skip to main content

We’ve Launched a New Partnership With the Royal College of Organists

Together with the Royal College of Organists (RCO), we’ve announced a new partnership to deliver services and support for organists and choral directors.

Published: 02 June 2021 | 12:39 PM
Photograph of the inside of a large pipe organ.
“Through this partnership with the RCO we’ll help organists and choral directors pursue their passions,” Photo credit: Shutterstock

The partnership will see us working together with the RCO on new and existing services, creating an integrated package of support covering everything from learning and accreditation to career development, legal advice, financial matters, and more.

The new arrangement includes a joint membership offer through which full members of the RCO can join the MU with a 50% discount on the annual subscription.

Supporting organists and choral directors to fulfil their professional potential

RCO Chief Executive Sir Andrew Parmley said:

“When the Royal College of Organists was founded in 1864 it was for the purpose of elevating and advancing the professional status of organists. It is very much in that spirit that we are excited to be entering into partnership with the Musician’s Union.

“The working life of organists and choral directors takes many forms: it can be full-time, part-time or occasional; it can be as cathedral organists, directors of music, parish organists, music teachers, recitalists, and so much more.

“By entering this partnership with the MU we are creating a single offer to give all our members the complete range of services and support that they might need to fulfil their professional potential.”

Strengthening our partnership

MU General Secretary Horace Trubridge said: “We’re proud of the MU’s collaborative spirit, and its mission to support musicians across the UK’s varied musical landscape.

“For over 128 years we’ve stood behind musicians and that’s why through this partnership with the RCO we’ll help organists and choral directors pursue their passions with a peace of mind that only MU membership gives.

“To ensure their professional growth Joint Members will have access to our numerous benefits including legal and financial advice, a vast network of musicians, and of course public liability insurance. Moreover, we look forward to strengthening our partnership with the RCO.”

Find out more about joining our different joint membership schemes.

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 person holding a pen and paper over a keyboard.

Have Your Say on Streaming: DCMS Launches Survey for Songwriters

If you have attended a songwriting session for a major label since September 2025, the DCMS wants to hear from you. Your feedback will help evaluate measures introduced following the UK streaming inquiry and strengthen the case for fair pay for music creators.

Published: 15 October 2026

Read more about Have Your Say on Streaming: DCMS Launches Survey for Songwriters
Person sat in front of an open laptop wearing headphones and programming music.

MU to Host Sustainable Careers Roundtable at Sensoria Pro in Sheffield

The MU are hosting a roundtable discussion, ‘The Long Play: Building a Sustainable Career in Music’, at Sensoria Pro — a conference exploring innovation across music and the moving image — in Sheffield on Friday 23 October. Members can also receive a 25% discount on tickets.

Published: 15 October 2026

Read more about MU to Host Sustainable Careers Roundtable at Sensoria Pro in Sheffield
Six women on stage in front of an audience. Behind them is a screen saying

‘Measuring Minutes’: Taking Stock of Representation in Global Orchestral Programming with Donne Women in Music

Donne Women in Music’s latest report reveals how underrepresented composers receive a smaller share of orchestral programme time than their share of programmed works, highlighting persistent inequalities in global repertoire.

Published: 14 October 2026

Read more about ‘Measuring Minutes’: Taking Stock of Representation in Global Orchestral Programming with Donne Women in Music
Poppy and her band at the poolside performing live. People are in the water, in rings and inflatables watching. Banners and balloons are behind the band.

Making Waves: Creating Your Own Opportunities as an Independent Musician

After turning a love of swimming into a fully funded EP, music video and poolside live show, young musician and Wales & South West England Regional Committee member Poppy Rose reflects on the value of backing yourself, embracing niche ideas and making opportunities happen on your own terms.

Published: 14 October 2026

Read more about Making Waves: Creating Your Own Opportunities as an Independent Musician