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

Shot of a large crowd at a small, grassroots music concert. The band on stage are in silhouette against purple, blue and orange lights.

UK Artist Touring Fund Announces First Phase Artists

The UK Artist Touring Fund (UKAT), supported by the MU and funded by the LIVE Trust, has awarded its first wave of grants to 26 artists across 211 gigs, helping deliver fair pay and access in the grassroots live sector.

Published: 23 April 2026

MU Announce ‘Money in the Mix Panel’ at Liverpool Sound City Conference Next Month

The MU will host a specialist panel discussion at the 2026 Liverpool Sound City Conference, bringing vital focus to rates of pay, rights, and royalties for session musicians working across the modern music industry. Members can also receive a discount on tickets.

Published: 22 April 2026

Blue sign at an airport saying 'Douanes francaises, French customs'.

France Confirms ELO Requirement from April 2026 But Uncertainty Remains for Musicians

France’s new Obligatory Logistics Envelope (ELO) — a digital customs system for declaring goods — will become mandatory from 20 April 2026. However, it remains unclear whether the rules apply to musicians taking merchandise into the country.

Published: 16 April 2026

Close up of women singing into a microphone on stage, with someone playing acoustic guitar to her right.

Council of Music Makers Statement on the Role of Collective Licensing

All parts of the UK’s live sector must recognise and uphold the value of songs and songwriters, says a new statement from the Council of Music Makers.

Published: 15 April 2026

Closeup of a United States VISA stamped on a passport.

International Touring 101: Webinar on Visas and US Immigration

Members who are thinking of touring in the US are invited to a webinar on 15 April. Hosted by Tamizdat, the session will cover visas, immigration and cross-border preparation.

Published: 10 April 2026

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