Career Tips

Are you working in the music industry and looking to advance your career? These quick tips can get you started with advice on various aspects of a musicians’ career.

Getting work

Selling yourself

How to Pitch for Work

Learn some direct sales techniques to be proactive in getting your work under the right people’s noses and showing them why you’re the best person for the job.

5 Tips to Sync Success

Learn music how to pitch to music supervisors to begin the sync process.

9 Tips for Successful Auditioning

6 Top Tips on Negotiating Your Gig Rate

Webinar recording

Effective Negotiation

Know-how

Networking: 7 Things to Make it Work Harder for You

Discover these tips to make networking work for you whether you are an introvert or an extrovert.

What you Need to Know Before Going on Tour

Touring is an integral part of many musicians’ careers, but it can be more complicated than simply turning up to perform.

DIY Music Release

It’s essential that you know how to protect your rights and make money from your music from the very beginning.

7 Legal Webinars to Watch

Buying and Selling Music Instruments

Skills for Theatre Musicians

Music Festivals

How to apply for work at music festivals and get the most out of them.

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes accident cover, health schemes, travel insurance and car insurance add-ons through the Musicians’ Union.

Explore our member services

Get public liability insurance for musicians
Access expert legal support
Be represented in your profession
Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Latest career news

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

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

Red headphones on an open book with pair of glasses.

Save the Date for the MU’s 2024 Education Conference

Join the MU in Glasgow on 25 - 26 October for two days of high-quality training, career support and networking for music educators.

Published: 11 March 2024

Filkin’s Drift and their manager walking along a grassy road carrying backpacks and instruments.

Musicians and Sustainability: “We Should Use More Creativity When Booking Tours”

Last year MU member Chris Roberts (aka Hafren) undertook a 870-mile walking tour across the Welsh coast with his folk duo Filkin’s Drift. Here he shares the honest, humorous and relatable tale of the 50 show journey, and contemplates the benefits of thinking innovatively when booking tours.

Published: 20 February 2024

Portrait of Conor and Hamish against a warehouse background with cardboard boxes.

Vlure: A Genre Busting, International Tour de Force

Scottish five-piece Vlure are forging a reputation across Europe for their intense and emotional live performances. Here, they speak about crafting their cathartic, genre-defying sound.

Published: 19 January 2024

Upcoming events

Last chance to book

stacked rocks on the shore against blue sky

29 Jul 2024

Guided Meditation

An extremely efficient and powerful meditation practice, based on Ascension meditation techniques.

Online Member only

Upcoming

Woman smiling while looking at a laptop screen.

08 Aug 2024

RSM Social Networking

Meet colleagues from across the music profession for an informal gathering over Zoom.

Online

Upcoming

20 Aug 2024

RSM Social Networking

Meet colleagues from across the music profession for an informal gathering over Zoom.

Online

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Popular searches

Career Tips

Getting work

How to Pitch for Work

5 Tips to Sync Success

9 Tips for Successful Auditioning

6 Top Tips on Negotiating Your Gig Rate

Effective Negotiation

Know-how

Networking: 7 Things to Make it Work Harder for You

What you Need to Know Before Going on Tour

DIY Music Release

7 Legal Webinars to Watch

Buying and Selling Music Instruments

Skills for Theatre Musicians

Music Festivals

Get MU membership today

Explore our member services

Latest career news

Breathing For Calm: A Short Breath Control Exercise From Feldenkrais Expert Emma Alter

Highlights From the MU’s Getting Into Theatre (and What to Do When You're There) Panel

Save the Date for the MU’s 2024 Education Conference

Musicians and Sustainability: “We Should Use More Creativity When Booking Tours”

Vlure: A Genre Busting, International Tour de Force

Upcoming events

Last chance to book

Guided Meditation

Upcoming

RSM Social Networking

Upcoming

RSM Social Networking