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Guidance and advice

Career as a live musician

Supporting musicians who perform live

If you’re performing your own original music, working in covers bands, function bands, tribute bands or busking, the Musicians' Union can support you. Use our template standard contracts to protect your rights when you’re being engaged, and get advice on how much you should be paid.

Member services for live musicians

Latest news and features

A panel discussion on stage with a crowd of audience members sitting down.

Show One to Showcase: MU Panel and Mixer in Belfast

In December 2024, the MU hosted a panel and mixer event in Belfast to help musicians learn how to get ready for showcases and festivals. The event also celebrated the newly-appointed MU Regional Officer for Northern Ireland, Charlene Hergarty.

Published: 19 December 2024

Read more about Show One to Showcase: MU Panel and Mixer in Belfast
A Black male musician wearing a baseball cap singing into a microphone.

Have Your Say on the Value of Black British Music

Artists, creators and industry professionals working with Black British music are encouraged to take part in the survey to understand the value that the artform brings to the UK music industry.

Published: 04 December 2024

Read more about Have Your Say on the Value of Black British Music
The Welsh flag against a light blue sky.

Take the Creative Wales Industry Survey 2024

Businesses, employers, employees and freelancers in the creative sector in Wales are invited to take part in a short survey to help Creative Wales strengthen their support of the creative industries.

Published: 21 November 2024

Read more about Take the Creative Wales Industry Survey 2024
Read all live news
Oscar York

I realised the MU would help me achieve my ambitions faster and better by providing connections, legal support, and access to insurance for my instrument.

Oscar YorkDrummer and a music scholar
Annette Walker

There are times when my tap work is more musician-based than dance, and I hope to be able to pave the way for others to recognise the relationship of tap dance as a percussive instrument within a band.

Annette WalkerMultidisciplinary performer
Amanda Dal

A lot of the time when you play gigs you get dodgy deals, or they don’t want to pay you and it’s great to know that’s not right.

Amanda DalMulti-genre drummer

Contact the Musicians' Union today

The MU has a network of experienced teams available to help musicians in all areas of the industry. If you have any questions about our services, membership or how the MU could help you, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Contact the MU

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