skip to main content

Join The MU’s Recording & Broadcasting Roadshow This Summer

There will be events across the country where you can find out all you need to know about getting paid as a recording musician, with some dates also open to non members and plus ones.

Published: 01 June 2023 | 1:17 PM
Close up of hands on a mixing desk.
There will be plenty of opportunities to ask questions on the day and speak to the team one-to-one. Image credit: Shutterstock.

This summer the MU’s Recording & Broadcasting team will be crossing the country hosting events to discuss everything you need to know about working as a recording musician, and how to earn a living doing so.

At each event the team will be on hand to help you to understand your rights as a musician, including delving into all things copyright, and knowing how to protect them. There will be a full deep dive into contracts, agreements, and the problem of so-called ‘buyouts’, with the aim to equip and empower you with the knowledge that could earn you royalties for a lifetime.

They'll also discuss MU royalties, the different licensing agreements the MU maintains and the differences and synergies between these and the work of PPL and PRS. Bringing awareness of MU royalties will be key to ensuring you have all the tools and knowledge you need to work as a musician full time.

What you can expect on the day

The MU’s specialist team will go through:

  • Types of sessions
  • Protecting your rights
  • Release forms
  • Understanding royalties
  • Getting paid

There will also be plenty of opportunities to ask questions on the day and speak to the team one-to-one.

Where you can join the roadshow

Simply click on the date you’d like to attend and the link will take you to the event page for more information and how to book your place.

The team will also be bringing the roadshow to the following locations later in the year. We'll send more information to members about how to book a place in due course:

  • Bristol (as part of the MU’s Annual General Meeting) - Saturday 23 September
  • Northern Ireland (as part of the ‘Sound of Belfast’ festival) - Wednesday 15 November.

Get support as a recording musician through MU membership

At the MU we negotiate agreements with major broadcasters, film producers and record companies for session musicians. We advise session musicians on pay and contractual issues, career in recording, income from royalties and more.

Our member services for recording musicians

Explore all membership benefits

Get support as a recording musician through MU membership

Continue reading

Open hands holding a paper chain of connected people, one is in a wheelchair, representing unity and equality.

New Report by Radical Body Highlights Barriers Facing Disabled Arts Workers

A new research project drawing on the experiences of more than 250 disabled creatives highlights ongoing access barriers in the arts sector. In response, Radical Body has also launched a micro-grant scheme for disabled artists who struggle to leave their homes, applications close 20 April.

Published: 09 April 2026

Read more about New Report by Radical Body Highlights Barriers Facing Disabled Arts Workers
Tom standing in front of the door to Lio London cabaret (formerly the Café de Paris), in October, 2024.

Tribute to Thomas William O’Connor (Tommy/Tom)

Tom O’Connor, a talented drummer who performed in the West End, on multiple cruise ships and even at Queen Elizabeth’s garden party, passed away at the age of 89 in March 2026. He was a lifelong member of the Musicians’ Union for 68 years, having joined in 1958.

Published: 09 April 2026

Read more about Tribute to Thomas William O’Connor (Tommy/Tom)
Diljeet, sat on stage with the panellists, speaking into a microphone.

Challenging Stereotypes in the Music Industry: MU Panel at Launchpad 2026

At the 2026 Launchpad Conference in Leeds, the MU’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Dr Diljeet Bhachu, led a candid panel with Northern artists exploring identity, representation and the experiences of Global Majority and marginalised musicians in the UK music industry.

Published: 08 April 2026

Read more about Challenging Stereotypes in the Music Industry: MU Panel at Launchpad 2026