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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Artificial Intelligence and the Music Industry

Support the campaign to change AI law and regulate AI-generated music.

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Artificial Intelligence and the Music Industry

News

UK Live Sector Received £10 Billion Boost from Record-Breaking Tourism in 2024

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Member benefit

Members Can Now Book Discounted Hotel Rooms at Even More Locations in London

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MU Members in Wales Invited to Music Education Strategy Meetings on 15 and 16 July

The online meetings will explore under-18 and post-18 music education in Wales as part of UK Music’s strategy for the devolved nations.

Published: 11 July 2025

Top view of an acoustic violin and pernambuco wood bow on a tabletop.

Save Pernambuco Bows: Write to Your MP Today

The MU is calling on members to take urgent action to protect the future of high-quality bow making and the musicians who rely on it, after a proposal to move pernambuco wood from Appendix II to Appendix I.

Published: 10 July 2025

A busker wearing a yellow Musicians' Union t-shirt surrounded by supporters with signs saying 'keep music live' at a busking demo in London in April.

Westminster Council: Back Your Buskers!

Sign the petition calling for new pitches in Westminster to replace those lost due to the Leicester Square busking ban.

Published: 09 July 2025

MU Head of ED&I John Shortell, with Regional Officer Simeon Scheuber-Rush and MU delegates, on the main stage in front of a blue screen saying “TUC LGBT+ Workers’ Conference 2025

MU Champions Global LGBTQ+ Rights at TUC Conference

Last week, MU members represented the Union at TUC’s annual LGBT+ Workers' Conference, where a motion was passed unanimously on protecting LGBTQ+ rights globally, the value of ED&I work, and promoting greater awareness of intersectional, LGBTQ+ inclusive health and safety issues.

Published: 08 July 2025

MU Panels and Workshop Confirmed for Tolpuddle Festival 2025

Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival takes place next weekend and we’re pleased to share more details about the MU’s presence at the event – including confirmed panel appearances, a workshop session, and the debut of our brand new union banner in Sunday’s iconic march.

Published: 08 July 2025

MU Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Named in IQ Magazine’s 2025 Queer Pioneers List

The MU congratulates John Shortell, Head of ED&I, on being named one of IQ Magazine’s outstanding queer professionals in the international live music business. John is a driving force for change, and the Union is exceptionally proud to have him working on behalf of musicians.

Published: 03 July 2025

Join the MU at the We Make Music Scotland Conference 2025

The MU will be attending and sponsoring a workshop at this year’s We Make Music Scotland Conference, taking place on Thursday 4 and Friday 5 September at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow.

Published: 02 July 2025

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Upcoming events

Last chance to book

18 Jul 2025

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 musician playing a keyboard in a recording studio.

18 Jul 2025

R&B Surgery: One-to-One Recording & Broadcasting Advice Sessions

Online, monthly one-to-one advice sessions on working as a recording musician.

Online (Zoom) Member only

Last chance to book

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

20 Jul 2025

Free Portable Appliance Testing (PAT), Birmingham

This event, run by Phil Docker's Guitar and Amp Workshop, 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.

21 Jul 2025

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

22 Jul 2025

RSM Social Networking

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

Online

Upcoming

23 Jul 2025

How to be a Greenlancer

A free, in-person, three-hour interactive session for freelancers working in the creative industries in Wales, aimed to help you make the biggest environmental impacts and cost efficiencies in your business.

Cardiff

Upcoming

25 Jul 2025

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?

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This is not a hobby - it's our profession

We Are Behind Every Musician

Artificial Intelligence and the Music Industry

UK Live Sector Received £10 Billion Boost from Record-Breaking Tourism in 2024

Members Can Now Book Discounted Hotel Rooms at Even More Locations in London

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News and features

MU Members in Wales Invited to Music Education Strategy Meetings on 15 and 16 July