Recording and Broadcasting

The MU looks after music recording and broadcasting rights when you do any recording work – from regular sessions to home recording.

Guidance

Working as a Recording Session Musician

Advice for musicians who are employed to record music for media projects and who are paid by the session.

Working as a Recording Artist

What you need to know while working as a recording artist.

Royalties from Recordings

Guidance on earning revenue from sound recordings, including MU distributed royalties.

Copyright for Performers in a Sound Recording

Everything you need to know about copyright and performers' rights when recording your work.

Recording Work during Covid-19

Everything you need to know when recording music during Coronavirus pandemic.

Rate guidance

Remote Recording Session Work

Resources

Rates of pay

Collective Agreements and Rates

Look up rates, terms and conditions from with the BBC, ITV, IPA, PACT and BPI and other agreements negotiated for recording session musicians.

MU standard templates

Contracts for Session Recording Work

Use a template that suits you best.

Specimen Sync Licences

MU template licences for TV, film and advertising

Approved Contractors

Approved Contractors/Fixers who have entered into an agreement with the MU.

Career as a recording musician

Quick tips

5 Things You Need to Know for Your DIY Music Release

Essential tips on how to protect your rights and make money from your music from the very beginning.

Member-only event

How to be Release Ready with PRS

Learn how record labels and music publishers make their money and how independent artists can do the same.

Career advice

Starting Out as a Session Musician

Explore the world of the session musician, from starting out to getting paid.

Member benefits and services

Royalty Distribution for Recordings

The MU Royalties department collects between £1.5 million to £2 million a year for musicians for the secondary and further use of recordings.

Collective Bargaining

The MU negotiates collective bargaining agreements with broadcasters and umbrella organisations for other regular employers of session musicians.

Maximised Pay for Recording Musicians

Our aim is to maximise the pay and employment of UK session musicians, and to collect every secondary use fee they are due.

Contract Advisory Service

If you're a member, the MU can help you make sure the contract you sign is fair and includes all necessary clauses.

Unpaid Fee Recovery

We can help when you haven't been paid properly for your work.

Personal Injury Claims

Legal benefits package for you and your family via Morrish Solicitors.

Latest news and features

Person sat in front of an open laptop wearing headphones and programming music.

MU to Host Sustainable Careers Roundtable at Sensoria Pro in Sheffield

The MU are hosting a roundtable discussion, ‘The Long Play: Building a Sustainable Career in Music’, at Sensoria Pro — a conference exploring innovation across music and the moving image — in Sheffield on Friday 23 October. Members can also receive a 25% discount on tickets.

Published: 15 October 2026

Hands typing on a laptop with multicoloured graphics of binary code and connected fibres over the top of the image.

MU Welcomes Liverpool City Region Music Board’s New AI Principles

The Musicians’ Union has welcomed the launch of new AI Principles from the Liverpool City Region Music Board, helping to establish a clear and creator focused framework for the responsible use of AI across the region's music sector.

Published: 06 October 2026

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

A person sitting at a digital audio workstation in a recording studio.

New MU Member Discount at HQ Recording Studio in Leicester

MU members can now access a 10% discount at HQ Recording Studio in Leicester. Find out about the studio space, the services provided, and how to book a session.

Published: 01 October 2026

Naomi Pohl giving speech at the Labour Partty Conference 2026

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl Spotlights Jobs for Young Musicians at Labour Party Conference 2026

In a speech to Labour Conference, MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl raised the need for opportunity, jobs and career progression for young musicians.

Published: 28 September 2026

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