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

Government must fix copyright law so that 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 Highlights Challenges Facing Freelance Musicians in Parliament

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MU Member benefit spotlight

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Tribute to David Presly

David Presly was an MU member for 54 years, and his distinguished orchestral career, adventurous spirit and enduring sense of humour made him a much-loved figure within the profession. This tribute has been written by David's colleague and friend, Alan.

Published: 25 September 2026

Tribute to Harry Brown

Friends and colleagues pay tribute to Harry Brown, an acclaimed trombonist, educator and mentor whose extraordinary musical career was matched by his generosity, encouragement and unwavering support for others.

Published: 25 September 2026

Urgent Guidance for Members Using Deputies: Right to Work Checks

New right to work rules could change how musicians and deps are engaged from 1 October 2026. Read about the proposed new rules, who may be affected and what MU members need to know.

Published: 24 September 2026

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Free Music Space Creative Sessions for Young People in Glasgow

Young people in Glasgow are invited to a series of free Music Space creative sessions this October, including an MU-supported workshop exploring funding, opportunities and support for emerging artists.

Published: 24 September 2026

Support Staff and Music Education at Goldsmiths

Staff at Goldsmiths, University of London, including colleagues in the Music Department, are taking sustained strike action over proposed cuts and redundancies, amid wider pressures facing music provision in UK higher education.

Published: 24 September 2026

Alice Angliss Calls on TUC Congress to Support Live Music in Theatre

West End musician and MU Executive Committee member Alice Angliss called on the Trades Union Congress to support live music in theatre at Congress 2026. This blog post is adapted from her speech.

Published: 24 September 2026

MU Tackles Busking Bans on BBC Breakfast

MU Assistant General Secretary Matt Wanstall spoke to BBC Breakfast about busking bans in cities across England following the introduction of a PSPO in Coventry.

Published: 24 September 2026

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Upcoming events

Last chance to book

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29 Sep 2026

Financial Planning for Musicians

A free, one-hour webinar on financial planning for musicians at all stages of their career. Available for MU members based in London.

Online (Zoom)

Last chance to book

Man sat at a laptop at home smiling, sitting on the sofa with a mug, making notes in a book.

29 Sep 2026

Online WSWE Member Surgeries

A short, focused space to talk something through and get clarity on next steps. For members in Wales and South West England (WSWE).

Online

Last chance to book

01 Oct 2026

CULT Cymru: Mental Health First Aid Training (2-Day Course)

A 2-day, in-person training course for creative industry workers to learn how to recognise the signs and symptoms of someone with mental health conditions. Available for members based in Wales.

Cardigan, West Wales

Last chance to book

02 Oct 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

05 Oct 2026

London 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.

London & online (Hybrid)

Upcoming

07 Oct 2026

How to Get the Most out of Your MU Membership, North of England

New North of England members, you are invited to our online event where we explore how to make the most out of your membership.

Online (Zoom)

Upcoming

08 Oct 2026

Scotland & Northern Ireland 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.

Glasgow & online (Hybrid)

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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.

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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 Highlights Challenges Facing Freelance Musicians in Parliament

Discounted Travel, Hotel and Holiday Bookings with utc Travel

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