Job Contracts and Business 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.

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

Last chance to book

Woman sat cross legged in yellow dungarees, smiling as she looks at an laptop on her knees.

06 Nov 2024

Freelancing for Creatives: Taxes and Finance

This online, three hour workshop, is aimed at people who work in the creative industries. It will be of particular interest to people who are either currently freelance or thinking of going freelance and is a safe space so that you can return your tax returns with confidence.

Online

Upcoming

Evolution of music platform concept, showing a vinyl record, tape, disk and smartphone with headphones, on a blue background.

20 Nov 2024

Legal Webinar: Connecting With Your Fans

In this one-hour webinar for MU members in Scotland, leading Scottish Law Firm Harper Macleod will discuss the current models for selling your music and any legal issues that may arise from this.

Online, Zoom

Upcoming

26 Nov 2024

VAT on German Ticket Sales - Information Session

A one-hour advice webinar for independent musicians selling tickets, both online and in-person, for gigs taking place in Germany.

Online

Plan ahead

11 Dec 2024

Legal Webinar: Key Contracts in Music

In this one-hour webinar for MU members in Scotland, leading Scottish Law Firm Harper Macleod will provide an overview of key contracts, such as those that apply to recording, publishing, agent and management arrangements.

Online, Zoom

Plan ahead

12 Dec 2024

Self-Releasing Your Music Online

A free webinar for Scotland & Northern Ireland members to get an overview of the steps you need to take to self-release your music online.

Online (Zoom)

Plan ahead

15 Jan 2025

Legal Webinar: Music Career Funding

In this one-hour webinar for MU members in Scotland, leading Scottish Law Firm Harper Macleod will look at the various ways in which one might fund their music career and key issues to be aware of.

Online, Zoom

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

Hand stopping wooden dominos from falling, a proactive concept.

Worker Protection Act Comes into Force to Help Tackle Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

The Worker Protection Act 2024, which comes into force on 26 October, introduces a new Preventative Duty on employers to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment of their workers and employees.

Published: 17 October 2024

Passport with a US Visa against the background of a flag and map of the United States.

An Update on US Visa Processing Times for Musicians Working Overseas

Dave Webster, MU Head of International, provides an overview of the current situation regarding US Visas, outlining fee increases and potentially severe processing delays.

Published: 05 September 2024

Young female teacher sat with a pupil in a music room where he plays an electronic keyboard.

Government to Provide Grant Funding for Teachers’ Pensions in Music Hubs

We welcome news of this new grant for specific Music Hub organisations, which comes after sustained advocacy from the MU, working alongside Music Mark and the ISM.

Published: 20 August 2024

Birds eye view of a woman on her tablet, sat cross legged next to an open suitcase with a pair of headphones on top of clothes.

MU Launch Brand New Member Benefit for Discounted Hotel Rooms in London

Our new partnership with Imperial Hotels means that we are now able to offer our members discounted rooms in selected hotels across London. Over time, we hope to expand this benefit to other locations throughout the UK.

Published: 01 June 2024

A woman handing over her passport and travel documentation to an immigration officer.

MU Announces Continued Partnership with Viva La Visa for Free Visa Advice Line

If you're seeking guidance on visas, work permits or travel documentation for touring abroad, you can access Viva La Visa's free advice line.

Published: 01 June 2024

See all latest news

Cookies on Musicians' Union

Use your voice

Popular searches

Job Contracts and Business Agreements

Advice and resources

Job Contracts for Freelance Work

Specimen Agreements

Specimen Sync Licences

Employment Contracts

Legal services for members

Access Expert Contract Advice

Get Employment Legal Advice & Assistance

Recover Unpaid Fees

Get Advice on Partnership Agreements

Access Legal Advice and Assistance on Work Issues

Upcoming events

Last chance to book

Freelancing for Creatives: Taxes and Finance

Upcoming

Legal Webinar: Connecting With Your Fans

Upcoming

VAT on German Ticket Sales - Information Session

Plan ahead

Legal Webinar: Key Contracts in Music

Plan ahead

Self-Releasing Your Music Online

Plan ahead

Legal Webinar: Music Career Funding

This is not a hobby - it's our profession

Latest news and features

Worker Protection Act Comes into Force to Help Tackle Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

An Update on US Visa Processing Times for Musicians Working Overseas

Government to Provide Grant Funding for Teachers’ Pensions in Music Hubs

MU Launch Brand New Member Benefit for Discounted Hotel Rooms in London

MU Announces Continued Partnership with Viva La Visa for Free Visa Advice Line