skip to main content

We Are Behind Every Musician

We are a community of over 36,000 musicians working to protect our members' rights and campaign for a fairer music industry.

We Are Behind Every Musician

News and features

Close up of a large, red, closed theatre safety curtain, lit up by stage lights.

Right to Work Changes and Deputies: MU Seeking Urgent Legal Clarification

Concerns have been raised about how new Right to Work requirements could affect musicians who arrange deputies or substitutes to perform on their behalf. The MU is urgently investigating the implications and will provide further guidance as soon as possible.

Published: 18 September 2026

Read more about Right to Work Changes and Deputies: MU Seeking Urgent Legal Clarification
A birds eye view of an online music lesson. A person sits at a keyboard in front of a phone on a stand, and an open laptop.

Dr Anna Bull: Putting Young People’s Voices at the Heart of Music Education

Originally written for Music Teacher magazine, Dr Anna Bull explores why safeguarding is about more than policies and procedures, and how empowering young people to find their voice can help create safer music education, as set out in the MU’s Experiences of Harm and Risk in Music Education Guide.

Published: 17 September 2026

Read more about Dr Anna Bull: Putting Young People’s Voices at the Heart of Music Education
Shot from behind of someone in a cap sat working at a mixing desk in a recording studio.

Have Your say in UK Music’s 2026 Workforce Diversity Survey

UK Music is inviting people working across the music industry to take part in its Workforce Diversity Survey, which aims to identify where further improvements are needed and highlight where positive change is already taking place.

Published: 17 September 2026

Read more about Have Your say in UK Music’s 2026 Workforce Diversity Survey

MU Welcomes BBC’s New Commissioning Guidelines for Media Composers

New commissioning guidelines developed by the MU, BBC, BBC Studios Music Publishing and The Ivors Academy will help media composers better understand the BBC's commissioning process, with clearer guidance on contracts, rights, pitching and the use of AI.

Published: 17 September 2026

Read more about MU Welcomes BBC’s New Commissioning Guidelines for Media Composers

MU Reiterates Position on Freedom of Expression and Discrimination

In light of recent cases in which artists have had performances cancelled after expressing personal political views, the MU has reiterated its position on freedom of expression, political speech and opposition to all forms of hate and discrimination.

Published: 16 September 2026

Read more about MU Reiterates Position on Freedom of Expression and Discrimination

Upcoming events

Last chance to book

Last chance to book

23 Sep 2026

Midlands Regional AGM

Join your Regional AGM (Annual General Meeting) to hear about the work of the MU in your region, meet the regional team, and share your ideas and experiences.

Birmingham & online (Hybrid)
Read more about Midlands Regional AGM

Last chance to book

Last chance to book

Last chance to book

Last chance to book

Last chance to book

26 Sep 2026

Celebrating and Building Success: Webinar

A discussion on new projects supporting black musicians, and advice for all musicians on building your profile and international exports. Available for members based in Wales and South West England.

Online
Read more about Celebrating and Building Success: Webinar
Be better represented

Join an MU Member Network

Your opinions on equality and diversity issues are vital to the way the MU shapes its services, policies and campaigns. Sign up to our Member Networks to be better represented as a musician.

Sign up now
young woman looking up against red spotlight

Find musicians:

Search for musicians and music teachers in the UK.

#WorkNotPlayMU

This is not a hobby - it's our profession

No-one should feel guilty about turning down unpaid “opportunities". Have you been asked to work for no fee?

This is not a hobby - it's our profession