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

Festival Diaries: Creative Ways to Approach Sustainability

As the climate crisis intensifies, Aayushi Jain explores the balance between affordability and sustainability on the festival circuit. Drawing on her summer tour last year as an independent artist, she shares practical and creative ways to reduce the environmental impact of touring.

Published: 29 August 2025

Read more about Festival Diaries: Creative Ways to Approach Sustainability
Large, modern, empty recording studio. The mixing desk is facing the booth.

Members Advised to Check PPL Performer Line-Ups on Recordings

PPL (the organisation that collects and distributes royalties for recorded music when it’s played in public or broadcast) is currently investigating reports of inaccurate performer line-ups. MU members are urged to report if they see individuals listed who did not perform on their recording.

Published: 26 August 2025

Read more about Members Advised to Check PPL Performer Line-Ups on Recordings