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.

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Campaigns

Change the Law to Fix Music Streaming

2026's AI Bill is a chance to fix copyright law so musicians get a fair deal. Help us urge MPs to act now and change the law to make streaming work for everyone.

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News

MU Urges Government to Back Musicians on AI

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Member benefit

New Recording Studio Discount for MU Members

Group of seven people, named in the caption, standing together in a regal Parliament building.

MU Gives Evidence on EU Touring to MPs on Select Committee

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl spoke to MPs on the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee about touring in the EU, alongside musician Kate Nash and Hanna Madalska-Gayer at the Association of British Musicians (ABO).

Published: 03 February 2026

Young woman playing Mandolin at home while writing music.

2026 Funding Applications Open for Young Folk and Traditional Music Performers

The Alan Surtees Trust has opened its 2026 round of funding for folk and traditional music performers aged 16 to 30. The Trust will make four awards of up to £2,000 per person and applications close 30 April.

Published: 03 February 2026

Young women playing keyboard in front of a mic and pop shield in a home studio. Behind her is a young man playing acoustic guitar.

MU Calls on MSPs to Back Musicians' Manifesto for Scotland Ahead of May Elections

Add your voice to the call for concrete commitments on musicians’ rights, music education and the future of Scottish music.

Published: 02 February 2026

The inside of Third Floor Recording studio.

New Member Discount at Third Floor Recording Studio

The Musicians’ Union has teamed up with Third Floor Recording, a full-service recording studio in South London, to offer members discounted studio time.

Published: 01 February 2026

LIVE Trust Awards £125,000 for New UK Artists’ Touring Fund

The Musicians’ Union has partnered with the FAC and MMF on the UK Artists Touring Fund as the LIVE Trust distributes £500,000 in the first phase of wider grassroots funding.

Published: 30 January 2026

BBC Launches Get Singing — a New Nationwide Music Education Initiative

MU members who lead singing with 11–14-year-olds are encouraged to investigate a new range of resources on the BBC Bitesize website, with more content to be added over the next three years.

Published: 27 January 2026

Tribute to Derek Kimber

Derek Kimber, a cornet and trumpet player whose talent spanned jazz bands, big bands and community events across the West Country, passed away on 30 November 2025. He was a dedicated member of the Musicians’ Union, having joined in 1968.

Published: 27 January 2026

Upcoming events

Last chance to book

06 Feb 2026

Feldenkrais: Move Better, Feel Better, Perform Better

Free up your playing and singing using the Feldenkrais method, a sensory-motor learning system which looks at our mind and body holistically.

Online Member only

Last chance to book

09 Feb 2026

CULT Cymru: Let's Talk Artificial Intelligence

A live panel discussion and networking event for creative union members in Wales.

Cardiff

Last chance to book

Stacked rocks on the shore against a clear blue sky.

09 Feb 2026

Guided Meditation

An extremely efficient and powerful meditation practice, based on Ascension meditation techniques that are tailored to help musicians both in their professional and personal lives.

Online Member only

Upcoming

Graphic with copyright icon and music notes against a bright yellow background.

11 Feb 2026

Legal Webinar – Branding and Music

A practical legal webinar on choosing and protecting a stage or band name, and maximising its value through branding, marketing and compliant promotion, delivered by Scottish law firm Harper Macleod. Available to members in Scotland.

Online (Zoom)

Upcoming

11 Feb 2026

Ladies of the Stave: Networking Session For Female Musicians

A free networking event to support female musicians and musical directors in theatre, hosted by Nimax Theatres and supported by the MU.

London

Upcoming

12 Feb 2026

Free Portable Appliance Testing (PAT), London

This is an opportunity to ensure that your equipment is safe, and that you are able to provide assurances for your insurance, venues and bookers. Available for all MU members based in London.

London

Upcoming

13 Feb 2026

Feldenkrais: Move Better, Feel Better, Perform Better

Free up your playing and singing using the Feldenkrais method, a sensory-motor learning system which looks at our mind and body holistically.

Online Member only

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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.

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#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?

Tell us about it See all Campaigns

This is not a hobby - it's our profession

We Are Behind Every Musician

Change the Law to Fix Music Streaming

MU Urges Government to Back Musicians on AI

New Recording Studio Discount for MU Members

Members also viewed

News and features

MU Gives Evidence on EU Touring to MPs on Select Committee

2026 Funding Applications Open for Young Folk and Traditional Music Performers

MU Calls on MSPs to Back Musicians' Manifesto for Scotland Ahead of May Elections

New Member Discount at Third Floor Recording Studio

LIVE Trust Awards £125,000 for New UK Artists’ Touring Fund