Career Development

Whether you are just starting out in your career as a professional musician, working part-time, or seeking to develop skills and knowledge to secure paid work in the future, advice and information from trusted sources can be key to making progress.

At a glance

How-to Guides and Expert Advice

Learn how to take care of yourself and take your musician's career to the next level.

Quick tips

Tips to Get Started

Top tips on various topics of musician's career

Starting and Changing Careers

Wonder how to break into a new profession? Get advice on how to get into a certain music field.

Members only

Music Gear, Equipment and Setup

Musicians and industry experts share their advice on taking care of the music instruments and equipment.

Featured career packs

Finance

Getting Funding

Learn where to look for funding your music business and useful organisations that can help.

Marketing and Promotion

From maximising opportunities of your online presence to taking advantage of ‘word of mouth’ recommendations and offline marketing.

Working Relationships

How to work with agents, managers and other players in the music industry and what you need to look out for.

Freelance Musicians' Pack

Advice on managing your work as a freelance musician.

Guide to Auditioning

A guide to preparing for an audition.

Professional Growth and Creativity

Musicians' Wellbeing Pack

Joining the MU has been one of the best things I’ve done! The access to opportunities for employment, training, development is invaluable.
Jermain JackmanSinger and political activist

Attending the informative and free development courses have kept me sharp and up to date, while also helping me to network with people across the artistic spectrum.
Millicent StephensonMulti award winning saxophonist

Through taking part in online webinars I have been able to meet other professionals and manage my jobs and finances more effectively.
Penny ChurchillSongwriter, engineer and producer

After attending a workshop that you had on sync I got back in touch with the guys from Music Gateway, who ended up taking me to the Midem music conference in Cannes.
Kate ThomasSinger-songwriter

The MU's professional and concise advice helped me to take control over my own career and not get overwhelmed.
Sophie KilburnSinger-songwriter

Upcoming events

Last chance to book

View from back stage of a band performing.

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)

Last chance to book

A tangle of black cables, connected to sound equipment.

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

Last chance to book

06 Mar 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

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Career news

Wooden steps on a bright yellow back ground, an arrow is draw over them upwards, to represet the concept of personal development and improvement.

MU Launches Brand New Activist Development Programme for Members

Applications are now open for our new 2026 MU Future Leaders programme, offering underrepresented members the chance to gain campaign expertise, influence union strategy, and build networks across the music sector.

Published: 05 January 2026

Two hands outstretched, each holding a jigsaw piece that will fit together.

Lessons from the MU’s Courageous Conversations Workshop

The music industry can be a difficult environment in which to have the conversations that you want and need in the workplace, but a one-day course hosted by the MU has offered a way forward.

Published: 18 December 2025

A woman sat in a park closing her eyes and gently stretching her neck to the side.

Exploring Neck Pain Through the Feldenkrais Method with Emma Alter

Originally posted on her blog, professional classical musician and Feldenkrais teacher Emma Alter discusses how our neck and spine work together. The rest of this year’s Feldenkrais sessions will follow the theme of ‘Freeing Your Neck’, and are free for MU members.

Published: 18 November 2025

Man with his hand on his ear, listening carefully to music through his over ear headphones, in front of an open laptop.

How to Boost Your Chances of Getting Your Music Reviewed

The demise of print media and the rise of online magazines has prompted some MU members to question how best to submit your music for review. Here are some key tips on who to pitch to, how to find them and what to send.

Published: 11 June 2025

Four hands holding up signs of logos: YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

Digital Strategy for Musicians New to Social Media

Promoting music on social media can be a challenge for musicians who are not digital natives. But by following a few key steps, artists can create a dedicated community of fans.

Published: 30 May 2025

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Career Development

At a glance

How-to Guides and Expert Advice

Tips to Get Started

Starting and Changing Careers

Music Gear, Equipment and Setup

Featured career packs

Getting Funding

Marketing and Promotion

Working Relationships

Freelance Musicians' Pack

Guide to Auditioning

Professional Growth and Creativity

Musicians' Wellbeing Pack

Upcoming events

Last chance to book

Legal Webinar – A Guide to Live Work

Last chance to book

CULT Cymru: Creative Industries Safety Passport

Last chance to book

Feldenkrais: Move Better, Feel Better, Perform Better

Find a musician

Career news

MU Launches Brand New Activist Development Programme for Members

Lessons from the MU’s Courageous Conversations Workshop

Exploring Neck Pain Through the Feldenkrais Method with Emma Alter

How to Boost Your Chances of Getting Your Music Reviewed

Digital Strategy for Musicians New to Social Media