We Are Behind Every Musician

We are a community of over 35,000 musicians working to protect our members' rights and campaign for a fairer music industry.

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Campaigns

Protect Orchestras Under Threat

Keep the UK’s world-famous orchestras live and protect the working people at its heart.

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MU Takes on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing to Fight Against Cuts to Popular Live Band

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Featured advice

Advice and Resources for Music Teachers

MU staff, members and supporters wearing keep Northern Ballet Live t-shirts and Shakespeare masks at an earlier demo in May 2024.

Keep Northern Ballet Live Campaign Takes Action Ahead of First Performance with Recorded Music

Supporters will be leafleting today ahead of opening night for Northern Ballet’s Romeo and Juliet, highlighting the tragedy of lost live music as it uses recorded tracks instead of the orchestra for the first time.

Published: 19 September 2024

A blue butterfly sat on a violin, representing positive change in the orchestral industry.

A Statement from the MU and the Association of British Orchestras on Culture Change in Classical Music

The MU and Association of British Orchestras (ABO) are working jointly to ensure the UK's orchestra sector has a bright future.

Published: 16 September 2024

Person holding up heart shaped hands at a live gig.

Councillor Tom Plater: How Local Councils Can Still Support the Arts When Budgets are Slashed

In this guest blog, Councillor Tom Plater discusses local authority arts and cultural funding, and explores how local councils can still prioritise this where budgets are cut. Tom also sits on our Members' Assembly as a representative for Young Workers and is an MU East South East Committee member.

Published: 16 September 2024

Members of the WNO orchestra stood outside the Wales Millennium Centre at a leafleting demo event in June. One person is holding a megaphone.

MU Urges Arts Council of Wales to Use Additional £1.5m Funding to Protect Welsh National Opera

We welcome the acknowledgement of the crisis facing Welsh arts organisations, and urge Arts Council of Wales to use the additional funding to protect full-time performing jobs at Welsh National Opera.

Published: 13 September 2024

Sign the Petition to Bring Back the Full Strictly Come Dancing Live Band

The Musicians’ Union is calling on musicians and Strictly Come Dancing fans to sign the Keep Strictly Live petition.

Published: 13 September 2024

Applications Open for Scotland-based Artists to Perform at Resonate Live Showcase 2024

Resonate Scotland is offering Scotland-based artists a chance to perform at the Resonate Music Conference in Glasgow Thursday 28 November 2024.

Published: 13 September 2024

TUC Backs Union Call for Increased Arts Funding as Part of Plans for Economic Growth

Working people from across the union movement have backed the MU’s call for increased arts funding to protect jobs and access to world class art for everyone.

Published: 13 September 2024

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Upcoming events

Last chance to book

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12 Aug 2024

Free Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) Birmingham

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

Birmingham Member only

Last chance to book

09 Sep 2024

East & South East AGM 2024

Regional AGMs are your opportunity to make things happen.

MU HQ, London & Online

Last chance to book

21 Sep 2024

WSWE Members' Day 2024

Members in Wales and South West England are invited to attend a day of interactive sessions and networking in Bristol on Saturday 21 September 2024.

Bristol & online

Last chance to book

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23 Sep 2024

Guided Meditation

An extremely efficient and powerful meditation practice, based on Ascension meditation techniques.

Online Member only

Last chance to book

23 Sep 2024

RSM Social Networking

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

Online

Last chance to book

24 Sep 2024

Scotland & Northern Ireland AGM 2024

Regional AGMs are your opportunity to make things happen.

Glasgow & Online

Last chance to book

24 Sep 2024

North of England AGM 2024

Regional AGMs are your opportunity to make things happen.

Online/Zoom

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Make your voice heard

Help make the music industry a better place for every musician

At the MU we stand for equal opportunities and inclusion for musicians, and aim for the industry to be more diverse and representative.

Get involved with ED&I issues

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#ProtectFreelancersToo

End sexual harassment at work

Government committed to introducing a mandatory duty on employers to prevent sexual harassment at work. Now we need action to protect all freelancers too.

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We Are Behind Every Musician

Protect Orchestras Under Threat