News & Stories for Musicians

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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: 19 August 2025

Ruth and Andy at last year’s event, in front of the large Eisteddfod sign.

MU at National Eisteddfod 2025 / Undeb y Cerddorion yn Eisteddfod Genedlaethol 2025

The Musicians' Union will be returning to the National Eisteddfod, the largest cultural festival in Europe, in Wrexham this year / Bydd Undeb y Cerddorion yn dychwelyd i’r Eisteddfod Genedlaethol, yr ŵyl ddiwylliannol fwyaf yn Ewrop, a gynhelir yn Wrecsam eleni.

Published: 01 August 2025

Close up of legs running on a treadmill.

Discounted Gym Membership Now Part of MU Benefits

Following the success of our discounted hotel room benefit, we’re now offering MU members exclusive access to reduced-rate gym memberships with The Gym Group — one of the UK’s leading fitness providers.

Published: 01 August 2025

Two pieces of paper, one orange and one green, cut into the shape of a head. They are facing each other, one with a question mark and squiggles, and the other with a smooth spiral and exclamation mark

Mentoring 4 Creatives: Shaping Freelance Futures in Wales

Discover how two MU members used CULT Cymru’s Mentoring 4 Creatives scheme to explore new directions and develop their creative careers. The programme supports freelancers and casual workers across Wales' creative industries – and applications for this year’s cohort are open until September.

Published: 28 July 2025

Older woman with glasses sat with a coffee cup and note books in front of an open laptop at home.

MU Members in Wales Invited to Music Education Strategy Meetings on 15 and 16 July

The online meetings will explore under-18 and post-18 music education in Wales as part of UK Music’s strategy for the devolved nations.

Published: 11 July 2025

Young man, wearing glasses, at home smiling while taking notes and looking at a laptop.

Mentoring 4 Creatives: Applications Now Open for MU Members in Wales

Cult Cymru’s ‘Mentoring 4 Creatives’ programme is open to freelance or casual creative workers who are MU members living in Wales. The deadline for applications is 17 September.

Published: 23 June 2025

Young women sat at a piano in an auditorium.

MU Welcomes Cardiff Music School’s Decision to Remain Open and Urges More Support for Arts in Higher Education

Proposals to close the School of Music at Cardiff University won’t go ahead, but further work is needed on the detailed plans and culture across Wales.

Published: 04 June 2025

Close up of a child in a red jumper at a drum kit, in a music classroom with other pupils and a tutor.

Welsh Government to Fund National Music Service for a Further Three Years

The MU welcomes the news, although funding levels still aren’t sufficient to meet the Welsh Government's ambitions for music education.

Published: 04 June 2025

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

A Welsh National Opera orchestra member holding a campaign placard at a demo in Cardiff.

Welsh National Opera Orchestra Musicians Vote to Accept New Agreement

Musicians in the Welsh National Opera (WNO) orchestra vote to accept a new agreement, following a year of tough negotiations and months of high-profile campaigning to protect Wales’ largest arts organisation.

Published: 22 April 2025

The entire cast of Peter Grimes, on stage at the curtain call, showing as empty orchestra pit.

WNO Orchestra Members Join Cast and Crew Onstage in Powerful Appeal for Better Funding

In an unprecedented show of solidarity, members of the Welsh National Opera (WNO) orchestra took to the stage on opening night of Peter Grimes on Saturday 5 April, to address the audience about the need for better funding.

Published: 10 April 2025

The outside of the Senedd building in Wales.

Update on Welsh Government Budget for 2025/26 and Lobbying in Wales

The MU welcomes the announcement of an additional £4.4m for arts, culture and publishing in Wales as part of the Welsh Government Final Budget for 2025/26.

Published: 26 February 2025

Three violinists as part of a symphony orchestra.

Join Mass Demo to Protest Proposed Axing of Cardiff University’s School of Music

On Saturday 22 February, musicians, students and alumni will be gathering to publicly protest the proposed closure of Cardiff University's School of Music.

Published: 21 February 2025

Exterior of Cardiff University's Grade II listed main building.

MU Statement on Proposed Closures at Cardiff University

Cardiff University has recently announced proposals to close its School of Music. The MU will be supporting members in relation to the relevant consultations, and those affected are urged to get in touch with the regional office as soon as possible.

Published: 06 February 2025

A Welsh National Opera orchestra member holding a campaign placard at a demo.

MU Members at Welsh National Opera Renew Mandate for Industrial Action

MU members at WNO have voted to renew their mandate for industrial action.

Published: 15 January 2025

Close up of a red pin on Bristol and surrounding area on a map.

Support, Engage, Develop: A Review of the 2024 Wales and South West England Members' Days and AGM

Ahead of new dates for 2025, MU Regional Officer Ruth Ballantyne looks back at key highlights from last year’s Wales and South West England Members' Days and AGM. She reports on successes and areas of focus, as well as what members can expect at the next series of events.

Published: 23 December 2024

Close up of a hand writing in a diary, cross referencing dates from a phone.

2025 Dates Announced for Wales and South West England MU Members’ Day Events

Members in Wales and South West England will be able to attend local and regional Members’ Day events throughout 2025. While more information will be released in the new year, here are some key dates to help you plan ahead.

Published: 11 December 2024

WNO musicians holding up placards to support the Protect WNO campaign.

MU Welcomes £3.6m Boost for Welsh Arts Sector

Welsh National Opera is set to get the largest share of £3.6 million of new funding to support jobs and touring, following campaigning by Musicians' Union members in the orchestra.

Published: 05 December 2024

The Welsh flag against a light blue sky.

Take the Creative Wales Industry Survey 2024

Businesses, employers, employees and freelancers in the creative sector in Wales are invited to take part in a short survey to help Creative Wales strengthen their support of the creative industries.

Published: 21 November 2024

Two people holding placards saying 'Fund The Arts' and 'Protect Welsh National Opera'.

Michael Sheen Backs Campaign to Protect Welsh National Opera

Michael Sheen shared his solidarity with musicians in the Welsh National Opera orchestra and urged people to email their MP in support of the campaign to protect WNO.

Published: 08 November 2024

WNO orchestra players holding up placards that say 'Protect WNO'.

Protect Welsh National Opera: Email Your Political Representatives for Support

Email your political representatives to support musicians campaigning to protect Welsh National Opera jobs and secure the company’s future, including touring in England and Wales.

Published: 30 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

A photo of orchestra musicians wearing campaign t-shirts and holding placards, with one speaking into a megaphone.

Welsh National Opera Orchestra Take Industrial Action Over Proposed Pay Cuts

Musicians in the Welsh National Opera orchestra took Action Short of Strike on Saturday 21 September.

Published: 24 September 2024

Members of the WNO orchestra stood outside the Wales Millennium Centre at a leafleting demo event in June. One person is holding a megaphone.

MU Urges Arts Council of Wales to Use Additional £1.5m Funding to Protect Welsh National Opera

We welcome the acknowledgement of the crisis facing Welsh arts organisations, and urge Arts Council of Wales to use the additional funding to protect full-time performing jobs at Welsh National Opera.

Published: 13 September 2024

Welsh National Opera Orchestra Set Date for Industrial Action Over Pay Cuts

Musicians in the Welsh National Opera (WNO) orchestra will be taking industrial action on Saturday 21 September, supported by the MU. 

Published: 05 September 2024

Confirmed Schedule Announced for WSWE Members’ Day 2024

MU members across Wales and South West England are invited to the free Members’ Day on 21 September, which will include workshops, networking and more.

Published: 29 August 2024

Dave with his band Ar Log and their instruments.

Benefit in Memory of Musician Dave Burns Raises Funds for Musicians’ Charity

A benefit evening in memory of Welsh folk musician David Burns was recently held in Cardiff. David was an MU member who represented the Union on the TUC, and funds were raised for the charity Help Musicians UK.

Published: 27 August 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

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

Large wooden sign saying ‘home of Eisteddfod 2024’ on a field in Pontypridd.

MU Attends Eisteddfod 2024 For the First Time

The National Eisteddfod, which celebrates Welsh culture and language, takes place this week in Pontypridd and the MU will be present for the first time as we work to develop the Union's Welsh language provision. Members are also invited to meet their regional officials there on 9 August.

Published: 08 August 2024

MU Joins Call for Urgent Action to Address the Decimation of Welsh Arts and Culture

Creative unions, including the MU, have written to the new First Minister of Wales expressing deep concern regarding the current and future state of the arts in Wales, calling for more cultural funding across the Country.

Published: 08 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

A MU Wales Official holding a sign and handing out flyers to a man and his young baby during a demo outside of The Wales Millennium Centre in June.

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

Welsh National Opera’s orchestra have voted overwhelmingly in favour of potential strike action, in response to proposals that would reduce the employment of the orchestra from a full-time to 85% contract, along with a 15% pay cut.

Published: 17 July 2024

RWCMD Petition Hits 10,000 Signatures and is Discussed at Senedd Petitions Committee

More leading figures from music and the arts sign the Union’s open letter in support of Young RWCMD, as the Senedd Petitions Committee call for urgent action to protect the programme.

Published: 04 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

A man explaining something to a woman as they sit in front of a computer screen.

CULT Cymru Announces Second Year of New Mentoring Programme for MU Members in Wales

MU members living and/or working in Wales can now apply for 6 months of free mentoring sessions with CULT Cymru.

Published: 28 June 2024

People holding 'protect WNO' posters outside of The Wales Millennium Centre.

MU Ballots Welsh National Opera Members for a Mandate for Industrial Action

The MU is balloting its members in the Welsh National Opera (WNO) orchestra for a mandate for industrial action.

Published: 25 June 2024

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Nominations Open for MU Executive Committee and Regional Committees

MU at National Eisteddfod 2025 / Undeb y Cerddorion yn Eisteddfod Genedlaethol 2025

Discounted Gym Membership Now Part of MU Benefits

Mentoring 4 Creatives: Shaping Freelance Futures in Wales

MU Members in Wales Invited to Music Education Strategy Meetings on 15 and 16 July

Mentoring 4 Creatives: Applications Now Open for MU Members in Wales

MU Welcomes Cardiff Music School’s Decision to Remain Open and Urges More Support for Arts in Higher Education

Welsh Government to Fund National Music Service for a Further Three Years

Vote in the MU Delegate Election 2025

Welsh National Opera Orchestra Musicians Vote to Accept New Agreement

WNO Orchestra Members Join Cast and Crew Onstage in Powerful Appeal for Better Funding

Update on Welsh Government Budget for 2025/26 and Lobbying in Wales

Join Mass Demo to Protest Proposed Axing of Cardiff University’s School of Music

MU Statement on Proposed Closures at Cardiff University

MU Members at Welsh National Opera Renew Mandate for Industrial Action

Support, Engage, Develop: A Review of the 2024 Wales and South West England Members' Days and AGM

2025 Dates Announced for Wales and South West England MU Members’ Day Events

MU Welcomes £3.6m Boost for Welsh Arts Sector

Take the Creative Wales Industry Survey 2024

Michael Sheen Backs Campaign to Protect Welsh National Opera

Protect Welsh National Opera: Email Your Political Representatives for Support

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

Welsh National Opera Orchestra Take Industrial Action Over Proposed Pay Cuts

MU Urges Arts Council of Wales to Use Additional £1.5m Funding to Protect Welsh National Opera

Welsh National Opera Orchestra Set Date for Industrial Action Over Pay Cuts

Confirmed Schedule Announced for WSWE Members’ Day 2024

Benefit in Memory of Musician Dave Burns Raises Funds for Musicians’ Charity

Stand for the MU's Executive Committee

Nominations Open for MU Executive Committee and Regional Committees

MU Attends Eisteddfod 2024 For the First Time

MU Joins Call for Urgent Action to Address the Decimation of Welsh Arts and Culture

MU Reaches Membership Milestone

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

RWCMD Petition Hits 10,000 Signatures and is Discussed at Senedd Petitions Committee

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

CULT Cymru Announces Second Year of New Mentoring Programme for MU Members in Wales

MU Ballots Welsh National Opera Members for a Mandate for Industrial Action