Recording and Broadcasting

The MU looks after music recording and broadcasting rights when you do any recording work – from regular sessions to home recording.

Guidance

Working as a Recording Session Musician

Advice for musicians who are employed to record music for media projects and who are paid by the session.

Working as a Recording Artist

What you need to know while working as a recording artist.

Royalties from Recordings

Guidance on earning revenue from sound recordings, including MU distributed royalties.

Copyright for Performers in a Sound Recording

Everything you need to know about copyright and performers' rights when recording your work.

Recording Work during Covid-19

Everything you need to know when recording music during Coronavirus pandemic.

Rate guidance

Remote Recording Session Work

Resources

Rates of pay

Collective Agreements and Rates

Look up rates, terms and conditions from with the BBC, ITV, IPA, PACT and BPI and other agreements negotiated for recording session musicians.

MU standard templates

Contracts for Session Recording Work

Use a template that suits you best.

Specimen Sync Licences

MU template licences for TV, film and advertising

Approved Contractors

Approved Contractors/Fixers who have entered into an agreement with the MU.

Career as a recording musician

Quick tips

5 Things You Need to Know for Your DIY Music Release

Essential tips on how to protect your rights and make money from your music from the very beginning.

Member-only event

How to be Release Ready with PRS

Learn how record labels and music publishers make their money and how independent artists can do the same.

Career advice

Starting Out as a Session Musician

Explore the world of the session musician, from starting out to getting paid.

Member benefits and services

Royalty Distribution for Recordings

The MU Royalties department collects between £1.5 million to £2 million a year for musicians for the secondary and further use of recordings.

Collective Bargaining

The MU negotiates collective bargaining agreements with broadcasters and umbrella organisations for other regular employers of session musicians.

Maximised Pay for Recording Musicians

Our aim is to maximise the pay and employment of UK session musicians, and to collect every secondary use fee they are due.

Contract Advisory Service

If you're a member, the MU can help you make sure the contract you sign is fair and includes all necessary clauses.

Unpaid Fee Recovery

We can help when you haven't been paid properly for your work.

Personal Injury Claims

Legal benefits package for you and your family via Morrish Solicitors.

Latest news and features

Naomi Pohl standing outside of Westminster with three other members of the Council of Music Makers.

Fix Streaming Campaign in Westminster for First Creator Remuneration Group Meeting

The Musicians’ Union and Council of Music Makers called for a better deal for musicians and music creators at the first meeting of the Creator Remuneration Group.

Published: 18 April 2024

Tom Plater speaking into a microphone at last year’s MU Delegate Conference.

MU Motion on AI and Music Copyright Passes Unanimously at TUC Young Workers’ Conference

Our delegate Tom Plater spoke at Conference where he discussed the importance of protecting creator rights in relation to Artificial Intelligence (AI). He was also nominated for the TUC Young Workers' Forum, where he will represent the MU for a second term.

Published: 03 April 2024

Magnifying glass over a light bulb icon on a wooden block, with yellow background.

MU Experts Delve into Labour’s New ‘Access to Arts’ Plan

In this special feature, some of the key departments at the Musicians’ Union respond to Labour’s new report on supporting the creative industries, explaining how these plans may affect our members and their careers.

Published: 19 March 2024

Black and white image of a session musician in the studio, looking at a screen and mixing desk.

MU Responds to BPI’s Latest Offer for Session Musicians

The BPI’s latest offer for session musicians is not worth the paper it’s written on. In this blog, MU Assistant General Secretary Phil Kear explains why and what the union is doing about it.

Published: 12 March 2024

Musicians On Tinnitus: “Hearing Health Isn’t Something We Should Take for Granted”

Music artists and producers affected by tinnitus share their stories. Learn more about what preventative steps can be taken and how other musicians manage this hearing condition.

Published: 20 February 2024

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