Orchestral Work

Whether you work as a full time or freelance orchestral musician, the MU is here to help. We have a dedicated team, as well as elected MU Orchestral Stewards and dedicated MU Orchestra Section Committees for employed and freelance orchestra members.

Advice, agreements and rates

Collective Agreements with Orchestras

Our agreements cover the salaries, rates of pay, and terms and conditions for employed and freelance orchestral musicians.

Orchestras under ABO agreement

Rates and terms and conditions agreed with the Association of British Orchestras.

MU Promulgated Rates

We set our own rates for musicians working at orchestral concerts, opera and ballet.

Orchestral Touring Abroad

Orchestral Players Living with Covid-19

Health and safety and risk assessment guidance for orchestral players living with Covid-19

ABO

Orchestral Working Outdoors

Practical aspects and health and safety considerations when working outside, or at a large venue concert

Fair and Inclusive Orchestral Auditions

Member representation

MU Orchestra Stewards

The work of the Orchestra Stewards and the Roving Stewards is vital in representing you to your employer and is a prime example of a union run by members for its members.

Join the Freelance Orchestral Committee

If you are a freelance orchestral player wanting to take a more hands-on approach to the way your pay and terms are negotiated, join the FOC.

Get involved

Join the Orchestra Section

As an orchestral musician you know that for any problems or injuries, the MU is there to give you a helping hand or advice.
Maxine Kwok-AdamsFirst violin with the LSO

Latest news and features

WNO orchestra players holding up placards that say 'Protect WNO'.

Protect Welsh National Opera: Email Your Political Representatives for Support

Email your political representatives to support musicians campaigning to protect Welsh National Opera jobs and secure the company’s future, including touring in England and Wales.

Published: 30 October 2024

Northern Ballet orchestra musicians performing as part of a demo.

MU Statement on Northern Ballet and Opera North Partnership

The MU is deeply concerned to learn that Northern Ballet have announced plans which may cut their long-standing orchestra players.

Published: 18 October 2024

Wooden steps with an arrow leading up each one to represent career development.

£1,000 Career Development Bursary for Artists from Under-Represented Communities

Applications are open for artists from under-represented communities to apply for a £1,000 career development bursary from Creative Access.

Published: 27 September 2024

A photo of orchestra musicians wearing campaign t-shirts and holding placards, with one speaking into a megaphone.

Welsh National Opera Orchestra Take Industrial Action Over Proposed Pay Cuts

Musicians in the Welsh National Opera orchestra took Action Short of Strike on Saturday 21 September.

Published: 24 September 2024

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

Read all orchestral news

Career in orchestra

How to Audition

Be prepared for your audition and know what to expect for the best chance of success

MU and ABO Joint Statement on Culture Change in Classical Music

The MU and Association of British Orchestras (ABO) stand together against bullying, harassment, abuse and discrimination, and are working jointly to ensure the UK's orchestra sector has a bright future.

Mouth Health for Wind and Brass Players

Webinar recording with BAPAM which considers some of the wider factors that may affect the oral health of orchestral instrumental players

Taking Care of your Music Instruments

Advice on how musicians can keep their music instruments in good shape, transport efficiently and set up equipment.

Upcoming events

Last chance to book

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

25 Oct 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

stacked rocks on the shore against blue sky

04 Nov 2024

Guided Meditation

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

Online Member only

Last chance to book

Woman sat cross legged in yellow dungarees, smiling as she looks at an laptop on her knees.

06 Nov 2024

Freelancing for Creatives: Taxes and Finance

This online, three hour workshop, is aimed at people who work in the creative industries. It will be of particular interest to people who are either currently freelance or thinking of going freelance and is a safe space so that you can return your tax returns with confidence.

Online

See all events

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Use your voice

Popular searches

Orchestral Work

Advice, agreements and rates

Collective Agreements with Orchestras

Orchestras under ABO agreement

MU Promulgated Rates

Orchestral Touring Abroad

Orchestral Players Living with Covid-19

Orchestral Working Outdoors

Fair and Inclusive Orchestral Auditions

Member representation

MU Orchestra Stewards

Join the Freelance Orchestral Committee

Join the Orchestra Section

Latest news and features

Protect Welsh National Opera: Email Your Political Representatives for Support

MU Statement on Northern Ballet and Opera North Partnership

£1,000 Career Development Bursary for Artists from Under-Represented Communities

Welsh National Opera Orchestra Take Industrial Action Over Proposed Pay Cuts

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

Career in orchestra

How to Audition

MU and ABO Joint Statement on Culture Change in Classical Music

Mouth Health for Wind and Brass Players

Taking Care of your Music Instruments

Upcoming events

Last chance to book

Free Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) Birmingham

Last chance to book

Guided Meditation

Last chance to book

Freelancing for Creatives: Taxes and Finance