News & Stories for Musicians

Young Black male musician, singing into a microphone against a bright studio light.

MU Sponsors Black Welsh Music Awards 2025

The MU is proud to sponsor the 2025 Black Welsh Music Awards (BWMA), which will take place on Saturday 4 October at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (RWCMD) in Cardiff.

Published: 03 September 2025

Exterior of the venue - a white tiled building with writing on the windows and an orange neon sign saying Belgrave Music Hall.

MU Member Discount for New FFWDxLEEDS Conference

On 9 September the North of England team will be attending FFWDxLEEDS—a new conference aimed at bridging the gap between local artists and the wider music industry. MU Members can also access a 10% discount on tickets with our exclusive code.

Published: 03 September 2025

A closeup of two violinists playing as part of an orchestra.

MU, BLiM and ABO Launch Year Two of Inclusive Recruitment Plan for UK Orchestras and Choirs

The MU has partnered with BLiM and ABO to launch the second year of the Hiring and Recruitment 10 Point Action Plan. The plan aims to drive change for more inclusive recruitment across the UK’s professional orchestral and choral sectors.

Published: 01 September 2025

Festival Diaries: Creative Ways to Approach Sustainability

As the climate crisis intensifies, Aayushi Jain explores the balance between affordability and sustainability on the festival circuit. Drawing on her summer tour last year as an independent artist, she shares practical and creative ways to reduce the environmental impact of touring.

Published: 29 August 2025

Two young buskers, one singing and one playing guitar on a sunny street.

Bring Busking Back to Birmingham City Centre

Sign the petition to urge the council to reverse the ban on busking in Birmingham city centre.

Published: 28 August 2025

Large, modern, empty recording studio. The mixing desk is facing the booth.

Members Advised to Check PPL Performer Line-Ups on Recordings

PPL (the organisation that collects and distributes royalties for recorded music when it’s played in public or broadcast) is currently investigating reports of inaccurate performer line-ups. MU members are urged to report if they see individuals listed who did not perform on their recording.

Published: 26 August 2025

A hand holding the new blue British passport.

Launch Confirmed for Electronic Entry and Exit Systems for the EU and UK

The EES, an automated IT system that will modernise border control and replace passport stamping, is finally set to launch in October 2025. These changes will impact musicians crossing both UK and EU borders.

Published: 26 August 2025

Close up of the American flag with a burst of sunlight.

US Artist Visa Update – August

An update for musicians travelling to the US, covering proposed changes to ESTA fees and further delays in O and P visa processing.

Published: 26 August 2025

A handmade sign painted in the Palestinian flag colours with text that says

MU Releases Statement Condemning Genocide in Gaza

The Musicians' Union opposes and fully condemns the genocide being committed against the Palestinian people, and we are taking action to protect and defend musicians' right to free speech and peaceful protest.

Published: 21 August 2025

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: 19 August 2025

Close up of person in jeans and boots, carrying their guitar case and amp over stone steps.

MU Responds to Birmingham Council’s City Centre Busking Ban

The MU will continue campaigning to overturn the ban as Birmingham becomes the first UK city to entirely outlaw all city-centre busking.

Published: 19 August 2025

Five orchestra members sat at a bus stop with ‘Keep Northern Ballet Live’ t-shirts and wearing Shakepeare masks as part of our demo in May last year.

TUC Shares Solidarity with Musicians at Northern Ballet

Trades Union Congress (TUC) Regional Secretary Dave Pike has shared a video message in support of musicians affected by ongoing issues at Northern Ballet.

Published: 15 August 2025

Wood cube with the figure of a person on, hands outstretched holding scales in each one which are evenly balanced.

Sign TUC’s Open Letter to Protect Workers’ Rights in Employment Rights Bill

Trades Union Congress (TUC) has launched an open letter calling on the Prime Minister to keep key rights in the Employment Rights Bill.

Published: 14 August 2025

Group of buskers, supporters, and MU staff outside at the site of the Leicester Square busking pitch. Some are wearing t-shirts, or holding posters and props, that say ‘back your buskers’.

Green Party’s Zack Polanski Backs Buskers in Call for New Westminster Pitches

On 7 August, London Assembly Member Zack Polanski joined buskers, supporters and MU officials for a photocall and leafleting session as part of the campaign for new viable, accessible Westminster busking pitches to replace those lost in Leicester Square.

Published: 14 August 2025

Promotional asset showing a photo of Naomi Pohl, with her name and

MU General Secretary to Open Output Belfast with Keynote Address

Naomi Pohl will address Northern Ireland’s music community and join a panel on music and AI at Output Belfast on 25 September.

Published: 12 August 2025

Musicians playing string instruments as part of BBC Symphony Orchestra.

BBC Performing Groups Become First Regional Contract Orchestras to Achieve Tutti Salary of Over £40k

Following the acceptance of a recent pay offer, the BBC Performing Groups will be the first regional contract orchestras to achieve a Tutti salary of over £40k.

Published: 11 August 2025

A line of passengers in an airport queuing to go through a security scanner.

MU Reaches Agreement with Heathrow on Handling of Musical Instruments

Musicians travelling with instruments through Heathrow can now expect the airport to act in accordance with guidelines agreed by the MU.

Published: 05 August 2025

A group of music professionals standing in front of a backdrop to take a group photo.

POWER UP Announces Year 5 Programme Participants

41 Black music creators and industry professionals have been selected to receive career-changing support in POWER UP’s fifth year.

Published: 04 August 2025

Closeup of a composer playing a midi keyboard.

New Chairing Team Elected for MU Music Writers’ Committee

The latest meeting of the MU Music Writers’ Committee saw a new chairing team elected to help steer its work on issues affecting the composer and songwriting community.

Published: 01 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

Naomi Pohl on stage addressing Delegates at Conference.

“Collective Action Works”: MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl Addresses Delegate Conference 2025

Last week marked the Union’s 41st biennial Delegate Conference, and the largest attended in our history. We’ll be sharing videos and highlights soon, but in the meantime, you can catch up on MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl’s opening speech, outlining the Union’s work over the past two years.

Published: 31 July 2025

Silhouette of migratory birds flying over the sea at sunset.

Labour Unions Call on UK Government to Immediately Recognise Palestinian State

Labour Unions have written to Prime Minister Keir Starmer calling on the UK Government to immediately recognise the state of Palestine.

Published: 31 July 2025

Close up of hands on a mixing desk in a studio recording music.

Fix Streaming: Government Announces New Measures for Legacy Artists, Songwriters and Session Musicians

Government recently announced a package of principles and commitments that they say will better remunerate musicians and music creators.

Published: 31 July 2025

Image of the hearing protection kit you receive when joining the scheme. The text says “Protect your hearing” and “Audiological assessments and custom-made hearing protection for musicians”. The Help

New Clinics Added to the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme in Galashiels and Truro

New clinics in Scotland and South West England join a growing list of UK locations where musicians can access affordable, professional hearing support.

Published: 31 July 2025

“Climate Justice is Social Justice”: Bridget Walsh Launches the MU’s New Green Hub

MU Climate Emergency Action Group co-chair, Bridget Walsh, introduces the new MU Climate Action Hub — a space for resources, ideas, and collective action on sustainability in music.

Published: 30 July 2025

The MU at Tolpuddle 2025: A Weekend of Union Pride in Dorset

Missed Tolpuddle 2025? Here’s a look back at this year’s event — and how you can be part of it in 2026.

Published: 28 July 2025

Hands holding a tablet with graphics of musical notes, a play bar and button, and controls over the top, representing streaming.

MU in Action: the Fix Streaming Campaign

How did the campaign to fix music streaming start, and where will it go in 2025? MU Campaigns and Social Media Manager Maddy Radcliff explores the Fix Streaming story so far.

Published: 28 July 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

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 2025 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

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MU Sponsors Black Welsh Music Awards 2025

MU Member Discount for New FFWDxLEEDS Conference

MU, BLiM and ABO Launch Year Two of Inclusive Recruitment Plan for UK Orchestras and Choirs

Festival Diaries: Creative Ways to Approach Sustainability

Bring Busking Back to Birmingham City Centre

Members Advised to Check PPL Performer Line-Ups on Recordings

Launch Confirmed for Electronic Entry and Exit Systems for the EU and UK

US Artist Visa Update – August

MU Releases Statement Condemning Genocide in Gaza

Nominations Open for MU Executive Committee and Regional Committees

MU Responds to Birmingham Council’s City Centre Busking Ban

TUC Shares Solidarity with Musicians at Northern Ballet

Sign TUC’s Open Letter to Protect Workers’ Rights in Employment Rights Bill

Green Party’s Zack Polanski Backs Buskers in Call for New Westminster Pitches

MU General Secretary to Open Output Belfast with Keynote Address

BBC Performing Groups Become First Regional Contract Orchestras to Achieve Tutti Salary of Over £40k

MU Reaches Agreement with Heathrow on Handling of Musical Instruments

POWER UP Announces Year 5 Programme Participants

New Chairing Team Elected for MU Music Writers’ Committee

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

Discounted Gym Membership Now Part of MU Benefits

“Collective Action Works”: MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl Addresses Delegate Conference 2025

Labour Unions Call on UK Government to Immediately Recognise Palestinian State

Fix Streaming: Government Announces New Measures for Legacy Artists, Songwriters and Session Musicians

New Clinics Added to the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme in Galashiels and Truro

“Climate Justice is Social Justice”: Bridget Walsh Launches the MU’s New Green Hub

The MU at Tolpuddle 2025: A Weekend of Union Pride in Dorset

MU in Action: the Fix Streaming Campaign

Mentoring 4 Creatives: Shaping Freelance Futures in Wales

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 2025 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