skip to main content

Safety Advice for Musicians Taking Part in Recording Sessions

We’ve published some studio safety advice for recording session musicians taking part in recording sessions during Covid-19.

Published: 26 May 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:30 PM
Photograph of a recording studio panel with an unattended microphone resting on it.
It’s likely that re-opened recording studios will present quite different working environments than they did the last time musicians inhabited them. Photo credit: Shutterstock

With the Government announcing a gradual reduction of lockdown conditions, it is likely that recording studios will soon be open for business again. Whilst this is welcome news for the music economy and for the livelihoods of many of our members, it does present some significant health and safety concerns.

It’s likely that re-opened recording studios will present quite different working environments than they did the last time musicians inhabited them, so we’ve collated some advice for members on the safety measures that should be in place to protect them from infection, and the new procedures they might be asked to adhere to under current Government guidance to keep everyone within the studio environment safe.

We have also provided essential advice on safe travel to and from the studio, food, hygiene, studio layouts and insurance.

We hope the advice will prepare members for expected new ways of working and enable them to make an informed decision on whether they feel safe to return to the studio yet.

Read our guidance on attending recording sessions during the outbreak.

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

People marching across a village with thatched roofs, holding hand made union banners.

Celebrate Union Pride with the MU at Tolpuddle 2025

Members are invited to join us at this year’s Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival - the biggest celebration of the trade union movement in the Southwest - taking place 18 to 20 July in the beautiful Dorset village of Tolpuddle.

Published: 13 June 2025

Read more about Celebrate Union Pride with the MU at Tolpuddle 2025
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves on stage making a speech at the Labour Party Conference in 2023.

Increased Money for the Creative Industries in Government Spending Review

Yesterday Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves set out her Comprehensive Spending Review. Having lobbied the Government for additional money for music, it was positive to see the Government announce a "significant increase in funding for the creative industries" as a key “growth sector".

Published: 12 June 2025

Read more about Increased Money for the Creative Industries in Government Spending Review
Last year's parade, hundreds of people walking down the narrow historic main street, holding large colourful banners and balloons.

March With the MU at Durham Miners’ Gala 2025

Members are invited to join us on Saturday 12 July for the Durham Miners’ Gala – the world’s biggest celebration of trade union values, community spirit, and working-class life.

Published: 12 June 2025

Read more about March With the MU at Durham Miners’ Gala 2025