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 Highlights Challenges Facing Freelance Musicians in Parliament

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Discounted Travel, Hotel and Holiday Bookings with utc Travel

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MU Supports Creators Emergency Summit to Protect Creative Livelihoods Against AI

The MU is supporting the Creators Emergency Summit, a one-day event exploring copyright, legal protections and collective action to tackle the growing impact of AI on creative livelihoods. Discounted tickets are available exclusively for MU members.

Published: 25 August 2026

Member only Read more about MU Supports Creators Emergency Summit to Protect Creative Livelihoods Against AI

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MU Welcomes Launch of Northern Music Export Office and UKAT Fund Boost

The MU has welcomed the launch of the Northern Music Export Office (NMEO), calling it a significant step towards creating more opportunities for musicians across the North and helping artists build sustainable careers at home while reaching audiences worldwide.

Published: 25 August 2026

Jack onstage as an older man, wearing a white shirt and playing trombone.

Tribute to John 'Jackie' Free

Jack Free was a talented trombonist who performed alongside some of the great names in jazz during a career spanning more than six decades. He was a proud and long-standing member of the Musicians’ Union, having originally joined in 1956. This tribute has been written by his son, Colin.

Published: 25 August 2026

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Take Part in European Folk Day 2026

Folk musicians are encouraged to take part in the 4th annual European Folk Day taking place on Wednesday 23 September 2026.

Published: 20 August 2026

New Guidance for Musicians Working in Germany

New MU guidance outlines the rules for musicians working in Germany, including work permit exemptions, visa requirements and key considerations for performers accepting engagements in the country.

Published: 20 August 2026

Tribute to Jeffrey Raymond Wakefield

An accomplished professional violinist, Jeff Wakefield enjoyed a distinguished orchestral career and took great pride in his lifelong association with the Musicians' Union, of which he became a member in 1952. This tribute was written by his son-in-law, David Marcou.

Published: 14 August 2026

Meet the MU at PITCH Scotland 2026

Meet the MU’s Sam Jordan and Louise Stanners Pow at this year’s hip hop conference and festival, and learn more about copyright, sampling, ownership and collaboration.

Published: 13 August 2026

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Upcoming events

Last chance to book

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26 Aug 2026

Self-Releasing Your Music Online

Join composer Matthew Whiteside for an overview of how to record and self-release your music.

Online

Last chance to book

Silhouette of a person with their arms raised in the audience of a live gig, the band are on stage and it is lit with purple lights.

27 Aug 2026

UK Artist Touring Fund Phase Two: Information Session

We're hosting a one-hour webinar for MU members to learn more about Phase Two of the UK Artist Touring Fund (UKAT).

Online, Zoom

Last chance to book

A person sat in front of a computer with guitar, keyboard, and tablet - which they are writing music on.

02 Sep 2026

MU x CMU: Copyright for Songwriters and Composers

Learn all about music copyright - and how artists, songwriters and composers manage and monetise the recordings, songs and compositions that they create.

Online via Zoom

Upcoming

04 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

Upcoming

08 Sep 2026

CV Writing Workshop

Designed for anyone working in screen, theatre and live events, this course is suitable for both early-career professionals and those looking to move into more senior roles. For members in Wales.

Cardiff

Upcoming

11 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

Upcoming

16 Sep 2026

Creative Freelancers’ Best Practice Guide: Workshop and Q&A

Explore CULT Cymru's new bilingual best practice guide, Engaging Creative Freelancers, at this free online workshop featuring expert presentations and an interactive Q&A on supporting freelance talent in the cultural sector.

Online, Zoom

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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 Highlights Challenges Facing Freelance Musicians in Parliament

Discounted Travel, Hotel and Holiday Bookings with utc Travel

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News and features

MU Supports Creators Emergency Summit to Protect Creative Livelihoods Against AI