Working life of a musician is never static and the MU can play an important role in supporting its members by facilitating the enhancement of their existing skills or assisting them in learning new ones.
TUC Education
TUC Education offers a range of courses for union members, Stewards and Health and Safety Representatives, which are wholly or partly online and provide access to the same accredited courses available in the classroom.
MU members who wish to attend TUC courses during working hours should first ask their employer for time off with pay. Should any member experience difficulty in obtaining paid time off, MU Officials are available to assist them in this matter.
GFTU courses
The MU’s affiliation to the General Federation of Trade Unions (GFTU) enables members to participate in any of a range of free courses that are run throughout each year. The subjects covered by GFTU courses over recent years have included Dealing with Bullying, Harassment and Stress, Disability Awareness, and Leadership Skills and Risk Assessment for Health and Safety Representatives.
CULT Cymru in Wales
CULT Cymru is a learning project led by BECTU in partnership with Equity, the Musicians’ Union and the Writers’ Guild. Learn more about CULT Cymru.
FEU business skills training for creative freelancers
FEU Training helps freelancers in England brush up on the key business skills necessary to support career development. eCourses and past webinar recordings are available. Learn more about FEU training.
MU events
At the MU we regularly host training events for members, as well as signpost to the events from other trusted organisations. Browse our events.
Sources of training for music educators
If you teach in schools or other community settings, ask about training opportunities. Your local music education hub may offer (or signpost to) training that can be also be accessed by private and self-employed teachers. If you cannot find your local hub, ask your regional MU office.
There are many training providers in music education. The following is just a sample:
- Music Mark has a page signposting to training from a wide range of providers
- Future Learn has various free online courses in music and music teaching
- Musical Futures offers courses for those teaching classroom music
- Drake Music offers training on working with students who have special needs and/or disabilities
- Creative Education offers a range of training options
- Music Education Solutions offers online courses, conferences and Skype training
- Goldsmiths University offer various music related short courses, both online and in-person, covering topics such as: Music Production, Studio Recording, Introduction to Ableton Live, Introduction to Logic Pro, and Music Production: Mixing and Mastering. Browse more of their music related short courses with their online course finder.