We Are Behind Every Musician

We are a community of over 36,000 musicians working to protect our members' rights and campaign for a fairer music industry.

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Campaigns

Change the Law to Fix Music Streaming

2026's AI Bill is a chance to fix copyright law so musicians get a fair deal. Help us urge MPs to act now and change the law to make streaming work for everyone.

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News

MU Urges Government to Back Musicians on AI

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Member benefit

New Cinema Ticket Discount for MU Members

A young woman sitting on a bench outside and wearing headphones. She is listening to music and smiling in a relaxed way.

Free BAPAM Health Clinics for Musicians in Birmingham and Leicester

BAPAM is running free health clinics in Leicester and Birmingham for performing arts professionals, teachers and students who have an injury or illness that is impacting their ability to work or study.

Published: 16 January 2026

Portrait of John Wallace, stood smiling against a brick wall.

Remembering John Wallace CBE

John Wallace, who has died aged 76, was one of the UK’s greatest musical polymaths and a highly respected advocate for music education.

Published: 16 January 2026

Interior of the Scottish Parliament Building in Edinburgh, Scotland.

MU Responds to Scottish Budget 2026-27

While the Musicians' Union welcomes the Scottish Government's increase to Culture spend, we are concerned about the lack of funding for individual artists and those engaged by the National Performing Companies (NPCs).

Published: 15 January 2026

A close up of a child playing the xylophone as part of a school orchestra.

Sign the Petition to Stop Education Cuts in Dumfries and Galloway

Ahead of a final decision in February, our sister union, the EIS, has published a petition against education cuts in Dumfries and Galloway, including the proposed removal of the instrumental music service.

Published: 14 January 2026

An Update on the ELO for Musicians Taking Merchandise to France

The new customs regulation for musicians taking merchandise to France will now not become mandatory until a later date in early 2026. The MU is seeking further clarification on how musicians will be affected.

Published: 14 January 2026

2026 Dates Announced for Wales and South West England MU Members’ Days

Members in Wales and South West England will be able to attend local and regional Members’ Day events throughout 2026. Here are the key dates to help you plan ahead.

Published: 09 January 2026

From Winter Relief to Wellbeing: Spotlight on Support Offered by PRS Members’ Fund

MU members are encouraged to explore PRS Members’ Fund’s wide range of support services for musicians.

Published: 08 January 2026

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Upcoming events

Last chance to book

16 Jan 2026

Feldenkrais: Move Better, Feel Better, Perform Better

Free up your playing and singing using the Feldenkrais method, a sensory-motor learning system which looks at our mind and body holistically.

Online Member only

Last chance to book

Young woman on director's chair on stage, in front of empty theatre seats.

17 Jan 2026

Ladies of the Stave: Secrets of the Keys

A free in-person training day for female pianists, keyboard players and musical directors in theatre, taking place in London.

London

Last chance to book

A tiny guitar amp sits on sand with the sun setting behind it.

18 Jan 2026

Free Portable Appliance Testing (PAT), Birmingham

This is an opportunity to ensure that your equipment is safe, and that you are able to provide assurances for your insurance, venues and bookers. Available for all MU Midlands members.

Birmingham

Last chance to book

Stacked rocks on the shore against a clear blue sky.

19 Jan 2026

Guided Meditation

An extremely efficient and powerful meditation practice, based on Ascension meditation techniques that are tailored to help musicians both in their professional and personal lives.

Online Member only

Last chance to book

20 Jan 2026

Café CULT: Neurodiversity in the Creative Industries

An online session for creative industry workers in Wales to get a better understanding and appreciation of neurodiversity.

Online

Last chance to book

23 Jan 2026

RSM Social Networking

Meet colleagues from across the music profession for an informal gathering over Zoom.

Online

Last chance to book

23 Jan 2026

Feldenkrais: Move Better, Feel Better, Perform Better

Free up your playing and singing using the Feldenkrais method, a sensory-motor learning system which looks at our mind and body holistically.

Online Member only

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Be better represented

Join an MU Member Network

Your opinions on equality and diversity issues are vital to the way the MU shapes its services, policies and campaigns. Sign up to our Member Networks to be better represented as a musician.

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#WorkNotPlayMU

This is not a hobby - it's our profession

No-one should feel guilty about turning down unpaid “opportunities". Have you been asked to work for no fee?

Tell us about it See all Campaigns

This is not a hobby - it's our profession

We Are Behind Every Musician

Change the Law to Fix Music Streaming

MU Urges Government to Back Musicians on AI

New Cinema Ticket Discount for MU Members

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