Freelance Musician Guide

Tips and guidance for self-employed musicians.

Last updated: 03 October 2023

Career tips

A Young Freelancer's Guide

Mental Health and the Music Industry

Find helpful insight and advice as you navigate the industry as a young freelance musician.

The basics

Starting Out as a Freelancer

Learn how to get work and build relationships with the people you want to work with

How to Prioritise Your Freelance Work

Tips on dealing with being provisionally booked for new work

Funding and Financing Your Music and Projects

Latest news and features

Three wooden jointed figures in various moves representing posture.

Feldenkrais for Musicians: “You Will Learn the Difference Between Your Sacrum and Your Scapula!”

The Feldenkrais Method, which is grounded in science, can enhance movement efficiency in performance. In this blog, string player and MU member Jonathan Evans-Jones shares his experience with Feldenkrais sessions, run by Emma Alter for the MU, and explains why he’s attended them for five years now.

Published: 25 March 2025

Close up of hand plucking strings on an acoustic guitar.

Counterfeit Guitar Strings: How to Spot, Avoid and Report Them

Advice from Strings & Things Ltd, a UK-based instrument distributor, on how to spot and avoid counterfeit guitar strings, as well as information from Citizen's Advice on reporting suspicious sellers and claiming a refund on fake goods.

Published: 25 March 2025

Hungary Parliament Passes Anti-LGBTQ+ Law Banning Pride Events

Hungary has passed a new anti-LGBTQ+ law that bans Pride events and allows authorities to use facial recognition software to identify those attending the festivities.

Published: 19 March 2025

A DJ performing at an outdoor festival in Croatia.

Positive News for Artists Gigging in Croatia

The Croatian Parliament has passed amendments to the Aliens Act, meaning UK artists and crew performing or touring in Croatia for less than three months no longer need a visa and work authorisation certificates.

Published: 13 March 2025

A young girl wearing school uniform and playing a violin in a classroom.

Funding Applications Open for Youth Music Projects in Scotland

Individuals, organisations and networks in Scotland can apply for funding for CPD to support their youth music project. Applications close on 31 March 2025.

Published: 07 March 2025

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