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

Silhouette of an orchestra on a white background.

David Rimbault: What Inclusive Orchestras Could Be - And Why We Must Get There

Ahead of our October drop-in sessions for members interested in exploring the 10-Point Plan for inclusive recruitment in orchestras, RLPO violinist and MU steward David Rimbault shares his personal reflections on why the sector must act now to remain relevant to both musicians and audiences alike.

Published: 30 September 2025

Professional singers rehearsing on stage holding sheet music.

The MU Welcomes Two New Stewards for BBC Singers and Freelancers

These new appointments mark a significant step in strengthening support for both BBC Singers and freelance choral musicians, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights protected.

Published: 25 September 2025

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

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

Young woman on director's chair on stage, in front of empty theatre seats.

08 Oct 2025

Ladies of the Stave: Networking Session For Female Musicians

A free networking event to support female musicians and musical directors in theatre, hosted by Nimax Theatres and supported by the MU.

London

Last chance to book

Two people in the background of a recording studio, writing something on a clipboard, a mic with a pop shield is in the foreground.

08 Oct 2025

How to Register Your Repertoire With PPL

This informative one-hour webinar will explain how to correctly register your music with PPL to ensure you receive the royalties you're entitled to. Open to members in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Online

Last chance to book

Graphic with copyright icon and music notes

09 Oct 2025

Legal Webinar – Copyright Update

Explore the basics of copyright law and current issues such as artificial intelligence in this webinar with Scottish law firm Harper Macleod. Available to members in Scotland.

Online (Zoom)

See more events

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Use your voice

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

David Rimbault: What Inclusive Orchestras Could Be - And Why We Must Get There

The MU Welcomes Two New Stewards for BBC Singers and Freelancers

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

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

Ladies of the Stave: Networking Session For Female Musicians

Last chance to book

How to Register Your Repertoire With PPL

Last chance to book

Legal Webinar – Copyright Update