Job Contracts and Business Agreements

Most musicians will sign a music contract at some stage of their career. The MU is here to make sure that when you do, you get the best possible deal.

Advice and resources

MU Standard contracts

Job Contracts for Freelance Work

Get your work in writing using contract templates for various types of engagements and work.

Music business

Specimen Agreements

Before you seek business contract advice, browse our range of example agreements for doing music business.

Specimen Sync Licences

Templates to help you negotiate synchronisation deals and agree appropriate terms for the use of your music

Employment Contracts

Use our UK employment contract advice resource to find out more about employment contracts and the conditions you should be wary of.

Legal services for members

Access Expert Contract Advice

For advice on music business contracts MU members can get expert advice at no extra cost.

Get Employment Legal Advice & Assistance

We can arrange for a specialist employment lawyer to review your contract and provide you with appropriate advice.

Recover Unpaid Fees

The MU can help when you haven’t been paid properly for your work.

Get Advice on Partnership Agreements

Access Legal Advice and Assistance on Work Issues

Upcoming events

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Once you start contracting other musicians and bringing other people in the studio you realise there’s paperwork that needs to be done.
Fiona BriceArranger, composer and violinist

All business relationships that you enter into should be clearly and carefully set out in agreements that are fair to all concerned.
Naomi PohlMU General Secretary

#WorkNotPlayMU

This is not a hobby - it's our profession

No-one should feel guilty about turning down unpaid “opportunities". Have you been asked to work for no fee?

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This is not a hobby - it's our profession

Latest news and features

Exterior of the Clermont Hotel Charing Cross branch.

MU Partners with Clermont Hotels to Offer Members Discounted Rooms in London

Our new partnership with Clermont Hotels means MU members can book discounted hotel rooms at various locations in London, as an exclusive membership benefit.

Published: 01 May 2025

A young male musician, playing to an older man who is smiling as he listens.

Changes to the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020 (Disclosure Act)

Changes have been introduced to the disclosure system in Scotland from 1 April 2025, aiming to remove unnecessary barriers for those seeking work and enhance the PVG Scheme.

Published: 08 April 2025

The inside of the hotel lobby of a Point A hotel.

MU Launches Another Member Benefit of Discounted Hotels Across UK

Our new partnership with Point A Hotels means that members can now benefit from discounted hotel rooms in Dublin, Edinburgh, Glasgow and London.

Published: 01 April 2025

A young, Black female musician, playing electric guitar in a recording studio.

Fix Streaming: Making the Case for Session Players

How can the music industry fix streaming for session players and ensure that all artists get fair pay from music streaming? Musicians’ Union (MU) General Secretary Naomi Pohl explains...

Published: 28 March 2025

A female music teacher sitting at a piano with a young girl teaching her how to play.

Advice for Music Teachers on the Central Digital Platform and Procurement Act 2023

The MU has been approached by a number of musicians who teach in schools, concerned about the introduction of the government’s Central Digital Platform. MU Education Official, David Barnard, has reviewed the legislation in consultation with a solicitor and has produced a summary for members.

Published: 25 February 2025

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