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Portrait of Conor and Hamish against a warehouse background with cardboard boxes.

Vlure: A Genre Busting, International Tour de Force

Scottish five-piece Vlure are forging a reputation across Europe for their intense and emotional live performances. Here, they speak about crafting their cathartic, genre-defying sound.

Published: 19 January 2024

Musicians and Music Staff at English National Opera to Go On Strike

Musicians’ Union members will be going on strike for the first time since July 1980.

Published: 17 January 2024

Diverse group of people smiling as they all look up to the camera.

Local Members’ Day Events Announced for MU Members in Wales and South West England

Here MU Regional Organiser Andy Warnock outlines what members can expect from this year’s Local Members’ Day events, and provides some key dates so that attendees can plan ahead.

Published: 12 January 2024

A young musician with an acoustic guitar following the train tracks in Woodbridge, Suffolk

MU Concerned by Suffolk Council Arts Cuts

The £500,000 cut to arts funding in 2024/25 budget announced by Suffolk County Council.

Published: 10 January 2024

A marching military band on parade in full uniform.

No Such Thing as a Typical Background: A Look into the Career of Musicians in the Armed Forces

The British Armed Forces represent one of the largest employers of UK musicians. Three experienced military band members share their advice on this rewarding but often-overlooked career path.

Published: 08 January 2024

Steve Pearce smiling holding up a red bass guitar.

It’s About Playing For the Song: A Look Into the Career of Session Bassist Steve Pearce

Find out how bassist, studio musician and MU member Steve Pearce balances his love of session recording with gigging, and why he continues to sustain a highly successful career, which already spans four decades.

Published: 05 January 2024

Silhouette of a rap artist on stage. He performs to the crowd against smoke and bright lights.

MU Supports Art Not Evidence Campaign

The campaign believes that art, and particularly rap music, should be protected as a fundamental form of freedom of expression, and should not be used to unfairly implicate individuals in criminal charges.

Published: 04 January 2024

the concept image of travelling to Canada

New Permit Rules for Travelling with Ivory in Canada

Canadian-issued import and export permits will now be required for travel in and out of Canada with ivory as of 8 January 2024.

Published: 02 January 2024

General Secretary Naomi Pohl stands in discussion outside of the Royal Opera House

2023 End of Year Round Up

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl reports back on the work that the Union has done through 2023, as well as setting out some of MU’s intentions for 2024, and more general food for thought about the music industry.

Published: 30 December 2023

Learning to Negotiate as a Matter of Give and Take

For most freelance musicians, negotiating doesn’t come naturally. But with gig fees, contracts and more to consider, knowing how to do so is crucial to your success within the music industry.

Published: 22 December 2023

Crowd of wooden figures in a circle holding a sign with a red tick, representing a collective vote for yes.

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

MU members in the English National Opera (ENO) orchestra and Music Staff have voted overwhelmingly in favour of potential strike action in a ballot that closed on 21 December 2023.

Published: 21 December 2023

MU Regional Organiser for Wales and South West England Andy Warnock working on a laptop at this year's Wales Members' Day event.

Welsh Government Draft Budget Cuts Music, Arts and Union Learning Funds

The MU will be writing to Welsh Government and UK Ministers as music and arts face a 10% cut, and local culture funding is cut by a third in Wales’ draft budget.

Published: 21 December 2023

A miniature figurine of a porter with a full luggage cart, placed on the neck of an acoustic guitar. Instrument and baggage concept.

Information for Musicians Flying with Larger Instruments on British Airways

When travelling with British Airways, an additional seat for larger musical instruments cannot be booked online and the airline must be contacted directly, ideally at the time of the initial booking.

Published: 20 December 2023

Close up of bank notes from the Royal Bank of Scotland.

Email Your MSP to Support Arts Funding in the Scottish Government Draft Budget

The proposed increase in culture and heritage funding is welcome, but falls far short of both what the music sector needs and what was promised.

Published: 20 December 2023

Vintage record player with a vinyl resting on top, spinning in action

MU Royalties Team Announce Record Distribution to Members

Geoff Ellerby, National Organiser for Recording & Broadcasting has reported back that 2023 saw a record £1.57m being distributed to members, and thanks the R&B team for their unrelenting dedication to the task.

Published: 20 December 2023

Louise smiling holding the award with Regional Committee member Martha-Ann Brookes and Executive Committee member Nigel Braithwaite.

MU Congratulates Midlands Member Louise Braithwaite on TUC’s Campaigning Rep of the Year Award

Louise won the Campaigning Rep of the Year Award at the Annual Midlands TUC Awards earlier this month.

Published: 14 December 2023

Inside of the circular, Scottish Parliament interior debating chamber.

Members in Scotland: Write to Your MSP Now in Support of Arts Funding

Call on the Scottish Government to deliver the £100m arts and culture funding pledged by the First Minister earlier this year.

Published: 14 December 2023

Female teacher sat with a teenage student at school. She is learning to play the keyboard and is wearing headphones.

MU Welcomes New Lords Education Report

The report’s recommendations include ways to reverse the decline in arts subjects in schools for 11 to 16-year-olds.

Published: 13 December 2023

Naomi Pohl and Thangam Debbonaire at this year's Labour Party Conference.

MU Political Fund Ballot: Please Vote Yes

The MU is legally required to ballot its members every ten years on whether it should continue to have a political fund. Papers will be sent out this week so please look out for yours and return it as soon as you can.

Published: 13 December 2023

Aerial view of a diverse crowd of people against a white background, connected by lines, representing connection and networking concepts.

You Don’t Need to Navigate Your Career Alone: A Report on the Wales and South West England Members' Day and AGM

MU Regional Officer Ruth Ballantyne reflects on the first ever Wales and South West England Members' Day and AGM, looking back at the highlights, exploring both regional and national success, and how we can implement member feedback and ideas moving into 2024.

Published: 13 December 2023

Fair Play on Tour 2023: Celebrating a Decade of the MU Fair Play Venue Scheme

Natalie Witts-Kilshaw, MU Live, Theatre and Music Writers Official, reflects on this year’s series of live themed events, which collectively marked a decade of the Fair Play Venue scheme. Find out what our members and fellow musicians were discussing on each leg of the tour.

Published: 13 December 2023

Red wooden doll figure surrounded in circle by other doll figures on a white background. Harassment and bully concept.

Creative UK Launch It’s Not Ok E-Learning Module as Part of New Bullying and Harassment Resource Hub

MU Members are encouraged to engage with the free, online module which is aimed at raising awareness and providing support for those working in the creative industries.

Published: 07 December 2023

The sun shines on the outside of the Stormont building under a blue sky.

MU Attends All Party Group on Arts at Stormont

At the All Party Ground on Arts that was held at Stormont at the end of November, MU Acting Regional Organiser for Scotland and Northern Ireland Sam Dunkley heard reports on two strategies that will be out for consultation in the spring.

Published: 07 December 2023

Chairs in a brightly lit but empty classroom

MU Challenges Government on Music Education Funding Shortfall

Working with Music Mark and the Independent Society of Musicians, we have written urgently to Gillian Keegan, Secretary of State for Education, asking for increased funding for music education.

Published: 06 December 2023

Orchestra pit, chairs and music stands in black and white.

MU Responds to News of ENO’s Move From London to Manchester

The MU is continuing talks with English National Opera regarding their proposals, which do not currently mention the future of our members’ jobs.

Published: 06 December 2023

Neil Patterson giving his speech to conference.

MU Motion on Benefit Application Process Passes at STUC Disabled Workers Conference

At the STUC Disabled Workers Conference, the MU called on the STUC to lobby the Government on streamlining the benefits application process and other modifications to make benefits more accessible to disabled workers.

Published: 05 December 2023

Dr Diljeet Bhachu and award winner Elizabeth J Birch smiling after coming off stage together.

Youth Music Awards 2023: Take Note That the Future is Here

Last month the MU sponsored Youth Music’s Inspirational Music Leader Award, which was presented by Dr Diljeet Bhachu, the MU’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer. In this blog, she reflects on the judging process and shares her thoughts on addressing inequality in the wider industry.

Published: 01 December 2023

Some of the musicians and supporters from the demo at Newcastle Theatre Royal on 10 November, holding MU banners and signs saying “Keep Northern Ballet Live”.

Keep Northern Ballet Live Petition Surges Past 10,000 Signatures

Over 10,000 people have signed the petition urging Arts Council England to keep Northern Ballet music live.

Published: 27 November 2023

Male musician sat in front of a keyboard and microphone deep in thought and concentration.

Musicians Census Finds That Three in Ten Musicians Report Having Poor Mental Wellbeing

Further report findings from the first ever UK Musicians’ Census show that almost a third of professional musicians in the UK are experiencing poor mental wellbeing, due to factors such as low pay, career barriers and witnessing or experiencing discrimination.

Published: 24 November 2023

A group of diverse people of differing ages surrounding a piano singing while two play. Representing community music groups.

Elizabeth J. Birch: Inclusive Music Making For a Fuller Landscape of the Human Experience

MU member and winner of this year’s Youth Music's Inspirational Music Leader award, Elizabeth J. Birch shares how the community music space saw her potential, and how she integrates inclusivity into her work.

Published: 24 November 2023

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl with ENO Music Staff and Orchestra Members after delivering letters outside the building.

Musicians at ENO Deliver Over 150 Letters Urging ENO Management to Reconsider Proposals to Axe Jobs and Go Part-Time

Musicians delivered 153 letters to English National Opera management, urging them to save ENO as a full-time company with a full-time orchestra and music staff on full-time pay.

Published: 24 November 2023

Person using a computer to create content from home with music software.

MU Responds to Government Consultation on Beijing Treaty Regarding Audiovisual Performances

The Beijing Treaty will bring additional rights for audiovisual performances and is now set to become UK law, with the MU advising government that musicians would be best served by Equitable Remuneration.

Published: 23 November 2023

The Royal Opera House orchestra wearing yellow FairPay t-shirts outside of the entrance to the building from their leafleting campaign in September..

Royal Opera House Orchestra Have Voted to Accept a New Pay Offer From Management

Following an MU-supported campaign to have their pay restored to pre-pandemic levels, musicians in the Royal Opera House Orchestra (OROH) have accepted a significantly improved pay and conditions offer from the company’s management to settle this year’s dispute.

Published: 21 November 2023

Multicoloured ropes connected to one another in a circle, representing diverse collaboration.

Disability History Month: Exploring the AutismAble and Future Collaborations Project

In this blog Andrew Forster discusses the Future Collaborations Project, an accessible music outreach program for people aged 14-25, promoting neurodivergent and neurotypical collaborations within the music industry. We also hear from one of the project’s participants and a Learning Mentor.

Published: 20 November 2023

Close up of curled music sheet with notes.

How to Conjure an Estimate: Jill Streater on the Who, What and Why of Being a Music Copyist

In this blog, MU Music Writers' Section Committee member Jill Streater demystifies the world of the Music Copyist and explains exactly how she breaks down estimates for her work.

Published: 20 November 2023

Yellow headphones on the top of a pile of stacked, blue hardback books.

Oxford Brookes Proposes Music Department Closure

The MU is speaking to affected members, and we will communicate with the University to explore any viable option for keeping courses running.

Published: 17 November 2023

Brightly coloured purple and yellow megaphone facing outwards against a bright pink background.

MU Action on the Climate Emergency

The MU’s new Climate Emergency Action Group have now met twice, and are looking inwardly and outwardly at ways the Union, the wider music industry and the Government can address the climate emergency.

Published: 16 November 2023

A crowd march with union banners, including placards that read

Over 100 Letters Urge ENO Management to Save ENO as a Full-Time Company with a Full-Time Orchestra

Add your voice to the call, by writing to English National Opera’s management urging them to reconsider proposals to axe 19 jobs and go part-time.

Published: 16 November 2023

A map of East London with Haggerston marked out in bright yellow

Exciting East London Addition to Fair Play Venue Scheme

The MU are excited to welcome Signature Brew Haggerston to our Fair Play Venue scheme, which invites independent music venues to declare their support for the fair treatment of musicians and their opposition to pay-to-play and unfair ticketing deals.

Published: 15 November 2023

A person in a bright yellow t-shirt reading

Royal Opera House Pay Offer Put to Members in the Orchestra

Musicians in the Royal Opera House orchestra campaigning for their pandemic pay cut to be restored are considering a new pay offer from management.

Published: 15 November 2023

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All News and Features

Vlure: A Genre Busting, International Tour de Force

Musicians and Music Staff at English National Opera to Go On Strike

Local Members’ Day Events Announced for MU Members in Wales and South West England

MU Concerned by Suffolk Council Arts Cuts

No Such Thing as a Typical Background: A Look into the Career of Musicians in the Armed Forces

It’s About Playing For the Song: A Look Into the Career of Session Bassist Steve Pearce

MU Supports Art Not Evidence Campaign

New Permit Rules for Travelling with Ivory in Canada

2023 End of Year Round Up

Learning to Negotiate as a Matter of Give and Take

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

Welsh Government Draft Budget Cuts Music, Arts and Union Learning Funds

Information for Musicians Flying with Larger Instruments on British Airways

Email Your MSP to Support Arts Funding in the Scottish Government Draft Budget

MU Royalties Team Announce Record Distribution to Members

MU Congratulates Midlands Member Louise Braithwaite on TUC’s Campaigning Rep of the Year Award

Members in Scotland: Write to Your MSP Now in Support of Arts Funding

MU Welcomes New Lords Education Report

MU Political Fund Ballot: Please Vote Yes

You Don’t Need to Navigate Your Career Alone: A Report on the Wales and South West England Members' Day and AGM

Fair Play on Tour 2023: Celebrating a Decade of the MU Fair Play Venue Scheme

Creative UK Launch It’s Not Ok E-Learning Module as Part of New Bullying and Harassment Resource Hub

MU Attends All Party Group on Arts at Stormont

MU Challenges Government on Music Education Funding Shortfall

MU Responds to News of ENO’s Move From London to Manchester

MU Motion on Benefit Application Process Passes at STUC Disabled Workers Conference

Youth Music Awards 2023: Take Note That the Future is Here

Keep Northern Ballet Live Petition Surges Past 10,000 Signatures

Musicians Census Finds That Three in Ten Musicians Report Having Poor Mental Wellbeing

Elizabeth J. Birch: Inclusive Music Making For a Fuller Landscape of the Human Experience

Musicians at ENO Deliver Over 150 Letters Urging ENO Management to Reconsider Proposals to Axe Jobs and Go Part-Time

MU Responds to Government Consultation on Beijing Treaty Regarding Audiovisual Performances

Royal Opera House Orchestra Have Voted to Accept a New Pay Offer From Management

Disability History Month: Exploring the AutismAble and Future Collaborations Project

How to Conjure an Estimate: Jill Streater on the Who, What and Why of Being a Music Copyist

Oxford Brookes Proposes Music Department Closure

MU Action on the Climate Emergency

Over 100 Letters Urge ENO Management to Save ENO as a Full-Time Company with a Full-Time Orchestra

Exciting East London Addition to Fair Play Venue Scheme

Royal Opera House Pay Offer Put to Members in the Orchestra