IPA Agreement Updated: 09 February 2026 | 15:24 PM Agreement The agreement between the MU and IPA (Institute of Practitioners in Advertising) for recording session musicians. Rates of pay for session musicians effective from 1 February 2026 Recording session fees Number of musicians 1-34 musicians 35+ musicians Single medium only £161.92 £161.92 TV & Radio £191.72 £178.98 TV & Cinema £174.72 £163.31 TV & Radio & Cinema £207.40 £193.22 Ancillary use fees Number of musicians 1 to 10 11 to 20 21 to 34 35 or more Individual use fee £54.93 £51.65 £45.60 £41.04 All ancillary uses £162.09 £151.20 £141.40 £131.95 (See agreement for schedule of ancillary uses) Branded Communications fees Number of musicians 1 hour 2 hour 3 hour 1 to 10 £497.12 £639.16 £710.17 11 to 20 £447.37 £568.20 £681.75 21 to 34 £397.69 £497.12 £568.20 35 to 54 £319.58 £411.92 £461.61 55 or more £248.96 £319.58 £355.09 Additional fees Doubling Trebling Plus 25% of session fee plus 40% of session fee Overdubbing First overdub Each subsequent overdub Plus 125% of session fee plus 140% of session fee Porterage Category A £26.80 Category B £19.94 (cap £32.74) Category C £13.26 Category D By negotiation IPA / MU Agreement (0.10 MB) IPA / MU Consent Form (0.33 MB) IPA / MU Consent Form - Branded Comms (0.33 MB)
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. Read more about Royalty Distribution for Recordings
Collective Bargaining The MU negotiates collective bargaining agreements with broadcasters and umbrella organisations for other regular employers of session musicians. Read more about Collective Bargaining
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. Read more about Maximised Pay for Recording Musicians
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. Read more about Contract Advisory Service
Unpaid Fee Recovery We can help when you haven't been paid properly for your work. Read more about Unpaid Fee Recovery
Personal Injury Claims Legal benefits package for you and your family via Morrish Solicitors. Read more about Personal Injury Claims