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

A group of diverse people of differing ages surrounding a piano singing while two play. Representing community music groups.

Elizabeth J. Birch: Inclusive Music Making For a Fuller Landscape of the Human Experience

MU member and winner of this year’s Youth Music's Inspirational Music Leader award, Elizabeth J. Birch shares how the community music space saw her potential, and how she integrates inclusivity into her work.

Published: 24 November 2023

Multicoloured ropes connected to one another in a circle, representing diverse collaboration.

Disability History Month: Exploring the AutismAble and Future Collaborations Project

In this blog Andrew Forster discusses the Future Collaborations Project, an accessible music outreach program for people aged 14-25, promoting neurodivergent and neurotypical collaborations within the music industry. We also hear from one of the project’s participants and a Learning Mentor.

Published: 20 November 2023

Close up of curled music sheet with notes.

How to Conjure an Estimate: Jill Streater on the Who, What and Why of Being a Music Copyist

In this blog, MU Music Writers' Section Committee member Jill Streater demystifies the world of the Music Copyist and explains exactly how she breaks down estimates for her work.

Published: 20 November 2023

Close up of two pairs of hands, sat opposite each other, holding cups of coffee on table.

Music Chaplaincy: Getting Support for Musicians Through a Faith Organisation

MU member Heather Simmons is a Methodist Church Musician’s Chaplain, providing support for all musicians, across all faiths or none. Here she shares her knowledge of how musicians in need could get support from a Music Chaplain.

Published: 07 November 2023

Black and white silhouette of singer under a spotlight with both arms raised and a microphone in one hand.

The Legacy of Black British Music and Harmonious Activism: From Windrush to Grime

October is Black History Month and the MU has partnered with Scottish charity Intercultural Youth Scotland to bring you this guest blog from one of its members Ash Harper, which explores the relationship between Black British Music and activism.

Published: 20 October 2023

Last chance to book

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11 Dec 2023

Guided Meditation

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

Online Member only

Last chance to book

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12 Dec 2023

How to Stand Out on Social Media Workshop

A one-hour workshop with industry experts to gain up to date insight into using social media to stand out as a musician.

Online

Last chance to book

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13 Dec 2023

RSM Social Networking

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

Online

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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Popular searches

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

Elizabeth J. Birch: Inclusive Music Making For a Fuller Landscape of the Human Experience

Disability History Month: Exploring the AutismAble and Future Collaborations Project

How to Conjure an Estimate: Jill Streater on the Who, What and Why of Being a Music Copyist

Music Chaplaincy: Getting Support for Musicians Through a Faith Organisation

The Legacy of Black British Music and Harmonious Activism: From Windrush to Grime

Upcoming events

Last chance to book

Guided Meditation

Last chance to book

How to Stand Out on Social Media Workshop

Last chance to book

RSM Social Networking

This is not a hobby - it's our profession