skip to main content

Musicians’ Union Releases Practical GDPR Examples for Members

The Musicians’ Union (MU) have put together some practical examples of how the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) may impact musicians.

Published: 05 July 2018 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:29 PM

The Musicians’ Union (MU) have put together some practical examples of how the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) may impact on members.

GDPR came into force on 25 May 2018, changing the way that organisations are allowed to collect, hold and share information about individuals.

The new document sets out three case studies – the gigging musician, the music teacher and the crowd funded musician. It covers the basic issues that these separate examples may face.

Read the GDPR advice case studies.

Guidance from the MU

Earlier this year, the MU published guidance to the new data protection regulations, specifically advising musicians who teach.

On our GDPR advice page you can find out more about:

  • What GDPR is, and how it may affect you
  • The different data protection laws
  • Using and storing data safely and legally
  • Frequently asked questions about data protection.

Further resources

The TUC ran a webinar with advice on preparing for GDPR, which you can watch on youtube, as a replay on crowdcast, or by downloading the presentation slides as a PDF.

For more information on the regulations, there is an online guide to GDPR on the Information Commissioner Office’s website.

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

Close up of a large, red, closed theatre safety curtain, lit up by stage lights.

Right to Work Changes and Deputies: MU Seeking Urgent Legal Clarification

Concerns have been raised about how new Right to Work requirements could affect musicians who arrange deputies or substitutes to perform on their behalf. The MU is urgently investigating the implications and will provide further guidance as soon as possible.

Published: 18 September 2026

Read more about Right to Work Changes and Deputies: MU Seeking Urgent Legal Clarification
A birds eye view of an online music lesson. A person sits at a keyboard in front of a phone on a stand, and an open laptop.

Dr Anna Bull: Putting Young People’s Voices at the Heart of Music Education

Originally written for Music Teacher magazine, Dr Anna Bull explores why safeguarding is about more than policies and procedures, and how empowering young people to find their voice can help create safer music education, as set out in the MU’s Experiences of Harm and Risk in Music Education Guide.

Published: 17 September 2026

Read more about Dr Anna Bull: Putting Young People’s Voices at the Heart of Music Education
Shot from behind of someone in a cap sat working at a mixing desk in a recording studio.

Have Your say in UK Music’s 2026 Workforce Diversity Survey

UK Music is inviting people working across the music industry to take part in its Workforce Diversity Survey, which aims to identify where further improvements are needed and highlight where positive change is already taking place.

Published: 17 September 2026

Read more about Have Your say in UK Music’s 2026 Workforce Diversity Survey
Close up of someone composing. They are holding an acoustic guitar while sat in front of a computer screen and keyboard, whilst also writing notes on a tablet.

MU Welcomes BBC’s New Commissioning Guidelines for Media Composers

New commissioning guidelines developed by the MU, BBC, BBC Studios Music Publishing and The Ivors Academy will help media composers better understand the BBC's commissioning process, with clearer guidance on contracts, rights, pitching and the use of AI.

Published: 17 September 2026

Read more about MU Welcomes BBC’s New Commissioning Guidelines for Media Composers