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

Sample Policy

Orchestras Travel Policy

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

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

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 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

Shakespeare themed campaign placards saying

Northern Ballet and MU Continue Orchestra Contract Negotiations

An update for members regarding ongoing contract negotiations for orchestral musicians at Northern Ballet, following the company’s decision to use non-Union agreements for some performances.

Published: 15 May 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

Woman smiling while looking at a laptop screen.

28 Aug 2025

RSM Social Networking

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

Online

Last chance to book

Stacked rocks on the shore against a clear blue sky.

01 Sep 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

Upcoming

08 Sep 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

Cookies on Musicians' Union

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 Policy

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

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 is Underway in Liverpool

MU Launches Survey to Negotiate Rates for Orchestral Education Work

Northern Ballet and MU Continue Orchestra Contract 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

RSM Social Networking

Last chance to book

Guided Meditation

Upcoming

Guided Meditation