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.

Explore membership benefits Join the MU

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.

Get involved

News

MU Urges Government to Back Musicians on AI

See all news & features

Member benefit

New Recording Studio Discount for MU Members

A crowd with their hands raised at a music festival.

MU to Attend FOCUS Wales 2026 in Wrexham

Taking place from 7-9 May, FOCUS Wales is an international showcase spotlighting over 250 artists and featuring industry sessions, arts events, film screenings and more. The MU will be hosting a series of coffee morning drop-in sessions, as well as an afternoon mixer event.

Published: 24 February 2026

Empty music classroom with seats and sheet stands.

Changes to Enhanced AccessNI Disclosure Checks

From 17 February 2026, legislative changes in Northern Ireland allow self-employed musicians working with children and vulnerable adults to apply for an Enhanced AccessNI disclosure check through a registered Umbrella Body.

Published: 23 February 2026

Small music venue, a band are on stage in front of an audience, all in silhouette against purple lighting.

LGBT+ History Month 2026: Being a Trans Man in the Music Industry

Multi-instrumentalist, freelance events manager and MU member Asher Hoang reflects on identity and presentation in the music industry as a trans man, exploring personal challenges and the power of diverse musical communities.

Published: 19 February 2026

MU members and Senedd candidates infront of an MU banner.

MU Members Meet Senedd Candidates to Highlight Music’s Role in Wales’s Economy and Communities

Welsh MU members met Labour Senedd candidates to discuss the future of the music industry in Wales, presenting the Union’s manifesto priorities for fair pay, strong public investment, and long-term sustainability across the sector ahead of the 7 May elections.

Published: 19 February 2026

Protect Our BBC: Your Chance to Shape its Future

As the BBC Charter comes up for renewal, the MU is urging members to respond to the consultation and support the vital role the BBC plays in sustaining jobs, commissioning new work and underpinning the UK’s music industry. Use our template email to have your say before 10 March.

Published: 19 February 2026

March Against the Far Right: Join the MU for the Together Alliance Demo in London

Join the MU at the Together Alliance march in London on Saturday 28 March for a major national demonstration against the far right.

Published: 17 February 2026

MU Calls on Political Parties and Candidates to Back Musicians’ Manifesto for Wales Ahead of Senedd Election

Add your voice to the call for action to improve cultural provision and musicians’ careers across Wales.

Published: 17 February 2026

Read all news

Upcoming events

Last chance to book

Group of men and women sat around a table talking with laptops. One person is in a wheelchair, and another is pregnant.

25 Feb 2026

CULT Cymru: Accessibility in the Creative Industries

A free one-hour webinar for members in Wales exploring accessibility in the creative industries, exploring the challenges faced by creatives, practical ways to foster inclusion, and how accessible practices can unlock creativity for all.

Online

Last chance to book

28 Feb 2026

WSWE Local Members' Day: Yeovil

This free Members' Day in Yeovil includes workshop sessions, portable appliance testing (PAT) and one-to-one advice sessions with MU Officials.

Yeovil

Last chance to book

A tiny guitar amp sits on sand with the sun setting behind it.

28 Feb 2026

Free Portable Appliance Testing (PAT), Yeovil

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 Wales and South West England.

Yeovil Member only

Last chance to book

Stacked rocks on the shore against a clear blue sky.

02 Mar 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

Last chance to book

03 Mar 2026

CULT Cymru: Developing Psychological Safety in Teams

A free, three-hour webinar for members in Wales exploring Psychological Safety. Learn how to build trust, open communication, and shared purpose to create productive, creative, and supportive teams in the music and creative industries.

Online

Upcoming

04 Mar 2026

Legal Webinar – A Guide to Live Work

A legal overview of playing live, covering promoters and agents, self-organised events in traditional and unusual venues, and international touring and showcases, delivered by Scottish law firm Harper Macleod. Available to members in Scotland.

Online (Zoom)

Upcoming

05 Mar 2026

CULT Cymru: Creative Industries Safety Passport

This online, accredited full-day course, is aimed at creative workers to promote a personal responsibility for safety. Discount is available for MU members based in Wales.

Online

Browse all events

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.

young woman looking up against red spotlight

Search by name or keyword

Browse

#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