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

Music Festivals

How to apply for work at music festivals and get the most out of them.

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.

How to Boost Your Chances of Getting Your Music Reviewed

Amidst the decline of print media and the rise of online magazines, here are key tips on who to pitch to, how to find them, and what to send.

Digital Strategy for Musicians New to Social Media

Promoting music on social media can be a challenge for musicians who are not digital natives. But by following a few key steps, artists can create a dedicated community of fans.

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

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

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

The panellists sat on the stage with microphones, in front of a screen with saying

MU Panel Explores Rates, Rights and Royalties at Sound City 2026

At Liverpool Sound City Conference 2026, the MU brought together industry professionals and working musicians for its ‘Money in the Mix’ panel to demystify these issues and offer practical insights into building a sustainable career in session work.

Published: 11 May 2026

View from behind a person on stage against smoke and lighting, their arms are raised as they explain something, holding a pen and paper.

MU Launches New Guidance for MDs and AMDs in Theatre

The MU is pleased to launch two practical guides for Musical Directors (MDs) and Assistant Musical Directors (AMDs) working in theatre, covering key responsibilities, standard terms and conditions, and practical advice.

Published: 10 April 2026

Wooden steps on a bright yellow back ground, an arrow is draw over them upwards, to represet the concept of personal development and improvement.

MU Launches Brand New Activist Development Programme for Members

Applications are now open for our new 2026 MU Future Leaders programme, offering underrepresented members the chance to gain campaign expertise, influence union strategy, and build networks across the music sector.

Published: 05 January 2026

Two hands outstretched, each holding a jigsaw piece that will fit together.

Lessons from the MU’s Courageous Conversations Workshop

The music industry can be a difficult environment in which to have the conversations that you want and need in the workplace, but a one-day course hosted by the MU has offered a way forward.

Published: 18 December 2025

A woman sat in a park closing her eyes and gently stretching her neck to the side.

Exploring Neck Pain Through the Feldenkrais Method with Emma Alter

Originally posted on her blog, professional classical musician and Feldenkrais teacher Emma Alter discusses how our neck and spine work together. The rest of this year’s Feldenkrais sessions will follow the theme of ‘Freeing Your Neck’, and are free for MU members.

Published: 18 November 2025

Upcoming events

Last chance to book

A row of miniature wooden blocks on a table. They show the outline of three people, one is an image of a head with a heart in the brain area to represent good mental health.

19 May 2026

Managing Stress and Burnout in the Music Industry

Join the MU and BAPAM for a one-hour online session with Dramatherapist Heather Turkington, exploring stress and burnout, their signs and causes, practical coping strategies, and when and where to seek support, free for MU members in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Online

Last chance to book

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

22 May 2026

Free Portable Appliance Testing (PAT), Glasgow - May

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 members based in Scotland.

Glasgow

Last chance to book

Woman smiling while looking at a laptop screen.

22 May 2026

RSM Social Networking, 22 May

Meet colleagues from across the music profession for an informal gathering over Zoom.

Online

See all events

Cookies on Musicians' Union

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

Music Festivals

Know-how

Networking: 7 Things to Make it Work Harder for You

How to Boost Your Chances of Getting Your Music Reviewed

Digital Strategy for Musicians New to Social Media

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

Get MU membership today

Explore our member services

Latest career news

MU Panel Explores Rates, Rights and Royalties at Sound City 2026

MU Launches New Guidance for MDs and AMDs in Theatre

MU Launches Brand New Activist Development Programme for Members

Lessons from the MU’s Courageous Conversations Workshop

Exploring Neck Pain Through the Feldenkrais Method with Emma Alter

Upcoming events

Last chance to book

Managing Stress and Burnout in the Music Industry

Last chance to book

Free Portable Appliance Testing (PAT), Glasgow - May

Last chance to book

RSM Social Networking, 22 May