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.

Get involved

News

MU General Secretary Raises AI Concerns with Prime Minister

See all news & features

Member benefit

New Recording Studio Discount for MU Members

Naomi Pohl, Zack Polanski, MU members and staff, and buskers gathered in a group holding yellow placards saying ‘Westminster Council, back your buskers!’.

Buskers Mark One Year Anniversary of the Leicester Square Busking Ban

Buskers are continuing their high-profile campaign, calling on Westminster Council to find new viable and accessible busking pitches in the borough to replace what was lost.

Published: 15 April 2026

Close up of women singing into a microphone on stage, with someone playing acoustic guitar to her right.

Council of Music Makers Statement on the Role of Collective Licensing

All parts of the UK’s live sector must recognise and uphold the value of songs and songwriters, says a new statement from the Council of Music Makers.

Published: 15 April 2026

New ABO/MU Agreement Secured with Pay Increases and Strengthened Access Rights

Our new agreement with the Association of British Orchestras (ABO) includes pay increases and important contractual improvements for freelance orchestral musicians.

Published: 14 April 2026

A vocal microphone in front of a laptop with music software on the screen.

Help Shape the Future of Music: Take the 2026 Music Creators’ Survey

Your insight powers the data behind industry change, from streaming and AI to funding and touring. Take part in UK Music’s 2026 Music Creators’ Survey to make a difference — and be in with a chance of winning a £100 Amazon voucher.

Published: 13 April 2026

International Touring 101: Webinar on Visas and US Immigration

Members who are thinking of touring in the US are invited to a webinar on 15 April. Hosted by Tamizdat, the session will cover visas, immigration and cross-border preparation.

Published: 10 April 2026

MU Launches New Guidance for MDs and AMDs in Theatre

The MU is pleased to launch two practical guides for Musical Directors (MDs) and Assistant Musical Directors (AMDs) working in theatre, covering key responsibilities, standard terms and conditions, and practical advice.

Published: 10 April 2026

Share Your Experience: PiPA Invites Parents and Carers to Touring Roundtables in Wales

Parents & Carers in Performing Arts (PiPA) is hosting two in-person roundtables in Wales this May and June, inviting freelancers and organisations to share their experiences of balancing touring with caring responsibilities and help develop practical solutions for a more inclusive sector.

Published: 10 April 2026

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Upcoming events

Last chance to book

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

15 Apr 2026

Ladies of the Stave: Networking Session For Female Musicians

A free networking event to support female musicians and musical directors in theatre, hosted by Nimax Theatres and supported by the MU.

London

Last chance to book

17 Apr 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

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

19 Apr 2026

Free Portable Appliance Testing (PAT), Derby

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.

Derby

Last chance to book

A hand holding a yellow membership card.

20 Apr 2026

Northern Ireland: How To Get The Most Out of Your MU Membership

New Northern Ireland members are invited to our online event where we explore how to make the most out of your membership. This event will take place online and will last for approximately 1 hour.

Online

Upcoming

24 Apr 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

Upcoming

25 Apr 2026

WSWE Local Members' Day: Saltash

This free Members' Day in Saltash includes workshop sessions, portable appliance testing (PAT) and one-to-one advice sessions with MU Officials.

Saltash Member only

Upcoming

25 Apr 2026

Free Portable Appliance Testing (PAT), Saltash

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 members based in Wales and South West England.

Saltash

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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 General Secretary Raises AI Concerns with Prime Minister

New Recording Studio Discount for MU Members

Members also viewed

News and features

Buskers Mark One Year Anniversary of the Leicester Square Busking Ban

Council of Music Makers Statement on the Role of Collective Licensing

New ABO/MU Agreement Secured with Pay Increases and Strengthened Access Rights

Help Shape the Future of Music: Take the 2026 Music Creators’ Survey

International Touring 101: Webinar on Visas and US Immigration

MU Launches New Guidance for MDs and AMDs in Theatre

Share Your Experience: PiPA Invites Parents and Carers to Touring Roundtables in Wales

Upcoming events

Last chance to book

Ladies of the Stave: Networking Session For Female Musicians

Last chance to book

Feldenkrais: Move Better, Feel Better, Perform Better

Last chance to book

Free Portable Appliance Testing (PAT), Derby

Last chance to book

Northern Ireland: How To Get The Most Out of Your MU Membership

Upcoming

Feldenkrais: Move Better, Feel Better, Perform Better

Upcoming

WSWE Local Members' Day: Saltash

Upcoming

Free Portable Appliance Testing (PAT), Saltash

Join an MU Member Network

Find musicians:

This is not a hobby - it's our profession

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Popular searches

We Are Behind Every Musician

Change the Law to Fix Music Streaming

MU General Secretary Raises AI Concerns with Prime Minister

New Recording Studio Discount for MU Members

Members also viewed

News and features

Buskers Mark One Year Anniversary of the Leicester Square Busking Ban

Council of Music Makers Statement on the Role of Collective Licensing

New ABO/MU Agreement Secured with Pay Increases and Strengthened Access Rights

Help Shape the Future of Music: Take the 2026 Music Creators’ Survey

International Touring 101: Webinar on Visas and US Immigration

MU Launches New Guidance for MDs and AMDs in Theatre

Share Your Experience: PiPA Invites Parents and Carers to Touring Roundtables in Wales

Upcoming events

Last chance to book

Ladies of the Stave: Networking Session For Female Musicians

Last chance to book

Feldenkrais: Move Better, Feel Better, Perform Better

Last chance to book

Free Portable Appliance Testing (PAT), Derby

Last chance to book

Northern Ireland: How To Get The Most Out of Your MU Membership

Upcoming

Feldenkrais: Move Better, Feel Better, Perform Better

Upcoming

WSWE Local Members' Day: Saltash

Upcoming

Free Portable Appliance Testing (PAT), Saltash

Join an MU Member Network

Find musicians:

This is not a hobby - it's our profession