Cost of Living Crisis

The UK cost of living crisis is a major concern for us all. That’s why we’ve put together advice on how to get help, and how you can use your MU membership to save money. We can't predict when the cost of living crisis will end, but we're here to help in the meantime.

Make the most of your MU membership

Recover your unpaid fees

We help our members to get what they deserve. Make sure you're paid throughout the cost of living crisis.

Get royalties from your recordings

The MU collects close to £2 million a year for musicians for the secondary and further use of recordings. Check if you are owed royalties.

Create your professional profile

Help others find your services, by updating your musician's profile on our searchable directory.

Get financial support

No one knows how long the cost of living crisis will last. From parental grants, to the Benevolent Fund, you can get help when you're in need.

Stay protected with insurance

Check what cover and discounts you're entitled to through your MU membership.

Use discounts and special offers

Discover what discounts are available to you now and make the most of them.

Guidance and advice

Information, Support & Help Resources

Resources on government support, and practical advice from organisations and businesses to help you save money, boost your income and more.

Get paid fairly

Always check what you should be paid for your work. The MU's Rates of Pay provide a trusted source for recommended or agreed minimum rates for all musicians.

Be smart about your taxes

Through the latest cost of living crisis, check our advice on how to make the most out of your taxes and self-assessment.

Find job opportunities

Check job adverts on the websites of trusted organisations and companies. It's still possible to find a new role despite the cost-of-living crisis.

Look for opportunities to fund your music business

Discover our list of useful organisations that can help fund your music business.

Take care of your health and wellbeing

Browse the resources aimed at musicians dealing with stress and anxiety.

Recording royalties

Over £1.4m distributed in royalties in 2022

The MU licenses performances of non-featured artists on commercial recordings and makes monthly distributions to musicians. If you're aware of any commercial audio performance you took part in as a session player that's being used on TV, film, or in advertising, contact us. Amid the cost of living crisis in the UK, it's crucial to get what you're entitled to.

Royalties distributed by the MU

Join the MU

Join the MU for £1, get six months free

Reduced membership rate for disabled musicians

woman giving a vocal lesson to a young man

Partner rates for EIS, Ivors Academy, NEU, RCO, UCU members

Just £20 per year for student members

Explore all membership rates

Get a membership that suits your budget

MU membership is essential to your work as a musician, especially during the cost of living crisis. Explore the different membership rates we offer and make it work within your budget.

Explore membership rates

Manage your membership payment frequency via monthly or quarterly Direct Debit schedule
Explore lower membership rates for students, members from partner organisations, disabled musicians, and new members
Use our exclusive member services to support you through the UK cost of living crisis beyond 2022

Topical stories

Read all news

Find a Fair Play Venue

Village Underground

A medium-sized venue which prides itself on programming artists from around the world and across different genres.

London

Troubadour

A historic, intimate venue offering emerging musicians a chance to showcase their burgeoning talent.

London

Trinity Bar

Live music venue and late night bar in Harrow, North West London. Welcoming live music of any genre.

London

Trades Club

200 capacity socialist members cooperative, club, bar and music venue.

Hebden Bridge

Tower of Song

An artist-run venue with music to suit all tastes and each night of the week has a different theme.

Birmingham

Toulouse Lautrec

Small to medium sized venue consisting of two music rooms with a piano bar for jazz soloists and duos.

London

Thekla

A medium city centre venue that was once a cargo ship with live music and club nights throughout the week.

Bristol

The Windmill

An independent live music venue which aims to put on quality live music seven nights a week.

London

Can a UBI keep music live?

The idea of a universal basic income has been around for centuries. Now, the MU and many others believe its time has come.

Join the conversation See all Campaigns

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Use your voice

Popular searches

Cost of Living Crisis

Make the most of your MU membership

Recover your unpaid fees

Get royalties from your recordings

Create your professional profile

Get financial support

Stay protected with insurance

Use discounts and special offers

Guidance and advice

Information, Support & Help Resources

Get paid fairly

Be smart about your taxes

Find job opportunities

Look for opportunities to fund your music business

Take care of your health and wellbeing

Over £1.4m distributed in royalties in 2022

Join the MU

Join the MU for £1, get six months free

Reduced membership rate for disabled musicians

Partner rates for EIS, Ivors Academy, NEU, RCO, UCU members

Just £20 per year for student members

Get a membership that suits your budget

Topical stories

Subsidised Rates Increase for MU/UK Theatre

Future of Music Education Hubs Clarified by Arts Council England

Resources for National Stress Awareness Week

Music Teaching Holiday Pay Guidance Updated

Basic Income Pilot for Musicians, Artists and Creative Arts Workers Launches in Ireland

TUC launches £15 National Minimum Wage Campaign

Find a Fair Play Venue

Village Underground

Troubadour

Trinity Bar

Trades Club

Tower of Song

Toulouse Lautrec

Thekla

The Windmill

Can a UBI keep music live?