Freelance Musician Guide

Tips and guidance for self-employed musicians.

Last updated: 03 October 2023

Career tips

A Young Freelancer's Guide

Mental Health and the Music Industry

Find helpful insight and advice as you navigate the industry as a young freelance musician.

The basics

Starting Out as a Freelancer

Learn how to get work and build relationships with the people you want to work with

How to Prioritise Your Freelance Work

Tips on dealing with being provisionally booked for new work

Funding and Financing Your Music and Projects

Latest news and features

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

Cardboard box with mics in and around to capture organic sound for the shoe box scene.

Wider Than The Sky: Janie Price on First Time Scriptwriting and Composing for Short Film

Musician Janie Price aka Bird has just released her first short film soundtrack ‘Wider Than The Sky’, she’s also been a member of the MU for 24 years. In this guest blog, she shares her journey and advice for other members intrigued by the world of score design and DIY projects.

Published: 15 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

Yellow headphones on yellow background. Listening concept.

The Emotional Side of Music Making: Heidi Fardell Explores One-to-One Music Teaching

MU Member Heidi Fardell has been a one-to-one instrumental tutor for over 20 years. Drawing on her own experiences, she shares why music lessons can often invite conversations on health and wellbeing, and how to listen and recognise when students may need signposting to additional support.

Published: 04 July 2024

A man explaining something to a woman as they sit in front of a computer screen.

CULT Cymru Announces Second Year of New Mentoring Programme for MU Members in Wales

MU members living and/or working in Wales can now apply for 6 months of free mentoring sessions with CULT Cymru.

Published: 28 June 2024

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