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Guidance for music writers

Commissioned Work

Commissioned Work

Fee guidelines for live commissions and recorded media commissions, and standard commissioning contracts for your use.

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Royalties

How unpublished composers and songwriters can receive fees and royalties from the use of their works.

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Copyright

A guide to UK copyright law, proving and protecting your songwriting or composition copyright.

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Career as a composer

Insights

Composing 101

Media composers Andrea Posse, Victoria Wijeratne, Marie-Anne Fischer, and Roma Yagnik discuss the creative challenges and rewards of their craft.

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What the MU does for composers and songwriters

The Musicians' Union represents composers and songwriters, with a dedicated section for music writers. Here’s how we can support you, from copyright law and royalty payments to template contracts and advice on rates of pay.

Member services

All composer resources

The world of music can be a complicated and daunting place at times. The contract advice service is so incredibly valuable, and I am so grateful that the MU are there to support people like me.

Luke GittinsIndependent singer-songwriter
Steve Sidwell

I feel good about our Union and think they’ve worked hard during lockdown to encourage and help their members. They’re a good bunch with a wealth of experience.

Steve SidwellRenowned arranger and composer

Latest news and features

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Protect Creative Work: AI Petition Passes 10,000 Signatures

The Creators’ Rights Alliance (CRA) has passed 10,000 signatures on its petition calling for greater transparency around copyrighted works used to train generative AI. The MU, a CRA member, fully supports the campaign, which is now aiming for 100,000 signatures.

Published: 28 August 2026

Read more about Protect Creative Work: AI Petition Passes 10,000 Signatures
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Beyond Copyright: Do Musicians Need Personality Rights in the UK?

AI-generated voices, deepfakes and digital replicas are creating new challenges for musicians. Dr Hayleigh Bosher examines why existing UK copyright law may not be enough, and how personality rights could give creators greater control over their image and voice.

Published: 20 July 2026

Read more about Beyond Copyright: Do Musicians Need Personality Rights in the UK?
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#FairScore

Calling all media composers

Get a fair share of the value you create. Back the Fair Score campaign.

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Calling all media composers