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

Next year’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

Bring Busking Back to Birmingham City Centre

See all news & features

Member benefit

Improved Parking Discount for MU Members

Dike Okoh, Lily Beau who is holding the award, and Andy Warnock, on stage.

Winners of the First Welsh Black Music Awards Announced

The MU congratulates Lily Beau, winner of our sponsored Best New Artist Award, and applauds all nominees and participants who helped showcase the diversity, creativity, and talent of Wales’ music scene at this landmark event.

Published: 27 October 2025

Dumfries and Galloway Council Consults to Close Music Service

Take part in the consultation protesting the proposed closure of Dumfries and Galloway’s instrumental music service. Share your views by 23 November 2025.

Published: 27 October 2025

A group of people marching at Manchester Pride.

MU Statement on Manchester Pride Entering Liquidation

The organisation in charge of Manchester Pride recently confirmed it has gone into voluntary liquidation. The MU will be supporting members affected by cancelled performances, and those affected are urged to get in touch with the regional office.

Published: 27 October 2025

Close up on a map of South West England, a red pin is marking Plymouth.

Have Your Say: Help Shape the Future of Plymouth’s Creative and Cultural Sector

Musicians and other creative professionals in Plymouth are being urged to take part in a new survey that will help shape the future of the city’s creative and cultural industries.

Published: 23 October 2025

Sustainable Careers for Artists in an Evolving Industry: Insights from the MU’s Panel at MaMA Festival

The MU panel at MaMA festival in Paris this year brought together a diverse group of musicians and activists to explore how artists can build lasting careers beyond traditional recording and touring models. Catch up on the highlights.

Published: 23 October 2025

Mayor Sadiq Khan Backs Access to Viable and High Profile Busking Pitches Across London

Mayor Sadiq Khan called buskers "integral to the city's vibrant culture" and backed "all efforts" to ensure access to viable busking pitches.

Published: 23 October 2025

Xidus Pain: Empowering Communities Through Music and Movement

Rap artist, educator, and MU member Xidus Pain marks Black History Month 2025 by reflecting on a year of musical growth, community impact, and an evolving journey within the Union.

Published: 23 October 2025

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Upcoming events

Last chance to book

People sat around a first aid training manikin taking notes as the person demonstrates.

30 Oct 2025

Level 3 Emergency First Aid at Work (RQF) – 1 day

A one-day, in-person accredited course for members in London, where participants will receive a certificate upon completion.

London

Last chance to book

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03 Nov 2025

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

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

04 Nov 2025

Free Portable Appliance Testing (PAT), Edinburgh

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 Scotland.

Edinburgh

Last chance to book

A group of Musicians' Union members and staff holding flags and wearing matching t-shirts.

04 Nov 2025

Introduction to Trade Unions , Northern Ireland

Find out the basics of what trade unions are, what the Musicians’ Union does and your role in an active union – for MU members in Northern Ireland.

Online (Zoom)

Upcoming

07 Nov 2025

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

Upcoming

10 Nov 2025

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

12 Nov 2025

New Member? How to Get the Most out of Your MU Membership

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

Online Member only

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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

Bring Busking Back to Birmingham City Centre

Improved Parking Discount for MU Members

Members also viewed

News and features

Winners of the First Welsh Black Music Awards Announced

Dumfries and Galloway Council Consults to Close Music Service

MU Statement on Manchester Pride Entering Liquidation

Have Your Say: Help Shape the Future of Plymouth’s Creative and Cultural Sector

Sustainable Careers for Artists in an Evolving Industry: Insights from the MU’s Panel at MaMA Festival

Mayor Sadiq Khan Backs Access to Viable and High Profile Busking Pitches Across London

Xidus Pain: Empowering Communities Through Music and Movement

Upcoming events

Last chance to book

Level 3 Emergency First Aid at Work (RQF) – 1 day

Last chance to book

Guided Meditation

Last chance to book

Free Portable Appliance Testing (PAT), Edinburgh

Last chance to book

Introduction to Trade Unions , Northern Ireland

Upcoming

Feldenkrais: Move Better, Feel Better, Perform Better

Upcoming

Guided Meditation

Upcoming

New Member? How to Get the Most out of Your MU Membership

Join an MU Member Network

Find musicians:

This is not a hobby - it's our profession

Cookies on Musicians' Union

Use your voice

Popular searches

We Are Behind Every Musician

Change the Law to Fix Music Streaming

Bring Busking Back to Birmingham City Centre

Improved Parking Discount for MU Members

Members also viewed

News and features

Winners of the First Welsh Black Music Awards Announced

Dumfries and Galloway Council Consults to Close Music Service

MU Statement on Manchester Pride Entering Liquidation

Have Your Say: Help Shape the Future of Plymouth’s Creative and Cultural Sector

Sustainable Careers for Artists in an Evolving Industry: Insights from the MU’s Panel at MaMA Festival

Mayor Sadiq Khan Backs Access to Viable and High Profile Busking Pitches Across London

Xidus Pain: Empowering Communities Through Music and Movement

Upcoming events

Last chance to book

Level 3 Emergency First Aid at Work (RQF) – 1 day

Last chance to book

Guided Meditation

Last chance to book

Free Portable Appliance Testing (PAT), Edinburgh

Last chance to book

Introduction to Trade Unions , Northern Ireland

Upcoming

Feldenkrais: Move Better, Feel Better, Perform Better

Upcoming

Guided Meditation

Upcoming

New Member? How to Get the Most out of Your MU Membership

Join an MU Member Network

Find musicians:

This is not a hobby - it's our profession

Introduction to Trade Unions , Northern Ireland