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Black and white image of a session musician in the studio, looking at a screen and mixing desk.

MU Responds to BPI’s Latest Offer for Session Musicians

The BPI’s latest offer for session musicians is not worth the paper it’s written on. In this blog, MU Assistant General Secretary Phil Kear explains why and what the union is doing about it.

Published: 12 March 2024

Close up of two people sat with acoustic guitars representing music lessons.

MU Welcomes Labour Party Music Education Pledge

Labour Party leader Keir Starmer has pledged to make the arts accessible to every child in Britain and to reverse a Conservative education policy that has decimated the uptake of arts subjects in state schools.

Published: 12 March 2024

Tribute to Suzanne Grant, 1957 - 2024

A passionate and charitable singer, whose last performance was a fundraiser for cancer research. A tribute from Suzanne’s daughter, Vanessa.

Published: 12 March 2024

Red headphones on an open book with pair of glasses.

Save the Date for the MU’s 2024 Education Conference

Join the MU in Glasgow on 25 - 26 October for two days of high-quality training, career support and networking for music educators.

Published: 11 March 2024

The office front of a building with the name US Citizenship and Immigration Services.

MU Responds to Increase in US Visa Fees

The MU is disappointed to learn that US Visa fees are on the rise yet again. The final decision, made by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), will affect the future of US touring for large groups and orchestras.

Published: 11 March 2024

Back view of conductor directing a symphony orchestra on stage.

MU Welcomes Budget Tax Relief for Theatres and Orchestras

After sustained lobbying from the MU, UK Music and other unions, the Chancellor today announced a permanent increase in the rate of tax relief for orchestras and theatres.

Published: 06 March 2024

Vulva Voce standing in a dark room holding their instruments.

International Women’s Day 2024: Vulva Voce on Breaking the Conventions of Classical Music

In this blog, all-female genre-defying string quartet Vulva Voce celebrate their recent involvement in a world record for the longest acoustic music live-streamed concert, and share the powerful reminder that music written and performed by women and non-binary people is abundant and limitless.

Published: 06 March 2024

Black and white portrait of Christopher Hyde-Smith, holding his flute.

Tribute to Christopher Hyde-Smith, 1935 - 2024

Distinguished flautist and MU member for 70 years, Christopher Hyde-Smith enjoyed a hugely successful and varied career as a soloist, orchestral musician and professor at the Royal College of Music.

Published: 05 March 2024

An Update on Local Authority Budget Cuts in the Midlands

We share a statement from the Midlands TUC Creative and Leisure Industries Committee on severe cultural budget cuts at Birmingham City Council, and a petition opposing 100% cuts to the cultural budget at Nottingham City Council.

Published: 26 February 2024

Silhouette of audience watching musicians on stage at a theatre.

MU Lobbies Department for Communities for Increased Arts Funding in Northern Ireland

We have written to the newly appointed minister for the Department for Communities to ask that he consider using some of the money for a restored Assembly to ensure that the arts and culture sector of Northern Ireland is supported to grow.

Published: 26 February 2024

Silhouette of rappers with microphone in hand on stage.

MU Responses to Kneecap Funding Withdrawal

The MU is deeply troubled by reports that rap group Kneecap have had their MEGS grant blocked by the UK Government. We have written to the Business and Trade Secretary regarding this intervention for the opportunity to discuss the matter further.

Published: 23 February 2024

Close up of someone holding a smart phone landscape in their hands, watching a streamed live music video through headphones.

Fix Streaming: Government Announces Equitable Remuneration Working Group Dominated by Labels

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl evaluates why the newly announced equitable remuneration working group is unbalanced, and how this directly impacts music creators and the fix streaming campaign.

Published: 22 February 2024

A hand reading music notation in a braille book filled with sheet music.

Members’ Voice: The Barriers to Music Education for Those With a Visual Impairment

Educator, singer-songwriter and MU member Alison Trelfa reflects on the barriers she has experienced working in music education, and offers her thoughts on how we can start to break them down.

Published: 22 February 2024

Filkin’s Drift and their manager walking along a grassy road carrying backpacks and instruments.

Musicians and Sustainability: “We Should Use More Creativity When Booking Tours”

Last year MU member Chris Roberts (aka Hafren) undertook a 870-mile walking tour across the Welsh coast with his folk duo Filkin’s Drift. Here he shares the honest, humorous and relatable tale of the 50 show journey, and contemplates the benefits of thinking innovatively when booking tours.

Published: 20 February 2024

Musicians On Tinnitus: “Hearing Health Isn’t Something We Should Take for Granted”

Music artists and producers affected by tinnitus share their stories. Learn more about what preventative steps can be taken and how other musicians manage this hearing condition.

Published: 20 February 2024

Outside of the London Coliseum Theater where ENO is currently based.

Musicians’ Union Members in the Music Staff Reach Agreement with English National Opera

This means that musicians in both the orchestra and music staff have reached agreements with English National Opera, and planned strike action in this dispute is cancelled.

Published: 20 February 2024

Out of focus back of man standing in front of small meeting talking.

Members’ Voice: “You Can Help Shape the Profession of Music For Years to Come”

Professional musician and educator David Miller sits on the Wales and South West England Regional Committee. In this overview of his union activity, he explains what he’s been involved in and why he’s been a member for over 25 years.

Published: 19 February 2024

BBC Singers and Orchestras Update

A joint update from the BBC and Musicians' Union on the future of the BBC Singers and orchestras.

Published: 15 February 2024

People with placards 'Fund the Arts', 'We are union strong', ;We are ENO'

Musicians’ Union Members Reach Agreement with English National Opera

The MU has reached an agreement with English National Opera for musicians in the orchestra, and an offer in principle for music staff.

Published: 15 February 2024

Out of focus shot of a man teaching a group how to play guitar.

The Damage Caused by a Decade of Arts Funding Cuts

The MU assesses the severe economic, social and cultural damage caused by a decade of Tory arts funding cuts.

Published: 12 February 2024

Volume dial against a glittery green background.

Hyperacusis: How Pro Musicians Cope With This Hearing Condition

Professional musicians are four times more likely to incur hearing damage in the workplace and one of the most distressing noise-induced conditions is hyperacusis. Here, two MU members speak of their experiences of coping with this condition.

Published: 12 February 2024

Diverse group of men and woman talking informally in a bright open space.

Members’ Voice: “I’m Really Glad I Stood For the RC and It’s Really Important That Others Do Too”

In this blog, musician, arts facilitator and MU member Giles Perring shares his thoughts on why Regional Committees (RC) can help shape the work of the Union, and gives us an insight into a typical Scotland and Northern Ireland meeting.

Published: 09 February 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

Group of four young people, smiling on a roof top while one plays acoustic guitar.

12 Recommendations to Make the Music Industry More Inclusive for LGBTQ+ Musicians

The Musicians' Census' LGBTQ+ Musicians Insight Report revealed multiple issues that the music industry and Government need to tackle to make the industry more diverse and inclusive. Here we look at the recommendations we think can make that happen.

Published: 07 February 2024

Inclusion and discrimination concept. Lines of wooden figurines as a barrier in front of different coloured figurines.

LGBTQ+ Musicians Still Impacted by Discrimination and Harassment Says 2023 Musicians’ Census

New findings from the Musicians’ Census show that LGBTQ+ musicians are disproportionately impacted by discrimination and sexual harassment, particularly for trans musicians, having a more widespread impact on their careers and ability to work.

Published: 07 February 2024

Aerial view of Stormont Parliament buildings.

MU Calls for Newly Restored Assembly in Northern Ireland to Address Arts Funding Imbalance

As public funding for the arts in Northern Ireland remains low against the rest of the UK and Republic of Ireland, MU Acting Regional Organiser Sam Dunkley has written to parties at Stormont urging them to consider the urgent need for investment.

Published: 06 February 2024

James Taylor: The Hammond Organ Player and Composer Carving a Creative Niche Over a Four Decade Career

From cool 60s film themes and gritty jazz funk grooves to innovative cross-genre collaborations – composer, band leader and revered Hammond organ player James Taylor is a tireless creative spirit.

Published: 05 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

Back of two women with their hands raised in a meeting.

MU Responds to Seat at the Table 2024 Report Findings

As 2024’s Seat at the Table report finds that the representation of women on UK music trade association boards has now risen to 52%, find out what the MU is doing to improve diversity in our own committees.

Published: 02 February 2024

A pair of headphones and mobile phone streaming music on a wooden table.

Music Streaming Transparency Code Announced by Government

The Musicians' Union is one of 12 signatories to the Code of Good Practice on Transparency in Music Streaming. 

Published: 31 January 2024

Woman smiling as she joins an online meeting from her tablet.

Members’ Voice: Why I’d Love to See the MU Education Committee Become Even More Diverse

Musician, activist, educator and MU Member Yvonne Wyroslawska writes about her experience as Vice Chair of the MU’s Education Section Committee, and why it’s important that our committees are representative of our members.

Published: 31 January 2024

Silhouette of a young woman playing guitar alone in the dark.

MU Welcomes Recommendations Made in Government’s Misogyny in Music Report

The report, which was based on an inquiry into what misogynistic attitudes existed in the music industry and why, concluded that much work is still needed to tackle discrimination and the harassment and sexual abuse of women.

Published: 30 January 2024

An empty rehearsal room full of orchestral instruments and chairs.

Musicians' Union Statement on Strike Action at English National Opera

The MU and Equity are postponing strike action to allow time for urgent talks on improved proposals from ENO management.

Published: 29 January 2024

A t-shirt saying #weareeno draped over instruments in a empty orchestra.

How to Support Musicians’ Union Members on Strike at English National Opera

Share your solidarity with musicians in the English National Opera orchestra and music staff going on strike.

Published: 26 January 2024

The London Coliseum Theater in St Martin Lane, London, the current home English National Opera.

Martyn Brabbins on English National Opera Plans to Fire and Re-Hire Musicians for Just Six Months a Year

A statement from former Music Director of English National Opera Martyn Brabbins on proposed cuts to the orchestra, music staff and chorus.

Published: 26 January 2024

Close up of the track listing of SGT. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by the Beatles on a gold LP.

Industry Insights: How to Sequence a Music Album

Deciding which tracks should go where in the running order of an album can be pivotal. Two artists and one producer tell what works for them.

Published: 26 January 2024

MU Expresses Solidarity With Sheku Kanneh-Mason and Others Who are Experiencing Racism

British cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason was the first Black musician to win BBC’s Young Musician award in 2016, and is currently facing racist abuse for speaking out about the ongoing inclusion of Rule Britannia in the BBC Proms.

Published: 25 January 2024

Musicians’ Union Strike Action at English National Opera Makes Headlines in BBC News, Guardian, Telegraph and More

Did you see the news? On 17 January, the Musicians’ Union announced the first strike by members for 44 years.

Published: 23 January 2024

Visa Updates for Musicians Working in the US

MU Head of International Dave Webster updates members on O and P visas and the interview waiver programme for those working in the United States.

Published: 22 January 2024

Close up of an Orchestral Ensemble from behind.

Employment Tribunal Judgement Awards Nevis Ensemble Fellows £47,000 Compensation

MU members who were engaged by the Nevis Ensemble as Fellows have been awarded compensation by an Employment Tribunal after the organisation's collapse in January 2023.

Published: 19 January 2024

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MU Responds to BPI’s Latest Offer for Session Musicians

MU Welcomes Labour Party Music Education Pledge

Tribute to Suzanne Grant, 1957 - 2024

Save the Date for the MU’s 2024 Education Conference

MU Responds to Increase in US Visa Fees

MU Welcomes Budget Tax Relief for Theatres and Orchestras

International Women’s Day 2024: Vulva Voce on Breaking the Conventions of Classical Music

Tribute to Christopher Hyde-Smith, 1935 - 2024

An Update on Local Authority Budget Cuts in the Midlands

MU Lobbies Department for Communities for Increased Arts Funding in Northern Ireland

MU Responses to Kneecap Funding Withdrawal

Fix Streaming: Government Announces Equitable Remuneration Working Group Dominated by Labels

Members’ Voice: The Barriers to Music Education for Those With a Visual Impairment

Musicians and Sustainability: “We Should Use More Creativity When Booking Tours”

Musicians On Tinnitus: “Hearing Health Isn’t Something We Should Take for Granted”

Musicians’ Union Members in the Music Staff Reach Agreement with English National Opera

Members’ Voice: “You Can Help Shape the Profession of Music For Years to Come”

BBC Singers and Orchestras Update

Musicians’ Union Members Reach Agreement with English National Opera

The Damage Caused by a Decade of Arts Funding Cuts

Hyperacusis: How Pro Musicians Cope With This Hearing Condition

Members’ Voice: “I’m Really Glad I Stood For the RC and It’s Really Important That Others Do Too”

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

12 Recommendations to Make the Music Industry More Inclusive for LGBTQ+ Musicians

LGBTQ+ Musicians Still Impacted by Discrimination and Harassment Says 2023 Musicians’ Census

MU Calls for Newly Restored Assembly in Northern Ireland to Address Arts Funding Imbalance

James Taylor: The Hammond Organ Player and Composer Carving a Creative Niche Over a Four Decade Career

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

MU Responds to Seat at the Table 2024 Report Findings

Music Streaming Transparency Code Announced by Government

Members’ Voice: Why I’d Love to See the MU Education Committee Become Even More Diverse

MU Welcomes Recommendations Made in Government’s Misogyny in Music Report

Musicians' Union Statement on Strike Action at English National Opera

How to Support Musicians’ Union Members on Strike at English National Opera

Martyn Brabbins on English National Opera Plans to Fire and Re-Hire Musicians for Just Six Months a Year

Industry Insights: How to Sequence a Music Album

MU Expresses Solidarity With Sheku Kanneh-Mason and Others Who are Experiencing Racism

Musicians’ Union Strike Action at English National Opera Makes Headlines in BBC News, Guardian, Telegraph and More

Visa Updates for Musicians Working in the US

Employment Tribunal Judgement Awards Nevis Ensemble Fellows £47,000 Compensation