Career Guides

A comprehensive range of music career advice, case studies, contacts and a series of valuable ‘how-to’ features, all designed to assist musicians in developing their career within the music industry.

Guidance 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

Latest career features

Flat lay of musician and sound engineer items such as a guitar, mixer, microphone, keyboard, cables, note pad and headphones. Image has a vintage style filter.

As a Romani Gypsy and LGBTQ+ Person, Musician Stephe Meloy Highlights the Importance of Being True to Yourself

In this informative and thought-provoking piece, MU member Stephe Meloy discusses what it means to celebrate both LGBTQ+ Pride and Gypsy Roma Traveller History months.

Published: 30 June 2022

Microphone on the background of the National Flag of Afghanistan, realistic 3d illustration.

Overcoming Adversity to Play Again: A Refugee’s Story

In recognition of Refugee Week 2022, Musician and Associate Prof. Dr. Waheedullah Saghar (former head of the Music Department for the Faculty of Fine Arts at Kabul University) speaks of his experiences of being a refugee, and how music helps to keep our stories alive across continents.

Published: 24 June 2022

A crowd/parade with LGBT rainbow flags in the air, out of focus apart from one hand outstretched holding a flag in the foreground.

“The MU LGBT+ Network Meetings Offer a Comforting Camaraderie”: A Members’ Story

EDI Committee member Lynn Henderson shares her experience of attending the LGBT+ Network meetings, being on the EDI committee and seeing how change is made at the MU.

Published: 24 June 2022

Windscreen drivers view of a touring van, an open road and greenery are ahead.

Navigating Tours in Ireland and Europe post Brexit and Covid: A Case Study

In this insightful case study, MU member Sarah McQuaid outlines the extensive process she has gone through prior to touring in Ireland and Europe.

Published: 20 June 2022

Man performing on stage with guitar under a brick arch/tunnel way, the crowd are sat watching.

Seed Sessions: Creating Roots For Better Mental Health in Male-identifying Musicians

Artist Nederveen shares his experience of working with Seed Sessions, the community interest company (CIC) combining music-making with counselling sessions for young male-identifying musicians in Bristol.

Published: 18 May 2022

Last chance to book

Collection of logos for BECTU, Equity, Cult Cymru, The MU, WG GB, Welsh Government

28 Jun 2022

i -Act Iechyd Meddwl a Lles i Reolwyr/i -Act Mental Health & Wellbeing for Managers

Mae CULT Cymru yn cynnig amrywiaeth o gyrsiau mewn partneriaeth â sefydliadau a chyflogwyr i wella iechyd meddwl a lles y gweithlu creadigol/CULT Cymru is offering a range of courses in partnership with organisations and employers to improve the mental health and wellbeing of the creative workforce.

Online, Wales

Last chance to book

A calculator is in the forefront with a pair of glasses. A man is reaching for this with one hand with a pencil, and the other holding paper by a keyboard/laptop.

29 Jun 2022

MU and HW Fisher Present: Tax Matters for Musicians

The MU is pleased to announce a tax advice webinar tailor-made for musicians, delivered by Ajay Jassal and Andy Levett from accountants HW Fisher.

Online

Last chance to book

01 Jul 2022

Intellectual Property and Copyright Workshop

Britain's Got Reggae and Music Media Management Collaboration are running a free workshop for artists, musicians and songwriters in the music industry.

Online

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#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?

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This is not a hobby - it's our profession

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Career Guides

Guidance packs

Getting Funding

Marketing and Promotion

Working Relationships

Freelance Musicians' Pack

Guide to Auditioning

Professional Growth and Creativity

Musicians' Wellbeing Pack

Latest career features

As a Romani Gypsy and LGBTQ+ Person, Musician Stephe Meloy Highlights the Importance of Being True to Yourself

Overcoming Adversity to Play Again: A Refugee’s Story

“The MU LGBT+ Network Meetings Offer a Comforting Camaraderie”: A Members’ Story

Navigating Tours in Ireland and Europe post Brexit and Covid: A Case Study

Seed Sessions: Creating Roots For Better Mental Health in Male-identifying Musicians

Upcoming events

Last chance to book

i -Act Iechyd Meddwl a Lles i Reolwyr/i -Act Mental Health & Wellbeing for Managers

Last chance to book

MU and HW Fisher Present: Tax Matters for Musicians

Last chance to book

Intellectual Property and Copyright Workshop

This is not a hobby - it's our profession