skip to main content

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

MU Evolves its Copyright Registration Service

After member feedback and as part of our commitment to the climate, we’re no longer issuing CDs. Instead, we’re offering sound advice on how members can best protect themselves.

Published: 16 February 2022 | 2:58 PM Updated: 17 March 2022 | 10:29 AM
Close up of pile of CDs, showing rainbow colours in the refraction of the light.
After member feedback and as part of commitment to the climate, we’re no longer issuing CDs. Image credit: Shutterstock.

MU Head of Membership, Wasim Yunus says:

"This is another important step forward in putting into practice our Environmental Policy, and in our commitment to becoming a sustainable, environmentally friendly organisation our members can be proud of."

FAQs about the change

Why have you taken this decision?

After listening to members’ feedback, and bearing in mind our environmental policy, the Executive Committee at their February 2022 meeting endorsed the proposal to stop issuing CDs.

This is our second major action following the phasing out membership cards, and we’re proud to be actively working to reduce our members carbon footprint.

We all have an obligation to the environment so, like organisations in all sectors, we’re also supporting sustainability and limiting our impact on the climate by working towards becoming a zero-plastic organisation as soon as possible.

Don’t you send out CDs anymore?

No. Instead we’ll guide and advise our members on how they protect themselves by keeping our guidance relevant and external links up to date.

When does change take effect?

Immediately. We want to lead the way in becoming a sustainable, environmentally friendly organisation our members can be proud of.

What will happen to the CD I’ve already sent to you?

For those members who’ve sent us CDs before the decision was taken by the EC, rest assured they’re stored securely. We’ll keep them for however long record retention requires us to.

How can I protect my work?

We have lots of useful information on our website. A good starting point is our Copyright Advice for Songwriters and Composers page.

You can also contact us if you believe your copyright has been infringed. You may be eligible for legal advice or assistance.

 

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