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Join as a student for only £24 a year

Get your career in music on track right from the start by becoming a member of the MU. From getting your first work as a musician, to building your career in music with trade union protection.

Explore all the benefits
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Member benefits for student musicians

*Please note that we're offering student membership to those studying part-time for a trial period, which will be reviewed by the MU Executive Committee in 2025.

Why should music students be members of the MU? 

Formal music education is a brilliant starting point for a career in music, and for many musicians is combined with gaining practical experience working in the industry too. Being a member of the MU will bring you much-needed guidance at every stage in your career, as well as support to help you embark into the music industry job market in the right way.

As well as work experience, expanding your network and getting to know people is a foundational part of beginning to work in the music industry. Through membership of the MU and access to our events, musicians can meet fellow members and relevant music organisations.

Plus, being a member of the MU will you give an extra range of extra educational resources to help build your career, from one off courses on topics such as managing your finances or understanding music copyright laws through to regular sessions for maintaining your wellbeing including Feldenkrais method and yoga.
 

Who can join the MU on a student membership rate?

Musicians can join the MU on a student membership rate if they’re in full-time or part-time education. 

All you need when joining or transferring to this category is proof that must:

  • display the name of the institution
  • show your name
  • confirm you’re already studying the course
  • be dated within two months of joining or transferring to student membership
  • be a scanned or photographed letter or email from the institution

Please note that:

  • student cards aren't accepted as proof
  • offer letters aren’t accepted as proof

Join as a student

Are you a graduating student member of the MU?

To help you transition, if you are an existing student member of the MU – after you have graduated, you can get six months of your first year of regular MU membership for free.

Join the MU for a pound

Get support and representation as a young musician

New and emerging artists face many challenges starting out in the music industry. We work with young musicians to highlight relevant advice, create resources, and work with young people across the trade union movement to challenge inequality and injustice at work. 

Be part of community of young musicians

Connect, network and discuss issues that impact musicians' lives and careers, and shaping the work of the MU.

Sign up for Young Member Network for musicians aged 30 and under for regular updates and opportunities to create change in the music industry.

Explore our young musicians hub

Get support and representation as a young musician