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How unpublished composers and songwriters can receive fees and royalties from the use of their works.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

General Secretary Naomi Pohl stands in discussion outside of the Royal Opera House

2023 End of Year Round Up

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl reports back on the work that the Union has done through 2023, as well as setting out some of MU’s intentions for 2024, and more general food for thought about the music industry.

Published: 30 December 2023

Read more about 2023 End of Year Round Up
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