Freelance Musician Guide

Tips and guidance for self-employed musicians.

Last updated: 29 October 2026

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

The UK flag waving in the wind next to the European Union flag, outside the Houses of Parliament.

Culture Industry Leaders Urge Andy Burnham and EU Leaders to Use Key Summit to Break Deadlock Over Touring UK and Europe

More than 300 music, live performance and cultural organisations across the UK and EU have written to Prime Minister Andy Burnham and EU leaders calling on them to use a key summit to break the deadlock over touring the UK and European Union.

Published: 13 November 2026

Make Music Your Business: Get Release Ready with the MU and PRS for Music

The MU North of England team and PRS for Music are joining forces this November to deliver two free in-person events in Sheffield and Newcastle, aimed at helping independent artists understand the business of music and maximise their earning potential.

Published: 11 November 2026

Musician playing acoustic guitar, facing the setting sun and a crowd, performing at a festival. Flags and fairy lights are out of focus in the background.

UK Artist Touring Fund Announces Second Phase Artists

The UK Artist Touring Fund (UKAT) has announced the 49 artists receiving support in its latest funding round, following the expansion of the scheme to help more UK artists navigate the ongoing cost-of-touring crisis.

Published: 06 November 2026

Woman sat on a bench in front of water at sunrise, with her head back, eyes closed, listening to over ear headphones. Woman sat on a bench in front of water at sunrise, with her head back, eyes closed

BAPAM Launches StageFit — A New Online Health Training Platform for Performing Arts Professionals

BAPAM, with funding from PPL, has launched StageFit, a free online health training platform designed to help everyone working and studying in the performing arts protect their health and wellbeing.

Published: 04 November 2026

A calculator and pair of glasses on top of a sound mixing desk.

Member Benefit: Discounted Tax Advice for Musicians

From royalties and advances to self-employment, PAYE and international work, musicians often have unique tax needs. MU members can access discounted advice from qualified tax professionals with experience of the music industry.

Published: 01 November 2026

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