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

Electric keyboard and microphone in foreground, with small choir group out of focus in the background.

MU Joins Calls for ‘Voice’ to be Eligible Instrument Under Orchestra Tax Relief to Enable Choirs to Benefit

Major music sector organisations, networks and individuals are calling for ‘voice’ to be added to the eligible instruments, so that choirs can claim Orchestra Tax Relief.

Published: 24 April 2024

Exterior of the Wales Millennium Centre Cardiff, where the Welsh National Opera is based.

MU Responds to Welsh National Opera Cuts

Musicians' Union members in the orchestra of Welsh National Opera (WNO) are facing a reduction in working weeks, equating to a 15% pay cut as a result of a funding shortfall for the company.

Published: 28 March 2024

Magnifying glass over a light bulb icon on a wooden block, with yellow background.

MU Experts Delve into Labour’s New ‘Access to Arts’ Plan

In this special feature, some of the key departments at the Musicians’ Union respond to Labour’s new report on supporting the creative industries, explaining how these plans may affect our members and their careers.

Published: 19 March 2024

An almost silhouette of a women from behind in front of a stage in the spotlight.

Gabriella Di Laccio and the Donne Foundation: Championing Women in Music

This Women’s History Month we share a powerful guest blog from an award-winning soprano, recording artist, public speaker, curator and activist. Meet Gabriella Di Laccio, the unstoppable force behind Donne, Women in Music - a charitable foundation which is breaking records and influencing change.

Published: 14 March 2024

Back view of conductor directing a symphony orchestra on stage.

MU Welcomes Budget Tax Relief for Theatres and Orchestras

After sustained lobbying from the MU, UK Music and other unions, the Chancellor today announced a permanent increase in the rate of tax relief for orchestras and theatres.

Published: 06 March 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

stacked rocks on the shore against blue sky

29 Apr 2024

Guided Meditation

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

Online Member only

Last chance to book

Black and white image of a musician from behind, looking at a computer screen while they compose electronic music in a studio.

29 Apr 2024

MU x Ivors Academy Panel: Fair Score Specimen Agreement Launch

Join the MU and Ivors Academy for a free, online panel discussion aimed at all media composers, to launch our new Fair Score Specimen TV Commissioning Agreement.

Online

Upcoming

05 May 2024

The Genius of John Bonham: Percussion Masterclass With Matt Green

Learn about the four major drum grooves used by the legendary drummer for Led Zeppelin, John Bonham, at this in-person masterclass from the Palace Drum Clinic.

Derby

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 Joins Calls for ‘Voice’ to be Eligible Instrument Under Orchestra Tax Relief to Enable Choirs to Benefit

MU Responds to Welsh National Opera Cuts

MU Experts Delve into Labour’s New ‘Access to Arts’ Plan

Gabriella Di Laccio and the Donne Foundation: Championing Women in Music

MU Welcomes Budget Tax Relief for Theatres and Orchestras

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

Guided Meditation

Last chance to book

MU x Ivors Academy Panel: Fair Score Specimen Agreement Launch

Upcoming

The Genius of John Bonham: Percussion Masterclass With Matt Green