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

A man's open hands behind figures of different people to show inclusion and diversity.

Neil Patterson for Disability History Month: “If You Have Something to Say, There are People Who Want to Hear It”

In our second member blog for Disability History Month 2024, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Neil Patterson reflects on his journey as an MU member and advocate for inclusion in the music industry.

Published: 21 November 2024

Maddie Morris standing wearing a green jumpsuit.

Maddie Morris for Disability History Month: "There Were Lots of Unspoken Rules in the Industry"

In our first member blog for Disability History Month 2024, folk musician Maddie Morris reflects on the barriers facing disabled musicians and how the MU has provided support.

Published: 14 November 2024

Blue. pink and white transgender flag, being waved at a parade.

MU Celebrates Transgender Awareness Week 2024

Transgender Awareness Week takes place 13 - 19 November and is a one-week celebration leading up to the Transgender Day of Remembrance. To mark this we’ve put together a guide where you can check out MU resources, revisit related stories from the past year, and view upcoming events.

Published: 13 November 2024

Young female musician with red hair, sat in front of a computer mixing a song, writing in a notepad with headphones on.

Get Involved in Young Workers’ Month 2024

November is Young Workers’ Month, celebrating and supporting young members across the trade union movement.

Published: 07 November 2024

Black and grey image of a small rock show at an underground/grassroots venue.

The MU and FAC Publish Open Letter to Government and Live Sector on Cost-of-Touring Crisis

The letter states how artists have previously been locked out of support mechanisms offered to other parts of the industry, and calls for a blanket ticket levy on arena events to help musicians progress in the sector. Members can show support for the letter by signing the MU and FAC’s petition.

Published: 29 October 2024

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