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There's only TWO WEEKS LEFT to submit your entry for the Music & Drama Education Awards 2027.

These prestigious awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of music and drama educators that enrich the lives of children, young people and adults.

With a range of categories covering schools, organisations, individuals and initiatives, the Awards shine a light on the creativity, dedication and innovation driving performing arts education today.

Here are three great reasons to enter someone you know this year:

1. Gain national recognition for their work and inspire others in the sector with their success.

2. Raise their profile among influential educators, cultural leaders, and potential funders.

3. Celebrate worthy achievements at a glamorous awards ceremony alongside fellow professionals and advocates of arts education.

The entry process is simple, and our team is here to support you every step of the way at [email protected].

Entries close 21 August 2026, click here to submit yours!:

https://musicdramaedawards.com/live/en/page/home-page

Discount for MU Members at Studio Forty Two in Edinburgh

The MU has teamed up with Studio Forty Two in Edinburgh to offer members an exclusive 10% discount.

The discount applies to standard day sessions, with preferential rates available for large-scale projects and block bookings.

A vibrant hub within Scotland’s thriving creative scene: https://musiciansunion.org.uk/news/discount-for-mu-members-at-studio-forty-two-in-edinburgh

Ready to pick up your guitar?

Explore the brand-new Acoustic Guitar 2026 repertoire.

The refreshed Rockschool Acoustic Guitar 2026 syllabus has arrived, and the full repertoire is ready for you to explore.

From contemporary chart hits to timeless classics, this syllabus brings together an exciting mix of pop, indie, folk, rock and acoustic favourites. Featuring artists including Billie Eilish, Fleetwood Mac, Charlie Puth, Bon Iver, Green Day, Rodrigo y Gabriela and many more, there's something to inspire every guitarist.

Every grade has 9 tracks (6 Hit Tunes and 3 Rockschool Originals) plus all the supporting tests needed for the exam. It's built to keep students motivated while they build real playing skills.

https://www.rslawards.com/learn-acoustic-guitar

ISM members urge new PM to back music with five key pledges

More than 450 members of the Independent Society of Musicians have signed an open letter to Andy Burnham, the prime minister, calling on the new government to take action on music education, AI, touring, higher education and arts funding

Read more: https://www.musicteachermagazine.co.uk/content/news/ism-members-urge-new-pm-to-back-music-with-five-key-pledges

Meeting Room Hire at Musicians' Union HQ for MU Members, London Bridge.

Fom September 2026, they’ll be hiring out their main meeting room at MU HQ, just a few minutes’ walk from London Bridge station.

As an MU member, you'll receive a 30% discount on room hire. We’re also extending the same discount to other organisations we work closely with.

It’s a lovely room with a hybrid setup for people attending meetings remotely. It’s ideal for all sorts of gatherings, including meetings, training and away days (though not for music rehearsals!)

They’ve got a shiny new page on the website with all the details, including facilities, more photos and pricing. If you’re interested, or have any questions about the space, please get in touch with Lucy Fyson, MU Operations Officer, via [email protected]

They’d love you to consider using the space, and would be especially grateful if you could spread the word to anyone who might need a meeting venue in central London.

https://musiciansunion.org.uk/about-the-mu/how-the-mu-works/departments-offices/meeting-room-hire-at-musicians-union-hq-london-bridge

Sir Stephen Hough appointed as Artistic Director of The Leeds International Piano Competition.

The Leeds International Piano Competition has announced Sir Stephen Hough as its new Artistic Director. He will also be Chair of the Jury in the 2027 competition.

Read more: https://www.gramophone.co.uk/content/news/the-leeds-international-piano-competition-appoints-sir-stephen-hough-as-artistic-director

MU Well-Represented at European Movement Roundtable and Report Launch.

MU representatives joined a discussion with European Movement and Lib Dem MPs to address the impact of Brexit on touring artists. The roundtable also marked the launch of a new report that sets out solutions to rebuild UK–EU creative cooperation.

https://musiciansunion.org.uk/news/mu-well-represented-at-european-movement-roundtable-and-report-launch

Hope you celebrated World Environment Day!

World Environment Day is celebrated annually on June 5 and is organised by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). It serves as a global platform for encouraging awareness and action for the protection of the environment. Since its inception in 1973, it has grown to be the largest global platform for environmental outreach, celebrated by millions of people worldwide across more than 150 countries.

The climate emergency is also a union issue. Read on to learn more about how the MU is helping tackle climate change and supporting members to do the same, ensuring the music industry remains fair and sustainable for years to come.

https://musiciansunion.org.uk/news/musicians-and-sustainability-we-should-use-more-creativity-when-booking-tours

National Children’s Orchestras open 2027 applications.

Young musicians aged 8 to 13 are invited to audition for next year’s Orchestral Weeks and Weekends.

Youth music charity National Children’s Orchestras (NCO) has opened auditions for its Orchestral Weeks and Weekends in 2027. Young musicians aged 8 to 13 (as of 31 August 2026) are invited to submit their auditions for free online by 31 July.

https://www.musicteachermagazine.co.uk/content/news/national-children-s-orchestras-open-2027-applications