News & Stories for Musicians

A therapist having an online appointment with a client.

RSM and Tonic Music to Provide Group Therapy Sessions for Music Professionals

RSM and Tonic Music are offering a series of free, online group therapy sessions for music professionals, taking place across 12 weeks. Register your interest to take part.

Published: 25 July 2025

Dave, Jon and Olga standing in a room in Parliament with MPs and Peers.

MU Meets Labour Movement for Europe to Discuss Next Steps for EU Touring

Last week the Union met with MPs and Peers to press for progress on EU touring barriers at a parliamentary roundtable.

Published: 25 July 2025

Alison McGovern, Labour MP, addressing Conference on stage at day two of Conference.

MU Delegate Conference 2025: Wrapping Up Day Two

Day two of MU Delegate Conference wrapped up with powerful motions on devolution in music and the arts, expanding free childcare for working parents to cover out-of-school hours, opposing the Labour Government’s welfare cuts, ensuring there is no platform for hate in the industry, and more.

Published: 24 July 2025

Conference committee at the top table in front of MU branded screens and delegates.

Day One Highlights From MU Delegate Conference 2025

Inspiring speeches, bold policy decisions, and a powerful show of unity as delegates, industry leaders, and members gather in Liverpool to shape the future of musicians’ work and rights at day one of MU Delegate Conference 2025.

Published: 23 July 2025

Two male session musicians in a recording studio, one playing electric guitar and the other drums.

Musicians' Union Reacts to Government and Record Labels’ Announcement

The Government and record labels, including the three major labels, have announced a package of principles and commitments, which they say will better remunerate creators in the streaming era.

Published: 22 July 2025

Alex on stage speaking to delegates in front of a microphone.

MU Delegate Conference is Underway in Liverpool

Violinist and Chair of the Executive Committee, Alex Gascoine, opens MU Delegate Conference 2025.

Published: 22 July 2025

Close up of cello scroll, amongst some white spring flowers.

Renowned Cellist Anita Lasker-Wallfisch Celebrates 100th Birthday

On 17 July, renowned cellist and Holocaust survivor Anita Lasker-Wallfisch celebrated her 100th birthday. To mark this special occasion, revisit our 2015 interview where she spoke to the MU about her life in music.

Published: 21 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

Top view of an acoustic violin and pernambuco wood bow on a tabletop.

Save Pernambuco Bows: Write to Your MP Today

The MU is calling on members to take urgent action to protect the future of high-quality bow making and the musicians who rely on it, after a proposal to move pernambuco wood from Appendix II to Appendix I.

Published: 10 July 2025

A busker wearing a yellow Musicians' Union t-shirt surrounded by supporters with signs saying 'keep music live' at a busking demo in London in April.

Westminster Council: Back Your Buskers!

Sign the petition calling for new pitches in Westminster to replace those lost due to the Leicester Square busking ban.

Published: 09 July 2025

MU Head of ED&I John Shortell, with Regional Officer Simeon Scheuber-Rush and MU delegates, on the main stage in front of a blue screen saying “TUC LGBT+ Workers’ Conference 2025

MU Champions Global LGBTQ+ Rights at TUC Conference

Last week, MU members represented the Union at TUC’s annual LGBT+ Workers' Conference, where a motion was passed unanimously on protecting LGBTQ+ rights globally, the value of ED&I work, and promoting greater awareness of intersectional, LGBTQ+ inclusive health and safety issues.

Published: 08 July 2025

A panel event from last year in a tent. There are four people sat along a table in front of a crowd.

MU Panels and Workshop Confirmed for Tolpuddle Festival 2025

Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival takes place next weekend and we’re pleased to share more details about the MU’s presence at the event – including confirmed panel appearances, a workshop session, and the debut of our brand new union banner in Sunday’s iconic march.

Published: 08 July 2025

MU Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Named in IQ Magazine’s 2025 Queer Pioneers List

The MU congratulates John Shortell, Head of ED&I, on being named one of IQ Magazine’s outstanding queer professionals in the international live music business. John is a driving force for change, and the Union is exceptionally proud to have him working on behalf of musicians.

Published: 03 July 2025

An empty conference stage, lit up multi coloured blocks.

Join the MU at the We Make Music Scotland Conference 2025

The MU will be attending and sponsoring a workshop at this year’s We Make Music Scotland Conference, taking place on Thursday 4 and Friday 5 September at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow.

Published: 02 July 2025

Wooden blocks with speech bubble graphics on them against a blue background, a single block with a red stop sign is in front of them, blocking the line, representing free speech restrictions.

MU Reiterates Anti-Censorship Stance

The MU reiterates its anti-censorship position and support for the organisation ‘Freemuse’, following the issues around the broadcasting of Glastonbury sets this weekend.

Published: 01 July 2025

Huge crowds at sunset at Boardmasters Festival, with a ferris wheel and banners in the background. A girl is sat on someone’s shoulders with her hands in the air.

UK Live Sector Received £10 Billion Boost from Record-Breaking Tourism in 2024

According to UK Music's 'Hometown Glory' report, 23.5 million music tourists attended concerts and festivals across the UK in 2024, a 23% increase on the previous year, contributing a record £10 billion to the economy.

Published: 01 July 2025

Black and white portrait of Chiedu Oraka.

MU Member Chiedu Oraka to Support Coldplay in Hull

The MU congratulates North of England member Chiedu Oraka who has been selected to support Coldplay at two sold out gigs in Hull this summer.

Published: 30 June 2025

Audience right in front of a stage at a gig, hands raised in the air. Band are on stage, cast in an orange glow from the stage lights.

MU Welcomes Government Focus on the Creative Industries

On Monday the Government published its Creative Industries Sector Plan as part of its Industrial Strategy.

Published: 24 June 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

Middle-aged man sitting on a sofa with a saxophone on his legs, browsing on his phone.

PRS Members’ Fund and BAPAM Launch InTune: A Free Health and Wellbeing Tool for Musicians

InTune, developed by the PRS Members' Fund with clinical backing from BAPAM, is a new free to use digital platform designed to help songwriters, composers and musicians with personalised health and wellbeing support.

Published: 19 June 2025

Close up exterior of the venue with steps to the entrance with a big sign saying 'Rock City - established in 1980'.

MU Stands with Rock City Workers in Fight for Union Recognition

We’re asking MU members to support a petition highlighting the exploitation of workers at the world-famous venue Rock City in Nottingham.

Published: 18 June 2025

People marching across a village with thatched roofs, holding hand made union banners.

Celebrate Union Pride with the MU at Tolpuddle 2025

Members are invited to join us at this year’s Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival - the biggest celebration of the trade union movement in the Southwest - taking place 18 to 20 July in the beautiful Dorset village of Tolpuddle.

Published: 13 June 2025

Large group of people on the riverside in front of Parliament, holding up various creative banners and signs.

Data Bill Passes Without Generative AI Protections

Parliament has passed the Data Bill without an amendment aimed to protect musicians and creators from generative artificial intelligence (AI).

Published: 13 June 2025

Close up of a woman's hands playing an organ.

The Royal College of Organists Celebrate ‘Play the Organ Year’

Organisations from across the organ and church music world are working together to promote Play the Organ Year 2025, a year-long project to increase the number of people playing the organ and appreciating its music.

Published: 12 June 2025

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves on stage making a speech at the Labour Party Conference in 2023.

Increased Money for the Creative Industries in Government Spending Review

Yesterday Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves set out her Comprehensive Spending Review. Having lobbied the Government for additional money for music, it was positive to see the Government announce a "significant increase in funding for the creative industries" as a key “growth sector".

Published: 12 June 2025

Last year's parade, hundreds of people walking down the narrow historic main street, holding large colourful banners and balloons.

March With the MU at Durham Miners’ Gala 2025

Members are invited to join us on Saturday 12 July for the Durham Miners’ Gala – the world’s biggest celebration of trade union values, community spirit, and working-class life.

Published: 12 June 2025

Cupped hands holding the light of a rainbow.

 MU Reaffirms Support for Trans Musicians Amid Legal Definition Ruling

The MU stands in solidarity with our trans members following the Supreme Court ruling about the definition of sex in the Equality Act 2010.

Published: 12 June 2025

Mother holding a young baby while she's working on a laptop.

MU Supports Call for Transformation of the Parental Pay and Leave System

An alliance of trade unions and charities is calling on the Business and Trade Secretary for bold reforms to better support new mothers, parents, and families.

Published: 11 June 2025

Annabella Coldrick, Naomi Pohl, Nick Thomas-Symonds, Dave Webster and Tom Kiehl smiling in front of a UK flag.

MU Meets with Minister to Push for Progress on Touring Post-Brexit

Earlier this week, the MU met with Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds to discuss last month’s EU-UK Summit and the next steps for touring artists.

Published: 11 June 2025

Man with his hand on his ear, listening carefully to music through his over ear headphones, in front of an open laptop.

How to Boost Your Chances of Getting Your Music Reviewed

The demise of print media and the rise of online magazines has prompted some MU members to question how best to submit your music for review. Here are some key tips on who to pitch to, how to find them and what to send.

Published: 11 June 2025

Passport with a US Visa against the background of the flag and map of the United States.

Update on the US Travel Ban: Who is Affected?

Trump’s latest proclamation restricts entry to the US from 20 countries, heightening concerns for global cultural exchange. Our colleagues at Tamizdat have shared further details on what we know so far.

Published: 09 June 2025

A circuit/motherboard with orange lights, a button with a human brain design is in the centre.

New Research Shows Urgent Action is Needed to Protect Creative Workers in the Age of Generative AI

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is already having profound impacts on the UK’s creative economy, according to new research backed by the MU.

Published: 05 June 2025

Three adults lying on their own yoga mats practicing Feldenkrais.

Feldenkrais: “I began to Notice How Seemingly Tiny, Innocuous Movements Could Produce Significant Change”

MU member Sophia Rahman shares how the subtle changes she learned from Emma Alter’s Feldenkrais sessions turned into significant ones.

Published: 05 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

Silhouette of a young woman playing guitar against a window.

MU Demands Industry and Government Take Action Against Persistent Misogyny in Music

The MU fully backs the latest Misogyny in Music report which, one year on from the original, again urges government and industry to take action— with 11 new recommendations to tackle harassment, unequal pay, bullying, and discrimination faced by women across the music sector.

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

Two young musicians in a home studio, one at a desk recording on keyboard with microphone, the other sat behind her playing an acoustic guitar.

MU Calls for Urgent Action to Protect Freelance Creative Workers in Scotland

The MU is calling for immediate action following the publication of a damning new report by the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) and Scottish creative industry unions, which revealed that only 6% of over 800 creative freelancers surveyed would describe their working conditions as “good”.

Published: 03 June 2025

Members and visitors to last year's MU stall at the festival, holding instruments and banners.

Derby’s Annual Silk Mill Festival Returns for 2025

The MU returns to Derby Silk Mill Festival on Saturday 7 June. This landmark event celebrates the Midlands Labour movement – uniting people in honour of past struggles and present-day solidarity with marches, talks and activities for the whole family.

Published: 02 June 2025

A bouquet of flowers resting on an empty theatre seat.

Stop the Closure of Riverside Theatre in Northern Ireland

The MU is concerned to learn of the proposal to close The Riverside Theatre in Coleraine, Northern Ireland, and urges members to get involved by signing the petition and joining the peaceful protest taking place on Tuesday 3 June 2025.

Published: 02 June 2025

Four hands holding up signs of logos: YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

Digital Strategy for Musicians New to Social Media

Promoting music on social media can be a challenge for musicians who are not digital natives. But by following a few key steps, artists can create a dedicated community of fans.

Published: 30 May 2025

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RSM and Tonic Music to Provide Group Therapy Sessions for Music Professionals

MU Meets Labour Movement for Europe to Discuss Next Steps for EU Touring

MU Delegate Conference 2025: Wrapping Up Day Two

Day One Highlights From MU Delegate Conference 2025

Musicians' Union Reacts to Government and Record Labels’ Announcement

MU Delegate Conference is Underway in Liverpool

Renowned Cellist Anita Lasker-Wallfisch Celebrates 100th Birthday

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

Save Pernambuco Bows: Write to Your MP Today

Westminster Council: Back Your Buskers!

MU Champions Global LGBTQ+ Rights at TUC Conference

MU Panels and Workshop Confirmed for Tolpuddle Festival 2025

MU Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Named in IQ Magazine’s 2025 Queer Pioneers List

Join the MU at the We Make Music Scotland Conference 2025

MU Reiterates Anti-Censorship Stance

UK Live Sector Received £10 Billion Boost from Record-Breaking Tourism in 2024

MU Member Chiedu Oraka to Support Coldplay in Hull

MU Welcomes Government Focus on the Creative Industries

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

PRS Members’ Fund and BAPAM Launch InTune: A Free Health and Wellbeing Tool for Musicians

MU Stands with Rock City Workers in Fight for Union Recognition

Celebrate Union Pride with the MU at Tolpuddle 2025

Data Bill Passes Without Generative AI Protections

The Royal College of Organists Celebrate ‘Play the Organ Year’

Increased Money for the Creative Industries in Government Spending Review

March With the MU at Durham Miners’ Gala 2025

MU Reaffirms Support for Trans Musicians Amid Legal Definition Ruling

MU Supports Call for Transformation of the Parental Pay and Leave System

MU Meets with Minister to Push for Progress on Touring Post-Brexit

How to Boost Your Chances of Getting Your Music Reviewed

Update on the US Travel Ban: Who is Affected?

New Research Shows Urgent Action is Needed to Protect Creative Workers in the Age of Generative AI

Feldenkrais: “I began to Notice How Seemingly Tiny, Innocuous Movements Could Produce Significant Change”

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

MU Demands Industry and Government Take Action Against Persistent Misogyny in Music

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

MU Calls for Urgent Action to Protect Freelance Creative Workers in Scotland

Derby’s Annual Silk Mill Festival Returns for 2025

Stop the Closure of Riverside Theatre in Northern Ireland

Digital Strategy for Musicians New to Social Media

UK Live Sector Received £10 Billion Boost from Record-Breaking Tourism in 2024

PRS Members’ Fund and BAPAM Launch InTune: A Free Health and Wellbeing Tool for Musicians

 MU Reaffirms Support for Trans Musicians Amid Legal Definition Ruling