skip to main content

Recording Sessions: A First Step Back on the Road to Recovery

Our Assistant General Secretary, Phil Kear, describes how the “Recording studios in England are on the threshold of welcoming back session musicians to fulfil a programme of recordings for film, TV, video games and commercial audio recordings.”

Published: 29 May 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:30 PM
Photo of an empty recording studio
Our studio safety advice is aimed at guiding members back to what is likely to be a much-changed working environment. Photo credit: Shutterstock

The MU is delighted that members can once again begin to undertake their role in providing first class music for major productions.

Many of our recording session musician members have not been able to work for months, but a recent relaxation of lock-down conditions in England means those who cannot work from home are now encouraged to return to the workplace, provided an appropriate environment exists in which to do so.

Two major studios in London (Air Lyndhurst and Abbey Road) have recording sessions scheduled and have been working hard to establish safe environments, able to accommodate groups of musicians. MU officials have been working closely with the Union’s health and safety consultant in assisting contractors and studios with these efforts.

Safety adjustments for the current environment

The MU has also published studio safety advice which is aimed at guiding members back to what is likely to be a much-changed working environment.

For the time being studios will be limiting the number of players in the recording room, where studios have carefully, in conjunction with contractors, planned seating layouts to maximise spacing between players.

Adjustments have also been made to the lengths of sessions and breaks, restrictions to overtime, and standardising overdubbing at 100% in the short term, to facilitate adherence to the safety measures required.

The last few months have been an immensely difficult time for all our members, so it is wonderful for some of them to finally be taking this first step back on the road to recovery.

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

13 members of the Board gathered in front of some stairs.

MU Joins Newcastle Gateshead Music City Strategic Board

The MU has joined the new Newcastle Gateshead Music City Strategic Board alongside artists, venues, labels, media professionals, academics and industry experts. The Board will help shape the future of the region’s music sector and support long-term growth across the local music ecosystem.

Published: 11 May 2026

Read more about MU Joins Newcastle Gateshead Music City Strategic Board
The panellists sat on the stage with microphones, in front of a screen with saying

MU Panel Explores Rates, Rights and Royalties at Sound City 2026

At Liverpool Sound City Conference 2026, the MU brought together industry professionals and working musicians for its ‘Money in the Mix’ panel to demystify these issues and offer practical insights into building a sustainable career in session work.

Published: 11 May 2026

Read more about MU Panel Explores Rates, Rights and Royalties at Sound City 2026
Chapman sat in front of a piano, talking to Claudia Winkleman on set for Channel Four’s show The Piano.

Why So Few Disabled Professional Musicians: The Barriers Built Into UK Music Education

Why are disabled musicians still so rarely seen in the UK’s conservatoires, orchestras and freelance workforce? For Chun, the parent of accomplished young MU member Chapman, the answer lies not in a lack of talent, but in post-16 structures that continue to close doors on disabled progression.

Published: 08 May 2026

Read more about Why So Few Disabled Professional Musicians: The Barriers Built Into UK Music Education
Marcelo and another busker in yellow M U campaign t-shirts holding pink cut out guitars at a demo last August.

Protecting Amplification in Busking

One year on from the Leicester Square busking ban, MU member Marcelo Cervone reflects on how amplification shapes public space, challenges misconceptions on busking volume and makes the case for protecting performers’ pitches.

Published: 08 May 2026

Read more about Protecting Amplification in Busking