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Guidance for music writers

Commissioned Work

Commissioned Work

Fee guidelines for live commissions and recorded media commissions, and standard commissioning contracts for your use.

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Royalties

How unpublished composers and songwriters can receive fees and royalties from the use of their works.

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Copyright

A guide to UK copyright law, proving and protecting your songwriting or composition copyright.

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Career as a composer

Event recording

Copyright for Songwriters and Composers Webinar

Catch up on our webinar with CMU’s Chris Cooke, exploring copyright, royalties, performers’ rights and what songwriters and composers need to know to protect their work and income. Available to members only – My MU login required.

Read more about Copyright for Songwriters and Composers Webinar
Insights

Composing 101

Media composers Andrea Posse, Victoria Wijeratne, Marie-Anne Fischer, and Roma Yagnik discuss the creative challenges and rewards of their craft.

Read more about Composing 101

What the MU does for composers and songwriters

The Musicians' Union represents composers and songwriters, with a dedicated section for music writers. Here’s how we can support you, from copyright law and royalty payments to template contracts and advice on rates of pay.

Member services

All composer resources

The world of music can be a complicated and daunting place at times. The contract advice service is so incredibly valuable, and I am so grateful that the MU are there to support people like me.

Luke GittinsIndependent singer-songwriter
Steve Sidwell

I feel good about our Union and think they’ve worked hard during lockdown to encourage and help their members. They’re a good bunch with a wealth of experience.

Steve SidwellRenowned arranger and composer

Latest news and features

Person in shadow holding a pen and paper over a keyboard.

CMU x MU: Copyright for Songwriters and Composers Webinar

Catch up on our webinar with CMU’s Chris Cooke, exploring copyright, royalties, performers’ rights and what songwriters and composers need to know to protect their work and income. Available to members only – My MU login required.

Published: 06 October 2026

Member only Read more about CMU x MU: Copyright for Songwriters and Composers Webinar
Close up of someone composing. They are holding an acoustic guitar while sat in front of a computer screen and keyboard, whilst also writing notes on a tablet.

MU Welcomes BBC’s New Commissioning Guidelines for Media Composers

New commissioning guidelines developed by the MU, BBC, BBC Studios Music Publishing and The Ivors Academy will help media composers better understand the BBC's commissioning process, with clearer guidance on contracts, rights, pitching and the use of AI.

Published: 17 September 2026

Read more about MU Welcomes BBC’s New Commissioning Guidelines for Media Composers
A rock musician performing with a microphone on an orange-lit stage with smoke in the air.

Arts Council England Launches New Music Creators Growth Fund

Experienced artists and music creators can apply for grants of £10,000 to £20,000 to support career development, touring and international opportunities. Applications open on 1 October 2026, with guidance webinars available to attend throughout September and October.

Published: 11 September 2026

Read more about Arts Council England Launches New Music Creators Growth Fund
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#FairScore

Calling all media composers

Get a fair share of the value you create. Back the Fair Score campaign.

Find out more See all Campaigns
Calling all media composers