Career Development

Whether you are just starting out on a 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

Microphone in front of a blurred cafe setting

29 Nov 2023

Music Cafe

An MU sponsored networking event and drinks night for musicians, composers and songwriters.

Corsham

Last chance to book

Cost of living concept. Flat lay of a piggy bank, light bulb, shopping trolley and red arrows going up and down against a green background.

04 Dec 2023

PRS Members’ Fund Advice Session

This one hour webinar will explain the different types of support the PRS Members’ Fund can provide. It is aimed at those who are members of both the MU and PRS for Music.

Online Member only

Last chance to book

stacked rocks on the shore against blue sky

04 Dec 2023

Guided Meditation

An extremely efficient and powerful meditation practice, based on Ascension meditation techniques.

Online Member only

Career news

Close up of group of people playing drums, therapy by music concept.

Call Out to MU Members Working in Health, Wellbeing and Music

The MU invites members who work in health and wellbeing to discuss workplace challenges and opportunities, including how the MU could help.

Published: 15 November 2023

The panel left to right Rose Delcour-Min, Alex Niven, DJ Paulette and Paul Smith.

Breaking the Class Ceiling: Panel Highlights From Generator Live Conference 2023

The MU’s panel at this year’s Generator Live Conference discussed the challenges and barriers faced by working class musicians, and explored how we can ensure that those from different socio-economic backgrounds can access a career in the music industry.

Published: 06 October 2023

Join The MU’s Recording & Broadcasting Roadshow This Summer

There will be events across the country where you can find out all you need to know about getting paid as a recording musician, with some dates also open to non members and plus ones.

Published: 01 June 2023

Black and white photo of female conductor from behind with hands raised.

Campaign for Female Mediocrity

In this guest blog, Her Ensemble member, orchestral and chamber musician Christine Anderson shares her experiences and thoughts on women and diversity within the classical music industry.

Published: 23 March 2023

10 Tips to Help Musicians Make Money from Patreon

One decade on from the launch of Patreon, the MU focuses on how to get the best out of this popular membership subscription platform.

Published: 21 March 2023

Use your voice

Popular searches

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

Music Cafe

Last chance to book

PRS Members’ Fund Advice Session

Last chance to book

Guided Meditation

Find a musician

Career news

Call Out to MU Members Working in Health, Wellbeing and Music

Breaking the Class Ceiling: Panel Highlights From Generator Live Conference 2023

Join The MU’s Recording & Broadcasting Roadshow This Summer

Campaign for Female Mediocrity

10 Tips to Help Musicians Make Money from Patreon