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

The UK and EU flags, waved together in front of Big Ben in London.

MU Backs Petition Urging UK to Rejoin Creative Europe Programme

The EU/UK Culture Forum has launched a petition calling on the UK Government to rejoin Creative Europe from 2027. The programme supports funding and cultural collaboration across Europe, and the MU is encouraging members to sign and show their support.

Published: 26 February 2026

A crowd with their hands raised at a music festival.

MU to Attend FOCUS Wales 2026 in Wrexham

Taking place from 7-9 May, FOCUS Wales is an international showcase spotlighting over 250 artists and featuring industry sessions, arts events, film screenings and more. The MU will be hosting a series of coffee morning drop-in sessions, as well as an afternoon mixer event.

Published: 24 February 2026

Small music venue, a band are on stage in front of an audience, all in silhouette against purple lighting.

LGBT+ History Month 2026: Being a Trans Man in the Music Industry

Multi-instrumentalist, freelance events manager and MU member Asher Hoang reflects on identity and presentation in the music industry as a trans man, exploring personal challenges and the power of diverse musical communities.

Published: 19 February 2026

Person walking into a venue with a cello case on their back.

Musical Instrument Certificates to Remain Free of Charge

Following results from a recent consultation by the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), Musical Instrument Certificates will remain free of charge for musicians travelling with instruments containing endangered materials.

Published: 10 February 2026

MU Welcomes EU Visa Policy Strategy Paper

The European Commission has released a new strategy paper on finding solutions to EU touring barriers for artists.