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

Orchestras Travel Sample Policy

A sample policy on how travel is treated in collective orchestral agreements and with the ABO.

ABO

Orchestral Working Outdoors

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

Orchestral Players Living with Covid-19

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

Fair and Inclusive Orchestral Auditions

Equity & inclusion

10-Point Action Plan

Inclusive Recruitment in UK Orchestras

Get involved in the project driving equity, inclusion and meaningful systematic change across the UK’s professional orchestral and choral sectors

Fair and Inclusive Orchestral Auditions

How to begin the work of creating a transparent and fair recruitment process in a workplace

MU and ABO Joint Statement on Culture Change in Classical Music

Standing together against bullying, harassment, abuse and discrimination, and are working jointly to ensure the UK's orchestra sector has a bright future

Member representation

MU Orchestra Stewards

MU Orchestra Stewards and the Roving Stewards represent you to your employer

Join the Freelance Orchestral Committee

Join the Committee to take a more hands-on approach to the way your pay and terms are negotiated

Join the Orchestra Section

Arts funding

Reverse the cuts, fund the arts

Arts Council England has made major cuts in public funding to arts organisations. The UK's music sector needs more investment to keep it world leading and protect the working people at its heart.

Play your part See all Campaigns

Latest news and features

Orchestra Accessibility Study Seeking Participants

Take part in a study by the University of Glasgow on the physical demands of playing in a professional orchestra, and how support can be improved for both disabled and non-disabled musicians.

Published: 13 November 2025

A man sat at a table with his laptop writing down notes on a notepad.

CULT Cymru Opens Applications for Coaching and Mentoring Course

Develop your leadership skills with CULT Cymru's coaching and mentoring programme for union members in the creative industries.

Published: 11 November 2025

An orchestra player from behind, in the pit, playing an instrument. They are wearing a white M U campaign t-shirt that says ‘Protect WNO’ in Welsh.

MU Orchestra Section Reaches 5,000 Members

The MU is delighted to share that our Orchestra Section now includes over 5,000 members, a powerful reflection of the dedication and collective effort of our members, stewards and representatives across the UK.

Published: 07 November 2025

Northern Ballet: Update for Members

An update regarding information circulating online about the BBC Concert Orchestra and Northern Ballet.

Published: 07 November 2025

Lisa and Naomi on the MU's stand at Labour Party Conference in 2024, they are against a black and yellow backdrop that says 'We are the MU' and 'We are Union strong'.

MU General Secretary Meets Culture Secretary to Discuss Arts Funding and AI

Naomi Pohl discussed the challenges facing musicians, including the impact of AI, funding shortfalls, and industry standards.

Published: 06 November 2025

Read all orchestral news

Upcoming events

Last chance to book

14 Nov 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

Stacked rocks on the shore against a clear blue sky.

17 Nov 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

21 Nov 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

See more events

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

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.

Cookies on Musicians' Union

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

Orchestras Travel Sample Policy

Orchestral Working Outdoors

Orchestral Players Living with Covid-19

Fair and Inclusive Orchestral Auditions

Equity & inclusion

Inclusive Recruitment in UK Orchestras

Fair and Inclusive Orchestral Auditions

MU and ABO Joint Statement on Culture Change in Classical Music

Member representation

MU Orchestra Stewards

Join the Freelance Orchestral Committee

Join the Orchestra Section

Reverse the cuts, fund the arts

Latest news and features

Orchestra Accessibility Study Seeking Participants

CULT Cymru Opens Applications for Coaching and Mentoring Course

MU Orchestra Section Reaches 5,000 Members

Northern Ballet: Update for Members

MU General Secretary Meets Culture Secretary to Discuss Arts Funding and AI

Upcoming events

Last chance to book

Feldenkrais: Move Better, Feel Better, Perform Better

Last chance to book

Guided Meditation

Last chance to book

Feldenkrais: Move Better, Feel Better, Perform Better

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