Contracts and Agreements

Most musicians will sign a music contract at some stage of their career. The MU is here to make sure that when you do, you get the best possible deal.

Advice and resources

MU Standard contracts

Job Contracts for Freelance Work

Get your work in writing using contract templates for various types of engagements and work.

Music business

Specimen Agreements

Before you seek business contract advice, browse our range of example agreements for doing music business.

Specimen Sync Licences

Templates to help you negotiate synchronisation deals and agree appropriate terms for the use of your music

Employment Contracts

Use our UK employment contract advice resource to find out more about employment contracts and the conditions you should be wary of.

Aggregator Digital Distribution Services

A review of the terms and conditions of six of the most popular aggregators

Legal services for members

Access Expert Contract Advice

For advice on music business contracts MU members can get expert advice at no extra cost.

Get Employment Legal Advice & Assistance

We can arrange for a specialist employment lawyer to review your contract and provide you with appropriate advice.

Recover Unpaid Fees

The MU can help when you haven’t been paid properly for your work.

Get Advice on Partnership Agreements

Access Legal Advice and Assistance on Work Issues

Upcoming events

Plan ahead

25 Jun 2026

CULT Cymru: Finance for Freelancers

An online training day for creatives in Wales who are either currently freelance or are going freelance for the first time.

Online

See all events

Once you start contracting other musicians and bringing other people in the studio you realise there’s paperwork that needs to be done.
Fiona BriceArranger, composer and violinist

All business relationships that you enter into should be clearly and carefully set out in agreements that are fair to all concerned.
Naomi PohlMU General Secretary

#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

Latest news and features

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

Bags, flight cases, gear piled in the boot of a small van.

Car and Home Insurance for Musicians: New MU Partnership Gives Members Access to Specialist Cover

How a new insurance initiative from the MU and its partner Howden could help level the playing field for working musicians.

Published: 30 April 2026

MU Announce ‘Money in the Mix Panel’ at Liverpool Sound City Conference Next Month

The MU will host a specialist panel discussion at the 2026 Liverpool Sound City Conference, bringing vital focus to rates of pay, rights, and royalties for session musicians working across the modern music industry. Members can also receive a discount on tickets.

Published: 22 April 2026

Blue sign at an airport saying 'Douanes francaises, French customs'.

France Confirms ELO Requirement from April 2026 But Uncertainty Remains for Musicians

France’s new Obligatory Logistics Envelope (ELO) — a digital customs system for declaring goods — will become mandatory from 20 April 2026. However, it remains unclear whether the rules apply to musicians taking merchandise into the country.

Published: 16 April 2026

Close up of women singing into a microphone on stage, with someone playing acoustic guitar to her right.

Council of Music Makers Statement on the Role of Collective Licensing

All parts of the UK’s live sector must recognise and uphold the value of songs and songwriters, says a new statement from the Council of Music Makers.

Published: 15 April 2026

See all latest news

Over £3 Million Recovered for Musicians

In the last year, MU secured over £3,200,000 for musicians through:

Recovery of unpaid fees
Negotiation of contract settlements
Royalty distribution
Recovery of unlawful pay deductions
Negotiation of redundancy claims
Compensation claims for contractual breaches
Recovery of unpaid holiday pay

Your membership pays off.

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