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News & Campaigns
UK will not implement EU Copyright Directive post-Brexit The Government has announced its intention not to implement the EU Copyright Directive post-Brexit. Universities and Science Minister Chris Skidmore announced the decision on 24 January in a response to a written parliamentary question and stated: ‘The United Kingdom will not be required to implement the Directive, and the Government has no plans to do so.’ The ISM is disappointed by the Government’s decision. Artists are vital contributors to culture and deserve fair remuneration for their work and the same protections that are afforded to artists in Europe. We urge the Government to rethink its decision. See more on page 7 about the Copyright Directive. In late January, the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) released its recommendations for future immigration systems in the UK. Amongst several recommendations, including not implementing a full points-based immigration system, the Committee has advised that the salary threshold for skilled migrants entering the UK after Brexit should be reduced by £4,400 to £25,600. While this is a welcome first step, the salary threshold will continue to exclude a large proportion of the music profession. The Committee’s proposals also cite creative occupations as being amongst the ‘priority occupations’, along with health workers and scientists – a positive development towards protecting the prosperous music industry post-Brexit. For the ISM’s full statement visit ism.org/news Are you signed up to Save Music? It is essential that there is a comprehensive deal in place which protects musicians’ livelihoods. This includes everything from a two-year, multientry visa to ensuring that musicians can take their instruments easily across the Channel to work in the EU. We will continue to campaign to make sure this happens. We urge you to share our message by contacting your local MP using our template letter. It’s essential that MPs are made aware of the issues that musicians are facing as a result of Brexit. Make an even greater impact and arrange to meet with your local MP in person at one of the regular surgeries that MPs hold for their constituents. If you would like to find out more, go to savemusic.org.uk. ISM Diary 2020-21 Plans are in action to put together our next ISM Diary which will cover the academic year 2020-21. From membership feedback we understand that not everyone would like to receive the Diary. At the ISM we are mindful of paper usage and the impact on the environment, so if you would like to opt out of receiving next year’s diary, please let us know by calling us on 020 7221 3499 (Mon-Fri, 9.30am-5.30pm) or emailing membership@ism.org by 30 April. ry
ISM welcomes Minister’s call for protected free movement for artists post-Brexit
MPs from various parties spoke in a Parliamentary debate on the contribution of music to society and the economy. Responding to the debate, Nigel Adams, the then Minister of State for Sport, Media & Creative Industries, affirmed the Government’s commitment to maintaining free movement for musicians following Brexit, stating: ‘We welcome the views of [MPs] and the industry in respect of movement within Europe. It’s absolutely essential that free movement for artists is protected post-2020.’ For a number of years, the ISM has been highlighting the issues that will be confronting UK-based musicians post-Brexit in a series of authoritative reports. We are pleased that the Government is listening and we will continue to lobby the Government to ensure that free movement for touring musicians is maintained. For the ISM’s full statement visit ism.org/news
ISM teachers’ fees survey released
Our annual teachers’ fee survey is the largest of its kind and gathers information from music teachers around the UK. This year, for the first time ever, the survey also covered fees for examiners and holiday pay and asked about the number of pupils taught. Find out more at ism.org/news
Flybe backtracks on detrimental policy for small musical instruments
Flybe has backtracked on changes to its baggage policy for small musical instruments. It follows a letter from the ISM outlining the serious impact the changes would have on touring musicians. In a letter responding to the ISM’s concerns, Flybe wrote that they ‘sincerely apologise’ for the frustration this has caused musicians. They also advised that ‘any instrument, including its case, must not exceed 100 (length) x 35 (width) x 20 (depth) cm. The instrument will be classed as one item of cabin baggage and carriage is strictly subject to there being suitable available space in the overhead lockers to safely accommodate the item. Items detailed in this section and deemed to be suitable for carriage, must be in a case that suitably protects the instrument, both for carriage in the overhead lockers and should it need to be placed in the hold due to there being insufficient space being available in the overhead lockers. In addition, the item must have the appropriate insurance.’ Find out more at ism.org/news
New post for ISM President-Elect Professor Chris Collins
Professor Chris Collins, ISM President-Elect, has been appointed Head of the School of Language, Literature, Music and Visual Culture at the University of Aberdeen and will lead it from June 2020. He will moving from Bangor University where he has been since 2001, heading up the School of Music since 2012 and the School of Music and Media since 2018. For more information please visit ism.org/news.
Above: Dr Jeremy Huw Williams (left), Thomas Adès with the ISM Distinguished Musician Award and Deborah Annetts Photo: Kris Brown
The composer, pianist and conductor Thomas Adès is the 2019 recipient of the ISM Distinguished Musician Award, which recognises outstanding contributions to musical life in the UK. Born in London in 1971, Adès works regularly with the world’s leading orchestras, opera companies and festivals. His compositions include three operas – Powder her Face (1995, Cheltenham Festival and Almeida Opera), The Tempest (2004, Royal Opera House) and The Exterminating Angel, (2016, Salzburg Festival). His orchestral work Asyla, premiered by the CBSO in 1997, was chosen by Simon Rattle to open his first season with the Berlin Philharmonic, which commissioned Tevot in 2007. As a conductor he is currently an Artistic Partner of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and his piano engagements include solo recitals at Carnegie Hall, New York and a forthcoming recital with baritone Simon Keenlyside at the Vienna State Opera. On adding the ISM Distinguished Musician title to his long list of awards, Adès said: ‘I feel truly touched to be honoured in this way. It means all the more to me to be singled out by a community of fellow professional, practising musicians, who actually make music.’ Dr Jeremy Huw Williams, ISM President, presented the award at a private ceremony at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. ‘I have known Tom since our Cambridge days, and singing the role of Sebastian in his opera The Tempest in 2004 was a highlight in my career,’ he said. ‘His talent as a composer is unique, he is an excellent conductor and also a virtuoso pianist and sensitive accompanist. As such he was my absolute first choice for the ISM Distinguished Musican Award.’ thomasades.com
ABO conference
On 29-31 January, the ISM attended the annual Association of British Orchestras conference. At the conference the ISM hosted a session titled ‘A Culture of Respect’ which focused on the forms of discrimination, bullying and harassment in the sector and how they can be resolved by 2030. For more information about the ISM’s Dignity at Work campaign, please visit ism.org/dignityatwork.
External affairs team 020 7313 9312
Are you up-to-date on Brexit? Shortly before the UK left the EU on 31 January, the ISM produced a free webinar (through the ISM Trust) providing a Brexit update for musicians. Dr Naomi Bath, the ISM’s Senior Research and Policy Officer, looked at what the latest political developments might mean for musicians who work in the EU. She provided an overview of potential changes to visas, transporting instruments, CITES, insurances, and copyright, and made recommendations for what musicians could do to prepare during the transition period. Find out more at ism.org/webinars.
The ISM podcast series The ISM podcast series explores a range of themes and issues professional musicians face in the world today with different guest speakers from across the music sector. Listen to our exclusive interviews with The Empowered Musician speakers and performers, before and during the event, about their careers and advice for musicians.
Help your students to cope with performance anxiety Newly redesigned as a handy A5 book, Performance anxiety – a practical guide for music teachers will provide you with easy to use, practical strategies to help your students gain self-confidence and prepare effectively for upcoming performances – from their first performance to their one hundred and first. Available as a printed book for £10 (£8 for ISM members) or an e-book and PDF for £5 (£4 for ISM members)
