skip to main content
Search

Due to the ongoing global Microsoft outage, we are currently unable to send or receive emails. If your enquiry is urgent, please call us Contact

BBC News reports on low pay for orchestral players

Musicians' Union (MU) research shows almost half of the UK’s orchestral musicians do not earn enough to live on, despite the extraordinary role that orchestras play in people’s daily lives.

Published: 03 May 2018 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:29 PM

Musicians' Union (MU) research shows almost half of the UK’s orchestral musicians do not earn enough to live on, despite the extraordinary role that orchestras play in people’s daily lives.
Screenshot from BBC News interview with Naomi Pohl

BBC News’ Lizo Mzimba reported on the MU's research looking at low pay for orchestral players. She talked to musicians Jemma Freestone and Nigel Charman about life as an orchestral player.

Watch the full report online.

“Even if you're not a classical music fan, you probably interact with orchestras more than you realise. Watching your favourite TV programme or film, or playing your favourite video game - orchestral musicians are on those soundtracks."

- Naomi Pohl, MU Assistant General Secretary

That’s why we’re launching The Musician Behind the Moment, our new campaign to show the true value of the UK’s orchestral musicians.

Four inspiring musicians share their most poignant career moments – from Maxine performing on the Star Wars soundtracks to Michael making music with the elderly.

Explore Baluji, Maxine, Claire and Michael’s moments.

Share a moment you’ve been a part of on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram using #MUmoment.

See all news

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

The UK flag waving in the wind next to the European Union flag, outside the Houses of Parliament.

Culture Industry Leaders Urge Andy Burnham and EU Leaders to Use Key Summit to Break Deadlock Over Touring UK and Europe

More than 300 music, live performance and cultural organisations across the UK and EU have written to Prime Minister Andy Burnham and EU leaders calling on them to use a key summit to break the deadlock over touring the UK and European Union.

Published: 13 November 2026

Read more about Culture Industry Leaders Urge Andy Burnham and EU Leaders to Use Key Summit to Break Deadlock Over Touring UK and Europe
Large, glass curved exterior of the BBC building HQ. its logo is on the front in white.

Email Your MP: Back Workers, Back the BBC!

The BBC is the single biggest employer and engager of MU members in the UK. Invite your MP to our drop-in event in Parliament to learn more and show their support for the BBC's music future!

Published: 11 November 2026

Read more about Email Your MP: Back Workers, Back the BBC!
Musician playing acoustic guitar, facing the setting sun and a crowd, performing at a festival. Flags and fairy lights are out of focus in the background.

UK Artist Touring Fund Announces Second Phase Artists

The UK Artist Touring Fund (UKAT) has announced the 49 artists receiving support in its latest funding round, following the expansion of the scheme to help more UK artists navigate the ongoing cost-of-touring crisis.

Published: 06 November 2026

Read more about UK Artist Touring Fund Announces Second Phase Artists
All news and features