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

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

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.

Published: 27 September 2024

Successful applicants will receive a showcase and travel fee, as well as a development fund and tailored mentorship programme. Image credit: Shutterstock.

Applications Open for Scotland-based Artists to Perform at Resonate Live Showcase 2024

Resonate Scotland is offering Scotland-based artists a chance to perform at the Resonate Music Conference in Glasgow Thursday 28 November 2024.

Published: 13 September 2024

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

Upcoming events

Last chance to book

A hand plugging a microphone into a speaker.

21 Oct 2024

Electrical Equipment Testing Course

A course for musicians wishing to increase their understanding of the need to take a holistic approach to the management of electrical equipment in the workplace.

Bangor Member only

Last chance to book

A tiny guitar amp sits on sand with the sun setting behind it.

21 Oct 2024

Free Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) Birmingham

This is an opportunity to ensure that your equipment is safe and you are able to provide assurances for your insurance, venues and bookers. Available for all MU Midlands members.

Birmingham Member only

Last chance to book

A circuit board with a card saying AI in the middle.

23 Oct 2024

Legal Webinar: Music and AI

A one-hour webinar with leading Scottish Law Firm Harper Macleod for Scotland members to explore the legal issues surrounding music and AI.

Online (Zoom)

See all events

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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

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

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

Applications Open for Scotland-based Artists to Perform at Resonate Live Showcase 2024

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

Upcoming events

Last chance to book

Electrical Equipment Testing Course

Last chance to book

Free Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) Birmingham

Last chance to book

Legal Webinar: Music and AI