skip to main content

Join For a Pound Scheme Extended to Graduate Members

Student members of the MU can now renew their membership after graduation for £1 and get their first six-months for free.

Published: 18 June 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:31 PM
Photograph of a happy graduate making rock star hand gestures
Members paying a student rate can renew their membership for £1 after graduating.

The ‘Join For a Pound’ scheme – which we launched in January 2019 – allows those who have not previously been members of the MU to join the union for £1 and get their first six-months of membership for free.

The idea behind the scheme is to allow potential members to experience the benefits of union membership at a discounted rate.

This scheme has now been extended so that student members can renew their membership for £1 after graduating, and receive six-months of free membership.

You’ll continue to have access to a wide-range of membership benefits that include:

  • Instrument and personal liability insurance
  • Copyright and property rights protections
  • Expert career and business advice
  • Subsidised hearing assessment and protection
  • Entry to training courses, workshops and events across the country (or events being held online during social-distancing measures)
  • Legal advice and assistance

Student members will be given the option to take up the £1 offer on their first membership renewel after graduation.

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

Naomi sat on stage with Allistair Elliott (Canada) and Juho Viljanen (Finland) during the panel event.

MU General Secretary Opens FIM International Freelance Conference 2026

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl opened the FIM International Freelance Conference in Brighton, hosted by the Musicians' Union, welcoming delegates from around the world and highlighting the opportunities and challenges facing freelance musicians today.

Published: 22 October 2026

Read more about MU General Secretary Opens FIM International Freelance Conference 2026
Person playing acoustic guitar next to a small baby who is smiling.

MU Extends Parental Grant Application Period to 12 Months

The MU Executive Committee has agreed to extend the application period for the parental grant from six months to 12 months following the birth or adoption of a child, making it easier for members to access support when they need it.

Published: 22 October 2026

Read more about MU Extends Parental Grant Application Period to 12 Months
Illustration of a yellow lightbulb with a green leaf inside representing ideas, against a turquoise grey background.

Writing for Change: How Songs Can Inspire Climate Action

Can music help tackle the climate crisis? Chris Hutchings, composer and MU Climate Emergency Action Group member, explores how songs can inspire action, build community and help people realise they're part of a much wider movement for change.

Published: 19 October 2026

Read more about Writing for Change: How Songs Can Inspire Climate Action
Close up of person holding a pen and paper over a keyboard.

Have Your Say on Streaming: DCMS Launches Survey for Songwriters

If you have attended a songwriting session for a major label since September 2025, the DCMS wants to hear from you. Your feedback will help evaluate measures introduced following the UK streaming inquiry and strengthen the case for fair pay for music creators.

Published: 15 October 2026

Read more about Have Your Say on Streaming: DCMS Launches Survey for Songwriters