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

Blue. pink and white transgender flag, being waved at a parade.

MU Celebrates Transgender Awareness Week 2024

Transgender Awareness Week takes place 13 - 19 November and is a one-week celebration leading up to the Transgender Day of Remembrance. To mark this we’ve put together a guide where you can check out MU resources, revisit related stories from the past year, and view upcoming events.

Published: 13 November 2024

Young female musician with red hair, sat in front of a computer mixing a song, writing in a notepad with headphones on.

Get Involved in Young Workers’ Month 2024

November is Young Workers’ Month, celebrating and supporting young members across the trade union movement.

Published: 07 November 2024

Black and grey image of a small rock show at an underground/grassroots venue.

The MU and FAC Publish Open Letter to Government and Live Sector on Cost-of-Touring Crisis

The letter states how artists have previously been locked out of support mechanisms offered to other parts of the industry, and calls for a blanket ticket levy on arena events to help musicians progress in the sector. Members can show support for the letter by signing the MU and FAC’s petition.

Published: 29 October 2024

A female musician with a guitar performing at a festival to a crowd in Austin, Texas.

New Report Reveals PRS Foundation's International Showcase Fund Provides Vital Support for UK Artists

PRS Foundation have released a new impact report demonstrating how the International Showcase Fund (ISF) helps music creators across the country to develop their careers and contribute to the wider UK economy.

Published: 24 October 2024

Black and grey image of two people, one holding a guitar case, walking up a hill together with a stormy sky above.

Silencing the Inner Critic: How Self-Talk and Feldenkrais Can Help Tame Performance Anxiety

Anxiety is November's theme for the new term of MU Feldenkrais sessions, which are free and run exclusively for members. In this blog, professional musician and Feldenkrais teacher, Emma Alter, reflects on how she manages negative self-talk and why her practice helps foster self-compassion.

Published: 22 October 2024

Cookies on Musicians' Union

Use your voice

Popular searches