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 model airplane, a small French flag and a passport and stamp all lying on a copy of the world map.

An Update on the ELO for Musicians Taking Merchandise to France

The new customs regulation for musicians taking merchandise to France will now not become mandatory until a later date in early 2026. The MU is seeking further clarification on how musicians will be affected.

Published: 14 January 2026

Close up of a hand writing in a diary, cross referencing dates from a phone.

2026 Dates Announced for Wales and South West England MU Members’ Days

Members in Wales and South West England will be able to attend local and regional Members’ Day events throughout 2026. Here are the key dates to help you plan ahead.

Published: 09 January 2026

Wooden steps on a bright yellow back ground, an arrow is draw over them upwards, to represet the concept of personal development and improvement.

MU Launches Brand New Activist Development Programme for Members

Applications are now open for our new 2026 MU Future Leaders programme, offering underrepresented members the chance to gain campaign expertise, influence union strategy, and build networks across the music sector.

Published: 05 January 2026

Black and white image of a conductor in front of the orchestra pit in a theatre, cast members are on stage in the background out of focus.

MU Welcomes Arts Council England Review

We broadly welcome Baroness Margaret Hodge’s review of Arts Council England, which reflects many of the concerns raised by the MU and other creative unions. We will now press the government to respond positively to its recommendations.

Published: 18 December 2025

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.