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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Change the Law to Fix Music Streaming

Government must fix copyright law so that 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 Highlights Challenges Facing Freelance Musicians in Parliament

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Urgent Guidance for Members Using Deputies: Right to Work Checks

New right to work rules could change how musicians and deps are engaged from 1 October 2026. Read about the proposed new rules, who may be affected and what MU members need to know.

Published: 24 September 2026

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Free Music Space Creative Sessions for Young People in Glasgow

Young people in Glasgow are invited to a series of free Music Space creative sessions this October, including an MU-supported workshop exploring funding, opportunities and support for emerging artists.

Published: 24 September 2026

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Support Staff and Music Education at Goldsmiths

Staff at Goldsmiths, University of London, including colleagues in the Music Department, are taking sustained strike action over proposed cuts and redundancies, amid wider pressures facing music provision in UK higher education.

Published: 24 September 2026

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MU Tackles Busking Bans on BBC Breakfast

MU Assistant General Secretary Matt Wanstall spoke to BBC Breakfast about busking bans in cities across England following the introduction of a PSPO in Coventry.

Published: 24 September 2026

Xenia Horne Addresses TUC Congress on the Future of Music Education

MU Executive Committee member Xenia Horne addressed thousands of trade unionists on access to music education in schools at Trades Union Congress 2026. This blog post is adapted from her speech.

Published: 22 September 2026

Right to Work Changes and Deputies: MU Seeking Urgent Legal Clarification

Concerns have been raised about how new Right to Work requirements could affect musicians who arrange deputies or substitutes to perform on their behalf. The MU is urgently investigating the implications and will provide further guidance as soon as possible.

Published: 18 September 2026

Dr Anna Bull: Putting Young People’s Voices at the Heart of Music Education

Originally written for Music Teacher magazine, Dr Anna Bull explores why safeguarding is about more than policies and procedures, and how empowering young people to find their voice can help create safer music education, as set out in the MU’s Experiences of Harm and Risk in Music Education Guide.

Published: 17 September 2026

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Upcoming events

Last chance to book

Birdseye view of four people 'cheers-ing' with cups of tea and coffee, laptops and phones are on the desk.

24 Sep 2026

MU London Region Coffee Hour: Working as a Recording Session Musician

These relaxed sessions are designed as a space to connect with fellow members, share experiences, and explore key topics affecting your work.

London

Last chance to book

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24 Sep 2026

Understanding US Visas for Performing Artists

Join the MU, CoveyLaw and Tamizdat for a webinar on visa policies and procedures for musicians wanting to perform in the US.

Online (Zoom)

Last chance to book

25 Sep 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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26 Sep 2026

'Money, It's a Hit' Online Workshop

A one-hour finance and accounting workshop for musicians, available for members based in Wales and South West England.

Online

Last chance to book

26 Sep 2026

Celebrating and Building Success: Webinar

A discussion on new projects supporting black musicians, and advice for all musicians on building your profile and international exports. Available for members based in Wales and South West England.

Online

Last chance to book

26 Sep 2026

Wales & South West England Members' Day & Regional AGM

Join your Regional Members' Day and AGM (Annual General Meeting) for a day of discussion, workshops and networking.

Bristol & online (Hybrid)

Last chance to book

29 Sep 2026

Online WSWE Member Surgeries

A short, focused space to talk something through and get clarity on next steps. For members in Wales and South West England (WSWE).

Online

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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?

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This is not a hobby - it's our profession

We Are Behind Every Musician

Change the Law to Fix Music Streaming

MU Highlights Challenges Facing Freelance Musicians in Parliament

Discounted Travel, Hotel and Holiday Bookings with utc Travel

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News and features

Urgent Guidance for Members Using Deputies: Right to Work Checks

Free Music Space Creative Sessions for Young People in Glasgow