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

stacked rocks on the shore against blue sky

29 Jul 2024

Guided Meditation

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

Online Member only

Upcoming

Woman smiling while looking at a laptop screen.

08 Aug 2024

RSM Social Networking

Meet colleagues from across the music profession for an informal gathering over Zoom.

Online

Upcoming

20 Aug 2024

RSM Social Networking

Meet colleagues from across the music profession for an informal gathering over Zoom.

Online

Career news

Person sat on the floor cross-legged in front of an open laptop, surrounded by a note book and tealight candles.

Breathing For Calm: A Short Breath Control Exercise From Feldenkrais Expert Emma Alter

Originally posted during International Feldenkrais Week on her blog, professional classical musician and Feldenkrais teacher Emma Alter discusses breath control and how she approaches it in her classes, which are free for MU members.

Published: 19 July 2024

A dimly lit, empty theatre pit in front of a grand old stage.

Highlights From the MU’s Getting Into Theatre (and What to Do When You're There) Panel

In this member-only feature, panel moderator and MU Live, Theatre & Music Writers Official Nat Witts-Kilshaw, shares highlights from our recent Getting Into Theatre event, which includes resources and invaluable first hand advice from industry professionals.

Published: 11 July 2024

Member only Read more about Highlights From the MU’s Getting Into Theatre (and What to Do When You're There) Panel

Red headphones on an open book with pair of glasses.

Save the Date for the MU’s 2024 Education Conference

Join the MU in Glasgow on 25 - 26 October for two days of high-quality training, career support and networking for music educators.

Published: 11 March 2024

Filkin’s Drift and their manager walking along a grassy road carrying backpacks and instruments.

Musicians and Sustainability: “We Should Use More Creativity When Booking Tours”

Last year MU member Chris Roberts (aka Hafren) undertook a 870-mile walking tour across the Welsh coast with his folk duo Filkin’s Drift. Here he shares the honest, humorous and relatable tale of the 50 show journey, and contemplates the benefits of thinking innovatively when booking tours.

Published: 20 February 2024

Portrait of Conor and Hamish against a warehouse background with cardboard boxes.

Vlure: A Genre Busting, International Tour de Force

Scottish five-piece Vlure are forging a reputation across Europe for their intense and emotional live performances. Here, they speak about crafting their cathartic, genre-defying sound.

Published: 19 January 2024

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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

Guided Meditation

Upcoming

RSM Social Networking

Upcoming

RSM Social Networking

Find a musician

Career news

Breathing For Calm: A Short Breath Control Exercise From Feldenkrais Expert Emma Alter

Highlights From the MU’s Getting Into Theatre (and What to Do When You're There) Panel

Save the Date for the MU’s 2024 Education Conference

Musicians and Sustainability: “We Should Use More Creativity When Booking Tours”

Vlure: A Genre Busting, International Tour de Force