skip to main content
Search

Guidance for music writers

Commissioned Work

Commissioned Work

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

Read more about Commissioned Work

Royalties

How unpublished composers and songwriters can receive fees and royalties from the use of their works.

Read more about Royalties

Copyright

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

Read more about Copyright

Career as a composer

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

Outstretched human hand holding the graphic of a blue brain in it's palm. AI concept.

Creatives Sign Statement Calling for Consent and Fair Payment Where Works are Used to Train Generative AI

Over 10,500 creatives have signed a statement to artificial intelligence (AI) companies, calling for explicit creator consent and fair remuneration when training generative AI systems. Umbrella body UK Music, of which the MU is a founding member, has also signed.

Published: 23 October 2024

Read more about Creatives Sign Statement Calling for Consent and Fair Payment Where Works are Used to Train Generative AI
Silhouette of a rap artist performing on stage against a bright blue lights.

A Personal Journey Through Hip-Hop: From Cyphers to Social Impact

Xidus Pain is a renowned rap artist and influential music educator. In this personal blog to celebrate Black History Month 2024, he discusses what the genre means to him and how it has shaped both his own personal journey and musical career.

Published: 01 October 2024

Read more about A Personal Journey Through Hip-Hop: From Cyphers to Social Impact
See all music writers' news
#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