Orchestral Work

Whether you work as a full time or freelance orchestral musician, the MU is here to help. We have a dedicated team, as well as elected MU Orchestral Stewards and dedicated MU Orchestra Section Committees for employed and freelance orchestra members.

Advice, agreements and rates

Collective Agreements with Orchestras

Our agreements cover the salaries, rates of pay, and terms and conditions for employed and freelance orchestral musicians.

Orchestras under ABO agreement

Rates and terms and conditions agreed with the Association of British Orchestras.

MU Promulgated Rates

We set our own rates for musicians working at orchestral concerts, opera and ballet.

Orchestral Touring Abroad

Orchestras Travel Sample Policy

A sample policy on how travel is treated in collective orchestral agreements and with the ABO.

ABO

Orchestral Working Outdoors

Practical aspects and health and safety considerations when working outside, or at a large venue concert

Orchestral Players Living with Covid-19

Health and safety and risk assessment guidance for orchestral players living with Covid-19

Fair and Inclusive Orchestral Auditions

Equity & inclusion

10-Point Action Plan

Inclusive Recruitment in UK Orchestras

Get involved in the project driving equity, inclusion and meaningful systematic change across the UK’s professional orchestral and choral sectors

Fair and Inclusive Orchestral Auditions

How to begin the work of creating a transparent and fair recruitment process in a workplace

MU and ABO Joint Statement on Culture Change in Classical Music

Standing together against bullying, harassment, abuse and discrimination, and are working jointly to ensure the UK's orchestra sector has a bright future

Member representation

MU Orchestra Stewards

MU Orchestra Stewards and the Roving Stewards represent you to your employer

Join the Freelance Orchestral Committee

Join the Committee to take a more hands-on approach to the way your pay and terms are negotiated

Join the Orchestra Section

Arts funding

Reverse the cuts, fund the arts

Arts Council England has made major cuts in public funding to arts organisations. The UK's music sector needs more investment to keep it world leading and protect the working people at its heart.

Play your part See all Campaigns

Latest news and features

A closeup of two violinists playing as part of an orchestra.

MU, BLiM and ABO Launch Year Two of Inclusive Recruitment Plan for UK Orchestras and Choirs

The MU has partnered with BLiM and ABO to launch the second year of the Hiring and Recruitment 10 Point Action Plan. The plan aims to drive change for more inclusive recruitment across the UK’s professional orchestral and choral sectors.

Published: 01 September 2025

Five orchestra members sat at a bus stop with ‘Keep Northern Ballet Live’ t-shirts and wearing Shakepeare masks as part of our demo in May last year.

TUC Shares Solidarity with Musicians at Northern Ballet

Trades Union Congress (TUC) Regional Secretary Dave Pike has shared a video message in support of musicians affected by ongoing issues at Northern Ballet.

Published: 15 August 2025

Musicians playing string instruments as part of BBC Symphony Orchestra.

BBC Performing Groups Become First Regional Contract Orchestras to Achieve Tutti Salary of Over £40k

Following the acceptance of a recent pay offer, the BBC Performing Groups will be the first regional contract orchestras to achieve a Tutti salary of over £40k.

Published: 11 August 2025

Alex on stage speaking to delegates in front of a microphone.

MU Delegate Conference 2025 is Underway in Liverpool

Violinist and Chair of the Executive Committee, Alex Gascoine, opens MU Delegate Conference 2025.

Published: 22 July 2025

A student in a classroom playing violin as part of a music workshop.

MU Launches Survey to Negotiate Rates for Orchestral Education Work

Take part in the survey for Orchestral members delivering education, learning and participation work for orchestras under the Association of British Orchestras (ABO)/MU agreement.

Published: 27 May 2025

Read all orchestral news

As an orchestral musician you know that for any problems or injuries, the MU is there to give you a helping hand or advice.
Maxine Kwok-AdamsFirst violin with the LSO

Career in orchestra

How to Audition

Be prepared for your audition and know what to expect for the best chance of success

MU and ABO Joint Statement on Culture Change in Classical Music

The MU and Association of British Orchestras (ABO) stand together against bullying, harassment, abuse and discrimination, and are working jointly to ensure the UK's orchestra sector has a bright future.

Mouth Health for Wind and Brass Players

Webinar recording with BAPAM which considers some of the wider factors that may affect the oral health of orchestral instrumental players

Taking Care of your Music Instruments

Advice on how musicians can keep their music instruments in good shape, transport efficiently and set up equipment.

Upcoming events

Last chance to book

16 Sep 2025

Creative Industries Safety Passport

An online, one-day, fully certified health and safety course for those in the creative sector. Open to members in Wales.

Online

Last chance to book

16 Sep 2025

Scotland and Northern Ireland AGM 2025

Regional AGMs are your opportunity to make things happen.

Glasgow and online

Last chance to book

Young male musician performing in their home studio, playing keyboard in front of a mic and computer.

17 Sep 2025

Self-Releasing Music Webinar

An online, two-hour practical session for members in Wales on how to self-release your own music.

Online

See more events

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Popular searches

Orchestral Work

Advice, agreements and rates

Collective Agreements with Orchestras

Orchestras under ABO agreement

MU Promulgated Rates

Orchestral Touring Abroad

Orchestras Travel Sample Policy

Orchestral Working Outdoors

Orchestral Players Living with Covid-19

Fair and Inclusive Orchestral Auditions

Equity & inclusion

Inclusive Recruitment in UK Orchestras

Fair and Inclusive Orchestral Auditions

MU and ABO Joint Statement on Culture Change in Classical Music

Member representation

MU Orchestra Stewards

Join the Freelance Orchestral Committee

Join the Orchestra Section

Reverse the cuts, fund the arts

Latest news and features

MU, BLiM and ABO Launch Year Two of Inclusive Recruitment Plan for UK Orchestras and Choirs

TUC Shares Solidarity with Musicians at Northern Ballet

BBC Performing Groups Become First Regional Contract Orchestras to Achieve Tutti Salary of Over £40k

MU Delegate Conference 2025 is Underway in Liverpool

MU Launches Survey to Negotiate Rates for Orchestral Education Work

Career in orchestra

How to Audition

MU and ABO Joint Statement on Culture Change in Classical Music

Mouth Health for Wind and Brass Players

Taking Care of your Music Instruments

Upcoming events

Last chance to book

Creative Industries Safety Passport

Last chance to book

Scotland and Northern Ireland AGM 2025

Last chance to book

Self-Releasing Music Webinar