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: 07 November 2025 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. View the Live Engagement Rates of Pay. View the Theatre Rates of Pay. Whenever you are asked to be recorded, streamed or broadcast then your work may come under our Recording & Broadcasting rates of pay. Latest news and features MU General Secretary Meets Culture Secretary to Discuss Arts Funding and AI Naomi Pohl discussed the challenges facing musicians, including the impact of AI, funding shortfalls, and industry standards. Published: 06 November 2025 Read more about MU General Secretary Meets Culture Secretary to Discuss Arts Funding and AI How Collective Action can Strengthen Connections with Colleagues - and Management Welsh National Opera’s Llinos Owen shares her experiences campaigning to protect the orchestra – and how it’s strengthened her connection to both the company and the MU. Published: 22 October 2025 Read more about How Collective Action can Strengthen Connections with Colleagues - and Management David Rimbault: What Inclusive Orchestras Could Be - And Why We Must Get There Ahead of our October drop-in sessions for members interested in exploring the 10-Point Plan for inclusive recruitment in orchestras, RLPO violinist and MU steward David Rimbault shares his personal reflections on why the sector must act now to remain relevant to both musicians and audiences alike. Published: 30 September 2025 Read more about David Rimbault: What Inclusive Orchestras Could Be - And Why We Must Get There The MU Welcomes Two New Stewards for BBC Singers and Freelancers These new appointments mark a significant step in strengthening support for both BBC Singers and freelance choral musicians, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights protected. Published: 25 September 2025 Read more about The MU Welcomes Two New Stewards for BBC Singers and Freelancers MU, BLiM and ABO Launch Year Two of Inclusive Recruitment Plan for UK Orchestras and Choirs The MU has partnered with BLiM and ABO to launch the second year of the Hiring and Recruitment 10 Point Action Plan. The plan aims to drive change for more inclusive recruitment across the UK’s professional orchestral and choral sectors. Published: 01 September 2025 Read more about MU, BLiM and ABO Launch Year Two of Inclusive Recruitment Plan for UK Orchestras and Choirs Read more Member representation MU Orchestra Stewards MU Orchestra Stewards and the Roving Stewards represent you to your employer Read more about MU Orchestra Stewards Join the Freelance Orchestral Committee Join the Committee to take a more hands-on approach to the way your pay and terms are negotiated Read more about Join the Freelance Orchestral Committee Join the Orchestra Section Sign up to orchestral news and receive ballots to be able to have your say in decisions that affect your way of working Read more about Join the Orchestra Section Join the MU Join the MU for £1, get six months free Read more about Join the MU for £1, get six months free Reduced membership rate for disabled musicians Read more about Reduced membership rate for disabled musicians Partner rates for EIS, Ivors Academy, NEU, RCO, UCU members Read more about Partner rates for EIS, Ivors Academy, NEU, RCO, UCU members Just £24 per year for student members Read more about Just £24 per year for student members Join now Contact the Musicians' Union today The MU has a network of experienced teams available to help musicians in all areas of the industry. 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MU General Secretary Meets Culture Secretary to Discuss Arts Funding and AI Naomi Pohl discussed the challenges facing musicians, including the impact of AI, funding shortfalls, and industry standards. Published: 06 November 2025 Read more about MU General Secretary Meets Culture Secretary to Discuss Arts Funding and AI
How Collective Action can Strengthen Connections with Colleagues - and Management Welsh National Opera’s Llinos Owen shares her experiences campaigning to protect the orchestra – and how it’s strengthened her connection to both the company and the MU. Published: 22 October 2025 Read more about How Collective Action can Strengthen Connections with Colleagues - and Management
David Rimbault: What Inclusive Orchestras Could Be - And Why We Must Get There Ahead of our October drop-in sessions for members interested in exploring the 10-Point Plan for inclusive recruitment in orchestras, RLPO violinist and MU steward David Rimbault shares his personal reflections on why the sector must act now to remain relevant to both musicians and audiences alike. Published: 30 September 2025 Read more about David Rimbault: What Inclusive Orchestras Could Be - And Why We Must Get There
The MU Welcomes Two New Stewards for BBC Singers and Freelancers These new appointments mark a significant step in strengthening support for both BBC Singers and freelance choral musicians, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights protected. Published: 25 September 2025 Read more about The MU Welcomes Two New Stewards for BBC Singers and Freelancers
MU, BLiM and ABO Launch Year Two of Inclusive Recruitment Plan for UK Orchestras and Choirs The MU has partnered with BLiM and ABO to launch the second year of the Hiring and Recruitment 10 Point Action Plan. The plan aims to drive change for more inclusive recruitment across the UK’s professional orchestral and choral sectors. Published: 01 September 2025 Read more about MU, BLiM and ABO Launch Year Two of Inclusive Recruitment Plan for UK Orchestras and Choirs
MU Orchestra Stewards MU Orchestra Stewards and the Roving Stewards represent you to your employer Read more about MU Orchestra Stewards
Join the Freelance Orchestral Committee Join the Committee to take a more hands-on approach to the way your pay and terms are negotiated Read more about Join the Freelance Orchestral Committee
Join the Orchestra Section Sign up to orchestral news and receive ballots to be able to have your say in decisions that affect your way of working Read more about Join the Orchestra Section
Reduced membership rate for disabled musicians Read more about Reduced membership rate for disabled musicians
Partner rates for EIS, Ivors Academy, NEU, RCO, UCU members Read more about Partner rates for EIS, Ivors Academy, NEU, RCO, UCU members