Orchestral Agreements and Rates of Pay

The MU negotiates and agrees salaries, rates of pay and conditions with all the major UK orchestras, engagers and organisations, as well as setting our own minimum rates and conditions.

Last updated: 08 November 2024

Types of rates

MU orchestral rates

Where an orchestra does not have a collective agreement with the MU and is not a member of the Association of British Orchestras (ABO), they will be directed to use the MU orchestral rates. We have MU minimum rates and conditions for both Orchestral Concerts and Opera and Ballet. These rates are reviewed each year by our Freelance Orchestral Committee.

View the MU Orchestral Rates

Orchestral collective agreements

These agreements are specific to each individual orchestra, and include details on rates of pay and other terms and conditions at that specific workplace. Some orchestras have two agreements, one for core members and one for extras and deputies.

View the list of orchestras that have collective agreements

Orchestras under the ABO/MU agreement

This agreement is for orchestras that are members of the ABO - Association of British Orchestras (the body for orchestral management) that do not have an individual collective agreement with the MU. Orchestras will fall under two different categories, Category 1 and Category 2 orchestras.

View the list of orchestras that work under the ABO/MU Agreement..

Working with non-professional music groups (Making Music)

For work with non-professional, or amateur music groups, the MU has an agreement with Making Music (the body for leisure time music groups). Where a non-professional music group is a member of Making Music, you can use these minimum rates as a starting point for negotiation.

View the Making Music Rates.

Other types of work

If your work falls outside of the standard orchestral format (for example, small ensemble playing or theatre work), then your work may come under our Live Engagement or Theatre Rates of Pay, this includes our Casual Stage Rates, Accompanist, and Organist Rates.

Whenever you are asked to be recorded, streamed or broadcast then your work may come under our Recording & Broadcasting rates of pay.

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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.

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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.

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