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

Members of the WNO orchestra stood outside the Wales Millennium Centre at a leafleting demo event in June. One person is holding a megaphone.

MU Urges Arts Council of Wales to Use Additional £1.5m Funding to Protect Welsh National Opera

We welcome the acknowledgement of the crisis facing Welsh arts organisations, and urge Arts Council of Wales to use the additional funding to protect full-time performing jobs at Welsh National Opera.

Published: 13 September 2024

TUC Backs Union Call for Increased Arts Funding as Part of Plans for Economic Growth

Working people from across the union movement have backed the MU’s call for increased arts funding to protect jobs and access to world class art for everyone.

Published: 13 September 2024

MU Gravely Concerned by Closure of Scotland’s Vital Arts Fund

We are deeply concerned to learn that Creative Scotland has closed the Open Fund for Individuals due to the Scottish Government budget cuts.

Published: 21 August 2024

MU Joins Call for Urgent Action to Address the Decimation of Welsh Arts and Culture

Creative unions, including the MU, have written to the new First Minister of Wales expressing deep concern regarding the current and future state of the arts in Wales, calling for more cultural funding across the Country.

Published: 08 August 2024

A MU Wales Official holding a sign and handing out flyers to a man and his young baby during a demo outside of The Wales Millennium Centre in June.

Union Members Vote Yes to Potential Strike Action at Welsh National Opera

Welsh National Opera’s orchestra have voted overwhelmingly in favour of potential strike action, in response to proposals that would reduce the employment of the orchestra from a full-time to 85% contract, along with a 15% pay cut.

Published: 17 July 2024

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

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

Upcoming events

Last chance to book

A tiny guitar amp sits on sand with the sun setting behind it.

12 Aug 2024

Free Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) Birmingham

This is an opportunity to ensure that your equipment is safe and you are able to provide assurances for your insurance, venues and bookers. Available for all MU Midlands members.

Birmingham Member only

Last chance to book

stacked rocks on the shore against blue sky

16 Sep 2024

Guided Meditation

An extremely efficient and powerful meditation practice, based on Ascension meditation techniques.

Online Member only

Last chance to book

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

18 Sep 2024

Ladies of the Stave: Networking Session For Female Musicians

A free networking event for female musicians, hosted by Nimax Theatres and supported by the MU.

London

See all 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

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

MU Urges Arts Council of Wales to Use Additional £1.5m Funding to Protect Welsh National Opera

TUC Backs Union Call for Increased Arts Funding as Part of Plans for Economic Growth

MU Gravely Concerned by Closure of Scotland’s Vital Arts Fund

MU Joins Call for Urgent Action to Address the Decimation of Welsh Arts and Culture

Union Members Vote Yes to Potential Strike Action at Welsh National Opera

Career in orchestra

How to Audition

Mouth Health for Wind and Brass Players

Taking Care of your Music Instruments

Upcoming events

Last chance to book

Free Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) Birmingham

Last chance to book

Guided Meditation

Last chance to book

Ladies of the Stave: Networking Session For Female Musicians