skip to main content

New and Updated MU Teaching Contracts Published

MU members can now access updated teaching contract templates as well as two new template contracts.

Published: 23 February 2023 | 9:00 AM Updated: 22 January 2024 | 4:30 PM
Multiple instruments including a microphone, an acoustic guitar and a drum, laid out on a grey surface.
A written contract is an essential form of protection for your teaching practice. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Developed by the MU’s Music Education Official, David Barnard, the template contracts have been designed to protect musicians teaching music while they work. The contracts are compliant with consumer law.

The updated contracts cover teaching privately, at home or in schools, online and face-to-face lessons, and the new contracts cover those delivering workshops (T4 Workshop Agreement) and those conducting and ensemble leading (T5).

The MU Contract templates for musicians who teach now include:

A written contract is an essential form of protection

Whatever work you do as a music teacher, it should be covered by a written contract. A written contract is an essential form of protection for your teaching practice as it sets out the terms and conditions for your relationship with your pupils. It also professionalises your work and ensures that you are covered for all eventualities.

Avoiding potential misunderstandings and disputes

The MU’s Music Education Official, David Barnard says:

“These contracts are designed to protect the self-employed music teacher/conductor/workshop leader by establishing the fundamental parameters of an agreement. These include, understanding the services to be provided, fees and payment terms, cancellation, insurance and safeguarding.

“Taking the time to consider these factors and discussing them with the client in advance, helps to avoid potential misunderstandings and disputes.”

We hope the new contracts are useful and welcome feedback in an endeavour to refine and improve this service.

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

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

Close up of a large, red, closed theatre safety curtain, lit up by stage lights.

Right to Work Changes and Deputies: MU Seeking Urgent Legal Clarification

Concerns have been raised about how new Right to Work requirements could affect musicians who arrange deputies or substitutes to perform on their behalf. The MU is urgently investigating the implications and will provide further guidance as soon as possible.

Published: 18 September 2026

Read more about Right to Work Changes and Deputies: MU Seeking Urgent Legal Clarification
A birds eye view of an online music lesson. A person sits at a keyboard in front of a phone on a stand, and an open laptop.

Dr Anna Bull: Putting Young People’s Voices at the Heart of Music Education

Originally written for Music Teacher magazine, Dr Anna Bull explores why safeguarding is about more than policies and procedures, and how empowering young people to find their voice can help create safer music education, as set out in the MU’s Experiences of Harm and Risk in Music Education Guide.

Published: 17 September 2026

Read more about Dr Anna Bull: Putting Young People’s Voices at the Heart of Music Education
Shot from behind of someone in a cap sat working at a mixing desk in a recording studio.

Have Your say in UK Music’s 2026 Workforce Diversity Survey

UK Music is inviting people working across the music industry to take part in its Workforce Diversity Survey, which aims to identify where further improvements are needed and highlight where positive change is already taking place.

Published: 17 September 2026

Read more about Have Your say in UK Music’s 2026 Workforce Diversity Survey
Close up of someone composing. They are holding an acoustic guitar while sat in front of a computer screen and keyboard, whilst also writing notes on a tablet.

MU Welcomes BBC’s New Commissioning Guidelines for Media Composers

New commissioning guidelines developed by the MU, BBC, BBC Studios Music Publishing and The Ivors Academy will help media composers better understand the BBC's commissioning process, with clearer guidance on contracts, rights, pitching and the use of AI.

Published: 17 September 2026

Read more about MU Welcomes BBC’s New Commissioning Guidelines for Media Composers