Help Centre

My MU is a self-service section of the website for members. Here you can manage all your membership-related information, including communication preferences, contact details, subscription, and download your PLI certificate.

Log in to access My MU.

Click ‘log in’ in the top right of the MU website or go to theMU.org/login

If you’ve forgotten your password, click on the word ‘reset’ below the yellow ‘Sign in’ button. A reset email will be sent to you, so please check your junk/spam folders.

Important

• Your username will be in the reset email. This must be used when logging back in after the reset because it must match the username on your membership, otherwise it won’t work
• The reset password link only works once (per email)
• Please make sure you’re using clear any cache/autofill so the web browser forgets anything that isn’t correct, such as an old password

This might occur if you’re browsing using a private or incognito internet browser. Open the MU website in a non-private browser to reset your password. Make sure to click the reset link from your email in a non-private window too.

You can also try clearing your cache and internet history before retrying.

If the above doesn’t work, you can email the membership team – membership@theMU.org – or call them on 0207 840 5570. They’re available 10am – 5.30pm Monday to Friday.

You can change your contact details and other information by logging into My MU, and selecting ‘Personal details’.

Names can’t be changed online. To change your name, please send the legal document that confirms this to the membership team by email – membership@theMU.org

Photos won’t be accepted.

If your membership is at the annual renewal stage, then you can add a recurring card or direct debit by logging into My MU and selecting the ‘Payment and subscriptions'.

Membership is an annual commitment regardless of the category, so members can only decide to switch categories or cancel their membership at their annual renewal. 

To ensure that either a switch or a cancellation can be actioned, you must inform the MU in writing before your annual renewal date. The easiest way to do so is by emailing membership@theMU.org.

If you inform us after your annual renewal date has passed, we can only set your switch or cancellation to the following annual renewal date.

Because you shouldn’t have to navigate the music industry alone.

The MU exists to protect, support and empower musicians — whether you're freelance, employed, self-employed, just starting out, or decades into your career.

Here’s what makes MU membership worth it:

🎵 We’ve got your back

If something goes wrong — a late payment, an unfair dismissal, a bad contract, or a workplace issue — we’re here to help. You’ll get:

• Legal advice and representation
• Contract checking and dispute resolution
• Public liability insurance (essential for gigging and teaching)
• Personalised support from experts who understand the industry

💬 You’re never alone

We’re a community of over 36,000 musicians. As a member, you’ll have access to:

• Specialist networks (e.g. for disabled members, women, music teachers)
• Regional offices and staff who know your area
• Peer support and solidarity

📢 You have a voice

The MU is a trade union — not just a service provider. That means:

• You help shape our policy through democratic decision-making
• We negotiate with employers, broadcasters and government on your behalf
• We fight for fair pay, better funding, and a more inclusive industry

💰 You’ll get practical benefits too

• Access to exclusive rates, discounts and deals
• Help applying for grants and funding
• A range of insurances
• Career development tools and advice

MU membership isn’t just a subscription — it’s your safety net, your union, and your collective power.
 If you work as a musician in any capacity, we’re here for you.

 Learn more about MU membership benefits.

Think of us as your professional safety net and support network. As a member, you’ll get

• £10m public liability insurance
• £1m professional indemnity insurance
• £3,000 instrument and equipment insurance
• £125,000 tax investigation insurance
• campaigning and lobbying for a fairer music industry
• career development
• contract advisory service
• grants and financial support
• hearing health scheme
• legal advice and assistance
• mental health support via external organisations
• MU pension scheme
• partnership advisory service (for bands)
• personal accident cover
• personal injury claim service
• rates of pay and agreements
• royalties collection and distribution
• specialist healthcare via BAPAM
• tax advice and guidance
• unpaid fee recovery service
• visa and work permit advice
• workplace rights and legislation

Musicians from all walks of life can join the MU, whether you are starting to pursue your career in music, occasionally playing music on streets or in pubs, or are employed as a musician. Most of our members combine various jobs and professions.

Absolutely. You don’t need to be a performer to join. Our Education Section is open to all music teachers, and we offer a joint membership with the NEU for those who need both.

The MU is a trade union, which means we’re not just a service provider,  we’re a member-led organisation with legal standing to negotiate directly with employers, fight for industry-wide change, and protect working rights across the board.

Here’s how we’re different

When you join the MU, you’re not just buying benefits, you’re becoming part of a powerful, democratic movement of musicians working together to change the industry for the better.

We support members one-to-one, and we stand together to make big changes happen.

You can find out more about all MU membership categories, the relevant eligibility criteria, and payment options, by clicking on the yellow box of the membership category you’re interested in on this page - theMU.org/join

Alternatively, you can call the membership team on 0207 840 5570.

Important

All memberships are an annual commitment regardless of payment frequency. Members can decide to switch categories or cancel their membership at their annual renewal. Benefits and services are only available after the first instalment payment of a membership subscription has been taken successfully.

For pre-existing issues, we may be able to advise if it's music related but not assist.

You can take advantage of the 'Join for a Pound' scheme if you:

• Have never been a member before OR
• Paid a student rate last time you were a member OR
• Haven't been a member for the last five years

Our scheme allows you to pay £1 for the first six months of an annual membership. After your first six months, you will be charged by direct debit at the regular monthly cost for your remaining six months. The direct debit will automatically renew at the end of the year and you will pay the full rate thereafter.

Learn more about the scheme to join

Yes. That’s why we offer reduced-rate memberships for students and recent graduates, disabled musicians, concessionary and free membership for long serving members, and members of partner organisations – EIS, Ivors Academy, NEU, RCO, and UCU.

Members of partner organisations

Once an application is made to us for joint membership, we contact the corresponding organisation to confirm membership on their side before verifying it. If the applicant is already on a discounted rate, then they’re not eligible for a discount with the MU too.

As all memberships are an annual commitment, you have the following payment options, which will vary depending on the membership category: 

• Annual, quarterly, or monthly Direct Debit 
• Full annual payment by card 
• Hybrid payment – first subscription instalment by card and the remaining by Direct Debit 
• Recurring card payment – this will be taken automatically at your annual renewal 

You have two options to become a member instantly: 

1. Card or recurring card payment – pay your full annual subscription by card. You can also choose a recurring payment to avoid having to remember to renew.
2. Hybrid payment – pay your first subscription instalment by card and the remaining by Direct Debit.

A Direct Debit can take up to three weeks to set up. Your membership, including benefits and services, will only become active after your first instalment payment has been taken successfully. You’ll receive an email of your payment schedule when you complete the joining process

All memberships are an annual commitment regardless of payment frequency or method. Members can decide to switch categories or cancel their membership at their annual renewal.

If you want to end your membership, you must let us know in writing by emailing membership@theMU.org

As a trade union, the MU operates similarly to a not-for-profit organisation. Your annual membership fee directly funds the wide range of benefits and services we provide to members — including legal advice, contract support, career guidance, campaigning, and more. Without this income, we wouldn’t be able to offer the level of support and advocacy that helps protect and advance musicians’ rights and working conditions.

The MU represents musicians from all areas of the music industry. While many musicians take on other professional roles, the MU supports members specifically in their capacity as working musicians. Our membership includes:

•  Employed and freelance musicians
•  Orchestral players, studio musicians, live performers
•  Composers, songwriters, and music educators
•  Artists at every stage — from emerging talent to internationally recognised names.

Whether you’re performing in a stadium, teaching in a classroom, or recording in a studio, the MU is here to support you. Our Officials are available to assist members working as musicians both in the UK and abroad, across all genres and disciplines.

The MU is committed to protecting the rights of all musicians, regardless of sex, ethnicity, sexuality, or disability. Our services and benefits are inclusive and non-discriminatory — and we actively support members who experience discrimination based on any protected characteristic.

We are here to champion equality, challenge injustice, and support those most vulnerable in the industry. Whether through legal support, campaigning, or representation, the MU stands firmly for fairness and diversity across all areas of music.

No, you are legally protected from discrimination for being a member of a trade union. In fact, MU membership often benefits both musicians and employers.

Our relationship with employers is rooted in constructive dialogue and negotiation, helping to improve working conditions, clarify expectations, and ensure fair pay and contracts. Many employers value the professionalism that comes with MU membership, including access to expert advice on contracts, pay, and workplace terms.

The MU holds collective agreements with organisations across the UK music industry, including UK Theatre, orchestras, broadcasting companies and other major employers. These agreements support fair working conditions and help employers budget accurately, confident that fair terms are in place.

By joining the Musicians’ Union, you demonstrate that you are informed, supported, and committed to high professional standards — strengthening your position wherever you work.

The MU’s Education team supports thousands of music educators—our second-largest membership group. Whether you teach in schools, work privately, or freelance, we’re here to help.

As a member, you’ll get:

• Workplace representation and support in workplaces such as schools
• Career advice on topics such as working at home, teaching online, setting up your own teaching business
• Joint membership subscription rate with our partner unions: the National Education Union, Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) or University and College Union (UCU)
• Contract and employment advice
• Safeguarding guidance and resources
• Access to enhanced disclosure checks
• Guidance on music teaching rates and fees
• Advice on topics such as copyright tailored for music teachers’ needs
• Professional indemnity insurance

Your regional/devolved nation team is always your first point of contact for all enquiries relating to your work as a musician. If you’re unsure, please email membership@theMU.org and we can forward your query to the correct office.

Start by writing down what’s happening — dates, people involved, and how it's affecting you. Then contact your MU Regional Office as soon as you can. You don’t have to face it alone.

We’ll listen, advise on your rights, and help you decide what action to take — from informal support to full representation. Our team handles everything from bullying to unsafe conditions and unfair dismissal.

We provide musicians with valuable networking opportunities through events, seminars, and workshops. However, the MU is not an agency or a substitute for personal management. We do not directly represent or promote individual members, but we empower you with the tools, knowledge, and connections to advance your career.

Our Find a Musician online facility helps members promote their work via online profile if they choose to.

Yes. You have a legal right to be accompanied by a union representative at any formal disciplinary or grievance meeting.

If you’ve been invited to a meeting like this, contact the MU as soon as possible. Our expert Officials can advise you on your rights, help you prepare, and attend the meeting with you where appropriate.

You may also be invited to an investigation meeting before a disciplinary takes place. Although there is no automatic right to representation at this stage, we strongly recommend getting in touch with us. What happens in an investigation can affect any later procedure, and many employers will agree to a union rep attending as an observer to help ensure fairness.

The MU is here to support and represent its members throughout the process.

Whether you’re gigging, recording, composing or teaching professionally, we publish rates of pay you should expect to receive when you work across different sectors.

In many cases we regularly negotiate these rates of pay and other terms and conditions of employment directly with an employer (such as the BBC or an individual orchestra) or an employers’ association (such as UK Theatre or the BPI). In this case the rates we publish are the minimum you should expect to receive.

Where we don’t have an agreement in place with an employer or employers’ association, we will publish a non-negotiated (promulgated) rate based on consultation with our members working in the relevant sector. In this case, our published rates are more advisory to assist with negotiations.

Check our latest negotiated and promulgated rates or contact us for tailored advice when you’re a member. We’re always happy to check contracts or fee offers with you.

The Musicians’ Union has long-standing agreements with a number of engagers, employers and employers’ associations across the music industry which set out the terms and conditions under which they will engage our members, including minimum rates of pay.

We regularly renegotiate the terms of these agreements, attempting to increase minimum rates of pay on behalf of members, to ensure they keep pace with cost-of-living increases and accurately reflect the reality of working in the relevant sector. Following negotiation, we regularly ballot our members working under the agreement to ensure they are satisfied with the outcome.

If we don’t have an agreement in place, we publish non-negotiated (promulgated) rates of pay. The structure of these rates is usually long-standing, with the rates themselves being updated annually after taking advice from our committee members who work in the relevant sector, taking into account market rates, cost of living and other relevant factors.

All rates, whether negotiated and balloted upon or promulgated, are presented to our Executive Committee for their endorsement before they are published.

View our current rates of pay for musicians

Trade unions like ours have a democratic structure and decisions like these are made by members elected to committees. We have specialist Sections for different industry areas that act like networks, and members can sign up to them.

Each Section, or network, has a Committee which provides experience and intelligence on what’s going on in the industry. They advise us on what the rates should be, and the rates are then confirmed by the Executive Committee, a democratically elected group of members that governs the work of the Union.

It's easy to get involved in the MU's five industry Sections, be part of a network of musicians and have a say on the big issues affecting you. Find out more and get involved.

Yes, the Musicians’ Union can support you if you haven’t been paid for a gig, cancelled performance, or other engagement.

If you have a contract, written confirmation, or clear details of the booking, your chances of recovering unpaid fees are significantly stronger.

We can advise you on unpaid or cancelled gigs and, in most cases, will contact the engager or promoter on your behalf to pursue missing payments. Where there is a written agreement or supporting documentation, we can also provide legal assistance to help you take further action if necessary.

Members should contact their Regional Office for guidance. Our team will talk you through the process and provide practical advice to give you the best chance of success.

Find out more about our unpaid fee recovery service for members.

Start by checking your contract or any written agreement. If something isn’t being honoured — whether it’s pay, working hours, or anything else — please contact us.

We’ll look into it and guide you through your options. In many cases, we can resolve issues quickly and informally. Where needed, we’ll escalate on your behalf.

The Musicians’ Union offers access to a variety of essential musicians' insurance policies.

MU membership includes comprehensive public liability insurance up to £10 million, covering you for accidents or damage during musical activities. This protects you when teaching, performing, or rehearsing.

We also support our members with access to professional indemnity insurance which is essential for teaching work, and personal accident cover.

We understand that your musical instruments are valuable in more than one way. Protect your career and your assets with our musical instrument and equipment insurance.

Need more details? Check your member benefits, our insurances page or email membership@themu.org.

Each musician needs their own MU membership for individual insurance coverage and access to other membership benefits. Band equipment may need separate coverage. Contact us to discuss the best protection for your group.

We understand that your musical instruments are valuable in more than one way. With MU membership you can get insured against loss, damage or theft up to £3,000 with our musical instrument and equipment insurance.

You must register with Hencilla Canworth to be covered. If you don’t register, you’re not covered.

MU members may be able to claim financial benefits in the event of an accident at work through our Personal Accident Cover scheme. Find out more and contact the MU if unsure.

Yes, this cover is automatically activated for all current members. Find out more about PLI cover and download the PLI certificate via My MU.

As a current member you can download a personal copy of your Public Liability Certificate at any time. Just login to My MU and select download your PLI whenever you need to.

Each insurance cover is subject to Terms and Conditions, so members are advised to check the latest policy wording for the specific cover or contact us.

Our musical instrument insurance provides cover worldwide, provided you are a UK resident. Find out more under Territorial Limits in the musical insurance policy.

Professional indemnity insurance protects teaching musicians against claims of professional negligence and covers legal costs and compensation if needed. MU membership includes this automatically.

If you have not been paid for a performance, the Musicians’ Union can help you pursue unpaid fees and take steps toward legal recovery where appropriate.

Having a written contract, booking confirmation, or clear evidence of the agreement will significantly strengthen your case. Our team can advise you on your rights and, in most cases, will contact the engager or promoter on your behalf to request payment.

Where suitable documentation exists, the MU may also be able to support you with legal assistance to pursue the matter through the courts if required.

If you need help, please contact your Regional Office. Our experts will guide you through the process and advise on the best steps to recover your unpaid fees.

Learn more about our unpaid fee recovery support for MU members.

Yes. We've developed specific contract templates for different types of work as a musician. These include contracts for live performance work, commissioning, songwriting, teaching, session recordings and more. View our contract templates for freelance work.

For example, for teachers, we provide six contract templates for teaching in schools, privately, or online—fully compliant with consumer law.

We also provide contract advice to musicians who are MU members.

Employment status comes with its own responsibilities and rights. This is why it's essential to know what your employment status is when you take on work as a musician. We advise our members on their employment status and provide advice.

Our guide, Employment Status for Instrumental and Vocal Teachers, helps you understand your rights, challenge unfair contracts, and protect your professional standing.

Absolutely. Whether you’re freelance, employed, or somewhere in between — we’re here for you. We support self-employed musicians with:

• Contract and invoice disputes
• Payment delays or non-payment
• Health & safety concerns on the job
• Legal support and negotiation advice

Don’t hesitate to ask — we’ll guide you through it.

We provide guidance on copyright, performers' rights and moral rights for musicians, and regularly hold members' events with experts on the topic.

We offer tailored advice for employed and self-employed teachers on using, arranging, and protecting music.

Explore copyright guidance

If you collect student data, you’re likely a data controller under UK GDPR. Our guidance helps you stay compliant.

👉 Read about GDPR for teachers

Disclosure checks help ensure safe working with children and vulnerable adults. MU members can apply for checks relevant to teaching and music therapy roles.

The MU is a powerful voice for musicians in the UK and beyond. We are highly active in Parliament and across Europe, lobbying for policies that protect and promote musicians’ rights. Our advocacy has led to significant changes, such as:

•  The Live Music Act, which made it easier for small venues to host live performances.
•  The Term Extension Directive, which extended performers’ copyright from 50 to 70 years.
•  COVID-19 financial support, where our lobbying helped secure vital aid for self-employed musicians.

We regularly engage with over 70 MPs and Lords from all political parties, ensuring that musicians’ concerns are heard and debated in both Houses of Parliament.

MU members have many opportunities to get involved and shape the future of the Union:

•  Regional Committees: Engage with your local community and raise issues that matter to you
•  Sections and Equalities Committees: Join groups focused on specific areas of industry and equality matters
•  Executive Committee: Stand for election to help steer the Union’s direction at the highest level
•  Biennial Conference: Represent your views and vote on key policies that affect all members.
•  You can also support our campaigns — such as Fix Streaming — which rely on the passion and participation of our members. Whether it’s spreading the word, attending events, or volunteering, your voice makes a difference.
• Contact your Regional Office to learn how you can get more involved in your area.