skip to main content

MU Launches The Young Freelancer’s Guide to Mental Health and the Music Industry

The Young Freelancer’s Guide to Mental Health and the Music Industry looks at common challenges facing freelance musicians, strategies for meeting them, and how to access support.

Published: 22 November 2019 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:30 PM
Photo of group stacking their hands on each other
Life as a musician can be exciting, satisfying and rewarding. But it can also be demanding, unpredictable, isolating and stressful. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Life as a musician can be exciting, satisfying and rewarding. The flexibility can give you a real sense of agency and freedom.

But it can also be demanding, unpredictable, isolating and stressful. And if you feel those things then we can tell you, with total certainty, that you are not alone.

The Young Freelancer’s Guide to Mental Health and the Music Industry is designed to provide helpful insight and clear, practical advice to use as you navigate the music industry.

Written by mental health expert Tamsin Embleton (Music Industry Therapists & Coaches) and Ben Jones for the Musicians’ Union, it looks at:

  • Self care
  • Burn out
  • Setting boundaries
  • Support networks
  • Cultivating resilience
  • Identity
  • Anxiety and panic attacks, and
  • Depression

The guide was created by and in consultation with the MU’s Young Members’ Network. Find out more and get involved in the network by emailing Campaigns & Social Media Official Maddy Radcliff at maddy.radcliff@theMU.org.

Young Workers’ Month

November is Young Workers’ Month, when trade unions celebrate young workers age 30 and under, and their contributions to the movement.

All month we’re talking about mental health, and advice and support to help you at every stage of your career. Here are some of our highlights:

Plus check out musician and bestselling author Nate Holder’s top 10 tracks celebrating the diversity of black British music – including Dave, KOKOROKO and more.

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes accident cover, health schemes, travel insurance and car insurance add-ons through the Musicians’ Union.

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

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

Exterior of the Wales Millennium Centre Cardiff, where the Welsh National Opera is based.

MU Responds to Welsh National Opera Cuts

Musicians' Union members in the orchestra of Welsh National Opera (WNO) are facing a reduction in working weeks, equating to a 15% pay cut as a result of a funding shortfall for the company.

Published: 28 March 2024

Read more about MU Responds to Welsh National Opera Cuts
Young Black musician looking thoughtful while looking at a laptop in a recording studio.

Celebrating BAPAM at 40

The British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM) turns 40 this year, and all musicians should be aware of how this pioneering charity could help them to prevent and overcome practice-related physical and mental health problems.

Published: 27 March 2024

Read more about Celebrating BAPAM at 40