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

DJ Paulette: Finding my Voice Through the Musicians’ Union

This Black History Month, musician and activist DJ Paulette shares how she uses her voice to help represent the electronic music industry, as well as ensuring that those who don’t necessarily fit the traditional musician role are heard and considered equally.

Published: 09 October 2024

Silhouette of a rap artist performing on stage against a bright blue lights.

A Personal Journey Through Hip-Hop: From Cyphers to Social Impact

Xidus Pain is a renowned rap artist and influential music educator. In this personal blog to celebrate Black History Month 2024, he discusses what the genre means to him and how it has shaped both his own personal journey and musical career.

Published: 01 October 2024

A rectangle asset with a white background and pink and black design elements.

Tonic Music Announces Exclusive Online Peer Support Group for Parents and Carers

MU members who are parents and/or carers can now join a six-week group for mental health support and career guidance.

Published: 30 September 2024

A women sat on a beach at sunset smiling while listening to headphones.

BAPAM’s Free Health Clinics for Musicians and Industry Professionals Now Open Around the UK

With BAPAM’s Glasgow clinic returning in October, we’re reminding members that the health charity for the performing arts now runs clinics UK-wide in Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Gateshead, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, London and Manchester.

Published: 27 September 2024

Wooden steps with an arrow leading up each one to represent career development.

£1,000 Career Development Bursary for Artists from Under-Represented Communities

Applications are open for artists from under-represented communities to apply for a £1,000 career development bursary from Creative Access.