest celebration of trade union values, community spirit and working class life.

Published: 21 June 2024

Fans in a music venue enjoying a concert.

MU Partners with Manchester Festival Beyond The Music 2024

We are delighted to partner with Beyond The Music in Manchester. Our North of England Team will be on hand during the conference to discuss regional issues and are leading an industry panel on misogyny in music.

Published: 21 June 2024

Some members of the Northern Music Network speaking at a panel event in front of a crowd.

MU Welcomes the Formation of New Northern Music Network

A collection of leading Northern music partners has formally aligned to promote opportunities in the music industry and support artists across the North of England.

Published: 17 May 2024

DJ Paulette on a stage behind some DJ decks.

MU Member DJ Paulette Named DJ of the Year at Northern Music Awards

Manchester based DJ Paulette is an MU North of England Regional Committee member, and has been named ‘DJ of the year’ at the inaugural Northern Music Awards.

Published: 29 April 2024

North bank of the River Wear in Sunderland, looking toward the town centre.

MU Welcomes Funding Deal for Sunderland’s Crown Works Studios

Sunderland looks set to become one of the largest filmmaking hubs in Europe, creating opportunities for musicians across the North East.

Published: 26 March 2024

Person holding a 'Keep Northern Ballet Live' sign after a rally in late 2023.

MU Rejects Use of Recorded Music to Replace Live Orchestra at Northern Ballet

Northern Ballet is replacing musicians in its orchestra with recorded music for some touring productions.

Published: 08 February 2024

Empty classroom with piano and chalk blackboard.

MU Pushes Government to Support Teachers’ Pensions and Increase Music Hub Funding

We have written to the Department for Education for a second time, asking it to rethink its proposal to end essential top-up funding for teachers’ pensions in Music Hubs. Alongside this, we continue to highlight the significant overall funding shortfall facing music education.

Published: 02 February 2024

General Secretary Naomi Pohl stands in discussion outside of the Royal Opera House

2023 End of Year Round Up

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl reports back on the work that the Union has done through 2023, as well as setting out some of MU’s intentions for 2024, and more general food for thought about the music industry.

Published: 30 December 2023

Crowd of wooden figures in a circle holding a sign with a red tick, representing a collective vote for yes.

Union Members Vote Yes to Potential Strike Action at English National Opera

MU members in the English National Opera (ENO) orchestra and Music Staff have voted overwhelmingly in favour of potential strike action in a ballot that closed on 21 December 2023.

Published: 21 December 2023

Vintage record player with a vinyl resting on top, spinning in action

MU Royalties Team Announce Record Distribution to Members

Geoff Ellerby, National Organiser for Recording & Broadcasting has reported back that 2023 saw a record £1.57m being distributed to members, and thanks the R&B team for their unrelenting dedication to the task.

Published: 20 December 2023

Chairs in a brightly lit but empty classroom

MU Challenges Government on Music Education Funding Shortfall

Working with Music Mark and the Independent Society of Musicians, we have written urgently to Gillian Keegan, Secretary of State for Education, asking for increased funding for music education.

Published: 06 December 2023

Orchestra pit, chairs and music stands in black and white.

MU Responds to News of ENO’s Move From London to Manchester

The MU is continuing talks with English National Opera regarding their proposals, which do not currently mention the future of our members’ jobs.

Published: 06 December 2023

Some of the musicians and supporters from the demo at Newcastle Theatre Royal on 10 November, holding MU banners and signs saying “Keep Northern Ballet Live”.

Keep Northern Ballet Live Petition Surges Past 10,000 Signatures

Over 10,000 people have signed the petition urging Arts Council England to keep Northern Ballet music live.

Published: 27 November 2023

Person using a computer to create content from home with music software.

MU Responds to Government Consultation on Beijing Treaty Regarding Audiovisual Performances

The Beijing Treaty will bring additional rights for audiovisual performances and is now set to become UK law, with the MU advising government that musicians would be best served by Equitable Remuneration.

Published: 23 November 2023

Brightly coloured purple and yellow megaphone facing outwards against a bright pink background.

MU Action on the Climate Emergency

The MU’s new Climate Emergency Action Group have now met twice, and are looking inwardly and outwardly at ways the Union, the wider music industry and the Government can address the climate emergency.

Published: 16 November 2023

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Vote in the MU Delegate Election 2025

Peer Support Network Launches for Music Industry Parents and Carers in the North of England

Why the Cultural Sector Needs Trade Unions: Join the MU and Others for a Free Event in Bradford

Northern Ballet and MU Continue Orchestra Contract Negotiations

New Workshops and Forums for Jazz Musicians in the North of England

New Agreement between Buxton International Festival and the Musicians’ Union

New One-to-One Advice Surgeries and Online Events Announced for MU North of England Members

MU Signs MOU with Bradford 2025 City of Culture

MU Congratulates Sunderland as Newest Member of the Music Cities Network

Northern Ballet: Update on Negotiations

Musicians’ Unions Worldwide Back Call to Save Northern Ballet’s Orchestra

Exclusive Member Discount for Un-Convention Conference in Manchester

The Real Thing Honoured: A Celebration in Liverpool

MU Celebrates Employment Rights Bill – A Major Win for Trade Unions

MU Policies on AI and Misogyny in Music Adopted at Labour Party Conference 2024

Prime Minister Keir Starmer Backs Access to Music Education for Every Child

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl Speaks at Labour Unions Rally Alongside Prime Minister

Keep Northern Ballet Live Campaign Takes Action Ahead of First Performance with Recorded Music

Stand for the MU's Executive Committee

MU Joins Greater Manchester Music Commission

Nominations Open for MU Executive Committee and Regional Committees

Tribute to Claire Mooney

MU Reaches Membership Milestone

MU Hails Campaigners Who Saved Historic Oldham Theatre

What the Current Status of UK Opera Funding Means for Musicians and Audiences in 2024

MU Members Invited to Join March at Durham Miners’ Gala 2024

MU Partners with Manchester Festival Beyond The Music 2024

MU Welcomes the Formation of New Northern Music Network

MU Member DJ Paulette Named DJ of the Year at Northern Music Awards

MU Welcomes Funding Deal for Sunderland’s Crown Works Studios

MU Rejects Use of Recorded Music to Replace Live Orchestra at Northern Ballet

MU Pushes Government to Support Teachers’ Pensions and Increase Music Hub Funding

2023 End of Year Round Up

Union Members Vote Yes to Potential Strike Action at English National Opera

MU Royalties Team Announce Record Distribution to Members

MU Challenges Government on Music Education Funding Shortfall

MU Responds to News of ENO’s Move From London to Manchester

Keep Northern Ballet Live Petition Surges Past 10,000 Signatures

MU Responds to Government Consultation on Beijing Treaty Regarding Audiovisual Performances

MU Action on the Climate Emergency