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

Blue digital sound waves over a black background.

Beyond Copyright: Do Musicians Need Personality Rights in the UK?

AI-generated voices, deepfakes and digital replicas are creating new challenges for musicians. Dr Hayleigh Bosher examines why existing UK copyright law may not be enough, and how personality rights could give creators greater control over their image and voice.

Published: 20 July 2026

A young woman sitting at a laptop, smiling and waving to someone on her screen.

Good Energy Amplifies: New Mentorship Scheme for Disabled Intersectional Artists

Musicians that identify as disabled, intersectional artists are invited to apply for Good Energy Amplifies, a new mentorship programme designed to amplify underrepresented voices.

Published: 09 July 2026

The outside of the Houses of Parliament, London.

MU Highlights Challenges Facing Freelance Musicians in Parliament

Musicians’ Union General Secretary Naomi Pohl tells MPs that, despite improvements in workers’ rights, freelance musicians are still facing significant challenges.

Published: 01 July 2026

A photo of a coastal town elevated about a big lake.

Discounted Travel, Hotel and Holiday Bookings for MU Members With utc.travel

Members can now access 12 months of discounted rates for travel, hotel and holiday bookings with private travel platform utc.travel.