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

Small music venue, a band are on stage in front of an audience, all in silhouette against purple lighting.

LGBT+ History Month 2026: Being a Trans Man in the Music Industry

Multi-instrumentalist, freelance events manager and MU member Asher Hoang reflects on identity and presentation in the music industry as a trans man, exploring personal challenges and the power of diverse musical communities.

Published: 19 February 2026

Close up of an acoustic guitar in a meadow at sunset.

LGBT+ History Month 2026: Navigating Top Surgery as a Freelance Trans Musician

To mark LGBT+ History Month 2026, folk musician, activist and MU member Maddie Morris reflects on getting top surgery while freelancing — from fundraising and touring to recovery, music-making, and mental health.

Published: 05 February 2026

Two hands outstretched, each holding a jigsaw piece that will fit together.

Lessons from the MU’s Courageous Conversations Workshop

The music industry can be a difficult environment in which to have the conversations that you want and need in the workplace, but a one-day course hosted by the MU has offered a way forward.

Published: 18 December 2025

Sticky note with human head and green cross icon, representing health and wellness.

Life Support: How BAPAM Supports Artists and Why the MU Proudly Backs its Work

A life in the arts often brings physical or psychological challenges, but BAPAM can offer vital support. Trustee and MU National Organiser for Education, Health and Wellbeing Chris Walters explains why the Union is proud to champion its work and how its services can benefit members.

Published: 04 December 2025

A woman sat in a park closing her eyes and gently stretching her neck to the side.

Exploring Neck Pain Through the Feldenkrais Method with Emma Alter

Originally posted on her blog, professional classical musician and Feldenkrais teacher Emma Alter discusses how our neck and spine work together. The rest of this year’s Feldenkrais sessions will follow the theme of ‘Freeing Your Neck’, and are free for MU members.

Published: 18 November 2025

Last chance to book

View from back stage of a band performing.

04 Mar 2026

Legal Webinar – A Guide to Live Work

A legal overview of playing live, covering promoters and agents, self-organised events in traditional and unusual venues, and international touring and showcases, delivered by Scottish law firm Harper Macleod. Available to members in Scotland.

Online (Zoom)

Last chance to book

A tangle of black cables, connected to sound equipment.

05 Mar 2026

CULT Cymru: Creative Industries Safety Passport

This online, accredited full-day course, is aimed at creative workers to promote a personal responsibility for safety. Discount is available for MU members based in Wales.

Online

Last chance to book

06 Mar 2026

Feldenkrais: Move Better, Feel Better, Perform Better

Free up your playing and singing using the Feldenkrais method, a sensory-motor learning system which looks at our mind and body holistically.

Online Member only

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This is not a hobby - it's our profession

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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

LGBT+ History Month 2026: Being a Trans Man in the Music Industry

LGBT+ History Month 2026: Navigating Top Surgery as a Freelance Trans Musician

Lessons from the MU’s Courageous Conversations Workshop

Life Support: How BAPAM Supports Artists and Why the MU Proudly Backs its Work

Exploring Neck Pain Through the Feldenkrais Method with Emma Alter

Upcoming events

Last chance to book

Legal Webinar – A Guide to Live Work

Last chance to book

CULT Cymru: Creative Industries Safety Passport

Last chance to book

Feldenkrais: Move Better, Feel Better, Perform Better

This is not a hobby - it's our profession