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

Orchestral Players Living with Covid-19

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

ABO

Orchestral Working Outdoors

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

Fair and Inclusive Orchestral Auditions

Member representation

MU Orchestra Stewards

The work of the Orchestra Stewards and the Roving Stewards is vital in representing you to your employer and is a prime example of a union run by members for its members.

Join the Freelance Orchestral Committee

If you are a freelance orchestral player wanting to take a more hands-on approach to the way your pay and terms are negotiated, join the FOC.

Get involved

Join the Orchestra Section

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

Latest news and features

The exterior of the Opera House in Buxton, Derybshire.

New Agreement between Buxton International Festival and the Musicians’ Union

We are delighted to announce a new agreement between the MU and Buxton International Festival (BIF), detailing how its musicians will work as well as the minimum fees they will be paid.

Published: 18 March 2025

STUC and Fellow Unions Launch Fair Work Survey for Creative Industries

In anticipation of the Scottish Government's commitment to becoming a Fair Work Nation by 2025, the STUC and its creative unions have created a survey to help campaign for fair work across the creative industries.

Published: 14 March 2025

Three violinists as part of a symphony orchestra.

Join Mass Demo to Protest Proposed Axing of Cardiff University’s School of Music

On Saturday 22 February, musicians, students and alumni will be gathering to publicly protest the proposed closure of Cardiff University's School of Music.

Published: 21 February 2025

A Welsh National Opera orchestra member holding a campaign placard at a demo.

MU Members at Welsh National Opera Renew Mandate for Industrial Action

MU members at WNO have voted to renew their mandate for industrial action.

Published: 15 January 2025

Northern Ballet orchestra musicians performing as part of a demo.

Northern Ballet: Update on Negotiations

Northern Ballet have decided not to extend our agreement with them under existing terms, meaning any work offered by them is currently under non-union terms.

Published: 09 January 2025

Read all orchestral news

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

21 Mar 2025

Feldenkrais: Move Better, Feel Better, Perform Better

Free up your playing and singing using the Feldenkrais method, a sensory-motor learning system which looks at our mind and body holistically.

Online Member only

Last chance to book

Stacked rocks on the shore against a clear blue sky.

24 Mar 2025

Guided Meditation

An extremely efficient and powerful meditation practice, based on Ascension meditation techniques that are tailored to help musicians both in their professional and personal lives.

Online Member only

Last chance to book

Woman smiling while looking at a laptop screen.

25 Mar 2025

RSM Social Networking

Meet colleagues from across the music profession for an informal gathering over Zoom.

Online

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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

Orchestral Players Living with Covid-19

Orchestral Working Outdoors

Fair and Inclusive Orchestral Auditions

Member representation

MU Orchestra Stewards

Join the Freelance Orchestral Committee

Join the Orchestra Section

Latest news and features

New Agreement between Buxton International Festival and the Musicians’ Union

STUC and Fellow Unions Launch Fair Work Survey for Creative Industries

Join Mass Demo to Protest Proposed Axing of Cardiff University’s School of Music

MU Members at Welsh National Opera Renew Mandate for Industrial Action

Northern Ballet: Update on Negotiations

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

Feldenkrais: Move Better, Feel Better, Perform Better

Last chance to book

Guided Meditation

Last chance to book

RSM Social Networking