Updated MU Subscription Rates for 2023 In order to continue providing members with the best possible service and benefits the MU Executive Committee has approved an increase to membership subscription fees to apply from 1 January 2023. Published: 14 December 2022 | 1:30 PM Updated: 16 December 2022 | 1:33 PM We are also focusing our efforts on ways to increase members’ income, through royalty distribution, unpaid fee recovery, and negotiating uplifts in pay. Photo credit: Shutterstock We appreciate this is a very difficult time for members and therefore the increase is significantly less than inflationary. We are also focusing our efforts on ways to increase members’ income, through royalty distribution, unpaid fee recovery, and negotiating uplifts in pay. Annual subscription rates will now be as follows: Standard membership – £239 (with political levy £243.78) Disabled musicians’ membership – £138.93 (with political levy £141.71) Joint (EIS, NEU, RCO, UCU) – £119.50 (with political levy £121.89) Joint (Ivors Academy) – £179.25 (with political levy £182.84) Student – £20 (with political levy £20.40) Retired – £138.93 (with political levy £141.71) Support for our members Following the Subscription Holiday and Hardship Fund support offered during the Covid-19 pandemic, members can still apply for Benevolent Fund and other financial assistance Our expert colleagues have collected over a £1 million in unpaid fees and royalties for members in 2022 so far We’re regularly updating our dedicated cost-of-living crisis guidance page The recent, very successful, Members’ Conference further highlighted the MU’s commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion Student membership remains £20 (annual) Please make the most of all our member-only benefits See all news
Discount for MU Members at Studio Forty Two in Edinburgh The MU has partnered with Studio Forty Two, a boutique recording facility in Edinburgh, to offer members discounted studio time. Published: 01 August 2026 Read more about Discount for MU Members at Studio Forty Two in Edinburgh
MU Concerned by New EU Customs Fees for Artists Selling Merchandise A new EU customs charge on low-value parcels is creating additional costs and administrative challenges for musicians selling merchandise directly to fans in Europe. The MU will work to ensure musicians affected by the new legislation are represented at a stakeholder consultation later this year. Published: 31 July 2026 Read more about MU Concerned by New EU Customs Fees for Artists Selling Merchandise
Spain-Gibraltar Border Changes: What the New Agreement Means for Musicians New arrangements between Gibraltar and Spain will remove routine border checks for people crossing by land. While the agreement does not change existing rights to work in Spain or the EU, any time spent in Gibraltar will count towards musicians’ 90-day allowance for the Schengen area. Published: 30 July 2026 Read more about Spain-Gibraltar Border Changes: What the New Agreement Means for Musicians
Music Qualifications Reform Debated in House of Lords Peers from across the political spectrum raised concerns about the Government’s proposed reforms to level 3 music qualifications, with ministers confirming that existing qualifications will remain in place until at least 2030 and announcing a new creative advisory board to help shape the reforms. Published: 28 July 2026 Read more about Music Qualifications Reform Debated in House of Lords
Three Things New Prime Minister Andy Burnham Could Do for Music and Musicians Now As new Prime Minister Andy Burnham takes office, here are three things he can do to support music and musicians right now. Published: 24 July 2026 Read more about Three Things New Prime Minister Andy Burnham Could Do for Music and Musicians Now