Young Musicians

New and emerging artists face many challenges starting out in the music industry. Some are specific to musicians, and others are shared with young workers across the UK.

The MU’s work with young musicians covers both, highlighting union advice, creating resources for young members, and working with young people across the trade union movement to challenge inequality and injustice at work.

#KeepMusicLive

Can a UBI keep music live?

The idea of a universal basic income has been around for centuries. Now, the MU and many others believe its time has come.

Join the conversation See all Campaigns

Career advice

MU Rates

Union rates of pay for gigs, residencies, orchestras, session players, and teaching work.

Your rights at work

Workplace rights explained, from employment rights to sexual harassment and discrimination.

Working in the EU post Brexit

Information and resources on travelling to Europe for work.

Protecting your mental health

Mental health and wellbeing resources for musicians, and specialist sources of support.

Trade union support wherever you work as a musician

Explore all the benefits and services included in your MU membership.

Campaign news

Sunrise winter sky in Birmingham city centre, showing close up of the Bullring.

Important Advice for Buskers in the Midlands Between July and August 2022

Buskers will need to obtain a licence from the CommonWealth Games to continue to perform in specific locations and times during the Games.

Published: 29 June 2022

A music stand is empty against a brightly lit background

Major UK Broadcasters Back Calls for an ISA to Tackle Bullying and Harassment

ITV, Sky, BBC, Channel 4, and Channel 5 become the first UK broadcasters to back the next stage of Creative UK and UK Time’s Up proposal for an Independent Standards Authority to strengthen efforts to tackle bullying and harassment.

Published: 22 June 2022

Windscreen drivers view of a touring van, an open road and greenery are ahead.

Navigating Tours in Ireland and Europe post Brexit and Covid: A Case Study

In this insightful case study, MU member Sarah McQuaid outlines the extensive process she has gone through prior to touring in Ireland and Europe.

Published: 20 June 2022

Woman out of focus holding outstretched hand to camera, palm facing, to represent 'no' or 'stop'. ,

MU to Gather Members’ Experiences of Misogyny and Sexism in Music Industry

All eligible members will be asked to complete a short survey to help make the music industry a safer, more equitable place for women.

Published: 17 June 2022

A young person is sat in a bright library setting wearing red headphones and looking intently at a computer screen.

Universities Cut Arts Courses

The MU is saddened to see large-scale cuts to arts courses at two universities following ongoing Government funding cuts and anti-arts rhetoric.

Published: 14 June 2022

Get support as a young musician through MU membership

Access expert music industry advice and services whether you are a music professional in full-time music education, an occasional gig player, a part-time recording artist or looking to kick-start your career as a musician.

Explore our services available to members only

Be free from insurance worries
Get contract advice before signing it
Get your unpaid fees recovered
Be part of the community – where young musicians connect, network and make positive change across the MU and the music industry.

Join as a student

or explore all our membership rates

Get support as a young musician through MU membership

DIY Musicians

Mentoring in Music

Create your own opportunities to get mentoring or be a mentor with this DIY mentoring guide. It covers finding a mentor, setting goals, the mentoring process, and more.

Learn more

The MU gave me a huge amount of support at a crucial point in my career.
Scott Bowley13XL

Being a part of the MU really made me realise that we could fight for change, and that with collective effort we could actually make things happen.
Diljeet BhachuFlautist and MU Executive Committee member

I think it feels like belonging to a community, a genuine family of musicians.
Jess GillamSaxophonist

You have to be the change you want to see. It's our business. We need to shape it.
Amanda DalSession drummer

Fight for a fairer music industry

Have you been asked to work for no or low pay?

We regularly hear from musicians asked to work for free. Asking musicians to work for free is unacceptable at any time.

#ProtectFreelancersToo

End Sexual Harassment at Work

Help change the law to protect all self-employed musicians from sexual harassment at work.

#ComposersAgainstBuyouts

Take action Against Composers Buyouts

Media composers should get a fair share of the value they create.

#FixStreaming

Fix Streaming and Keep Music Alive

Record labels, streaming platforms and other internet giants have exploited musicians and songwriters without rewarding them fairly for too long.

Find your Local MU Office Contact

Enter your postcode below to find your local Musicians' Union office contact information.

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If you are an existing member, login to contact your Regional office.

Have your voice

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