Career Development

Whether you are just starting out in your career as a professional musician, working part-time, or seeking to develop skills and knowledge to secure paid work in the future, advice and information from trusted sources can be key to making progress.

At a glance

How-to Guides and Expert Advice

Learn how to take care of yourself and take your musician's career to the next level.

Quick tips

Tips to Get Started

Top tips on various topics of musician's career

Starting and Changing Careers

Wonder how to break into a new profession? Get advice on how to get into a certain music field.

Members only

Music Gear, Equipment and Setup

Musicians and industry experts share their advice on taking care of the music instruments and equipment.

Featured career packs

Finance

Getting Funding

Learn where to look for funding your music business and useful organisations that can help.

Marketing and Promotion

From maximising opportunities of your online presence to taking advantage of ‘word of mouth’ recommendations and offline marketing.

Working Relationships

How to work with agents, managers and other players in the music industry and what you need to look out for.

Freelance Musicians' Pack

Advice on managing your work as a freelance musician.

Guide to Auditioning

A guide to preparing for an audition.

Professional Growth and Creativity

Musicians' Wellbeing Pack

Joining the MU has been one of the best things I’ve done! The access to opportunities for employment, training, development is invaluable.
Jermain JackmanSinger and political activist

Attending the informative and free development courses have kept me sharp and up to date, while also helping me to network with people across the artistic spectrum.
Millicent StephensonMulti award winning saxophonist

Through taking part in online webinars I have been able to meet other professionals and manage my jobs and finances more effectively.
Penny ChurchillSongwriter, engineer and producer

After attending a workshop that you had on sync I got back in touch with the guys from Music Gateway, who ended up taking me to the Midem music conference in Cannes.
Kate ThomasSinger-songwriter

The MU's professional and concise advice helped me to take control over my own career and not get overwhelmed.
Sophie KilburnSinger-songwriter

Upcoming events

Last chance to book

A tiny guitar amp sits on sand with the sun setting behind it.

20 Sep 2026

Free Portable Appliance Testing (PAT), Birmingham

This event, run by Phil Docker's Guitar and Amp Workshop, is an opportunity to ensure that your equipment is safe, and that you are able to provide assurances for your insurance, venues and bookers. Available for all MU Midlands members.

Birmingham

Last chance to book

Shiloutte of a person standing in a field, wearing a hat, holding a guitar at sunset.

21 Sep 2026

BAPAM: Managing Performance Anxiety

Part of our ‘Prioritise Your Wellbeing With the MU and BAPAM’ event series. Join us for this practical lunchtime session, exploring evidence-based techniques that can help you perform with greater confidence and control.

Online, Zoom

Last chance to book

Young woman on director's chair on stage, in front of empty theatre seats.

22 Sep 2026

Ladies of the Stave: Networking Session For Female Musicians

A free networking event to support female musicians and musical directors in theatre, hosted by Nimax Theatres and supported by the MU.

London

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Career news

The panellists sat on the stage with microphones, in front of a screen with saying

MU Panel Explores Rates, Rights and Royalties at Sound City 2026

At Liverpool Sound City Conference 2026, the MU brought together industry professionals and working musicians for its ‘Money in the Mix’ panel to demystify these issues and offer practical insights into building a sustainable career in session work.

Published: 11 May 2026

View from behind a person on stage against smoke and lighting, their arms are raised as they explain something, holding a pen and paper.

MU Launches New Guidance for MDs and AMDs in Theatre

The MU is pleased to launch two practical guides for Musical Directors (MDs) and Assistant Musical Directors (AMDs) working in theatre, covering key responsibilities, standard terms and conditions, and practical advice.

Published: 10 April 2026

Wooden steps on a bright yellow back ground, an arrow is draw over them upwards, to represet the concept of personal development and improvement.

MU Launches Brand New Activist Development Programme for Members

Applications are now open for our new 2026 MU Future Leaders programme, offering underrepresented members the chance to gain campaign expertise, influence union strategy, and build networks across the music sector.

Published: 05 January 2026

Two hands outstretched, each holding a jigsaw piece that will fit together.

Lessons from the MU’s Courageous Conversations Workshop

The music industry can be a difficult environment in which to have the conversations that you want and need in the workplace, but a one-day course hosted by the MU has offered a way forward.

Published: 18 December 2025

A woman sat in a park closing her eyes and gently stretching her neck to the side.

Exploring Neck Pain Through the Feldenkrais Method with Emma Alter

Originally posted on her blog, professional classical musician and Feldenkrais teacher Emma Alter discusses how our neck and spine work together. The rest of this year’s Feldenkrais sessions will follow the theme of ‘Freeing Your Neck’, and are free for MU members.

Published: 18 November 2025

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Popular searches

Career Development

At a glance

How-to Guides and Expert Advice

Tips to Get Started

Starting and Changing Careers

Music Gear, Equipment and Setup

Featured career packs

Getting Funding

Marketing and Promotion

Working Relationships

Freelance Musicians' Pack

Guide to Auditioning

Professional Growth and Creativity

Musicians' Wellbeing Pack

Upcoming events

Last chance to book

Free Portable Appliance Testing (PAT), Birmingham

Last chance to book

BAPAM: Managing Performance Anxiety

Last chance to book

Ladies of the Stave: Networking Session For Female Musicians

Find a musician

Career news

MU Panel Explores Rates, Rights and Royalties at Sound City 2026

MU Launches New Guidance for MDs and AMDs in Theatre

MU Launches Brand New Activist Development Programme for Members

Lessons from the MU’s Courageous Conversations Workshop

Exploring Neck Pain Through the Feldenkrais Method with Emma Alter