Public Liability Insurance for Music Teachers What is PLI and why teaching musicians need itPublic Liability Insurance (PLI) protects individuals against the financial consequences of legal liability for damages following... Last updated: December 6, 2023 Read more about
Public Liability Insurance for Musicians What is Public Liability Insurance?Public liability insurance (PLI) is a type of cover that protects professionals and businesses from potential claims made against them. Claims... Last updated: July 8, 2024 Read more about
8 Things You Need to Know Before Going on Tour Here are eight things it’s important to be aware of before you go on tour, and where to find further resources on our website.1. Have a written contractProtect yourself against... Last updated: October 23, 2023 Read more about
MU Insurances Does my Public Liability cover my band?No. All membership benefits are for individuals only.Do I need to register to be covered for Public Liability?No – this cover is... Last updated: January 4, 2024 Read more about
Social Media Guide Are you a delegate?  Tell people you’re representing your Union region and creating change in the music industry at MU Delegate Conference 2025.  Download the Delegate social... Last updated: July 22, 2025 Read more about
Releasing Your Product Checklist to releasing your music or productCheck copyright — make sure you know who owns the copyright as you may need a licence to release your productRegister with rights... Last updated: April 1, 2025 Read more about
How to Get Gigs How to get your first gigsYour first gigs should be low-key. They should allow you to try out various songs, sets and running orders, to perfect your performance and settle on a... Last updated: October 3, 2023 Read more about
Help Centre MU MembershipWhat are the methods and frequencies of membership payments?As all memberships are an annual commitment you have the following payment options, which will vary... Last updated: July 17, 2025 Read more about
Fair Play Venue Scheme What is the MU Fair Play Venue Scheme?The MU’s Fair Play Scheme was set up as a response to concerns from MU members about the poor treatment and pay that many musicians were... Last updated: June 6, 2025 Read more about
Working in the EU Guidance on travelling to the EUThe MU has put together an interactive flowchart for musicians travelling to the EU to guide you through the new regulations following Brexit and... Last updated: February 19, 2025 Read more about
A Guide for Buskers and Street Performers in the UK Busking is a vital platform for many skilled musicians, providing not just a way to earn a living, but also a way to share their talent with the public. For many of our members,... Last updated: July 1, 2025 Read more about
Mentoring in Music The guide includes information on what mentoring is, its benefits, and information on the roles of mentee and mentor.It also includes a step by step guide covering:Finding a... Last updated: June 21, 2023 Read more about
Record Keeping for Tax Purposes HMRC has produced a guide which includes details on the bookkeeping requirements for the purposes of Self Assessment.   Some expenses have an element of private expenditure and... Last updated: November 6, 2023 Read more about
VAT for Musicians Who Teach VAT, or Value Added Tax, is a business tax levied by the government on the sale of goods and services. This is an indirect tax, meaning that registered businesses and sole... Last updated: July 19, 2024 Read more about
Mental Health Support Organisations the MU partners with, who help musicians with their mental healthMusic Minds Matter is a free 24/7 helpline run by Help Musicians for everyone in the music... Last updated: May 7, 2024 Read more about
Hearing Health for Teachers and Students Managing cumulative sound exposureA hazard for teachers is cumulative sound exposure, which is more likely to cause damage than exposure for short periods. You can use a free... Last updated: July 28, 2023 Read more about
Contractors (Fixers) An approved contractor, often called a fixer, is an individual or company who has signed an agreement with, and is authorised by, the Musicians’ Union to engage musicians for... Last updated: February 29, 2024 Read more about
Unpaid Royalties When we are unable to pay owed royalties to musiciansThe MU deals with a huge number of recordings, music uses and musicians. Where we know a musician performed on a recording... Last updated: May 8, 2024 Read more about
Tech Specs and Stage Plots It's always good to have an up-to-date list of requirements that can help make your gig go smoothly, and make the ‘get in’ and soundcheck less stressful.Here’s some advice on... Last updated: August 23, 2024 Read more about