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

A family with two young children hiking in a field.

PRS Members’ Fund Offers Summer Family Support for Parents Working in Music Industry

The PRS Members’ Fund is offering financial support for families this summer to help working parents with extra costs during the school holidays.

Published: 14 August 2025

Applications Now Open for the Sound of Young Scotland Award 2025

Young and emerging Scottish artists can now apply for the Sound of Young Scotland Award to create and release their debut album. Applications close on Friday 22 August 2025.

Published: 14 August 2025

A line of passengers in an airport queuing to go through a security scanner.

MU Reaches Agreement with Heathrow on Handling of Musical Instruments

Musicians travelling with instruments through Heathrow can now expect the airport to act in accordance with guidelines agreed by the MU.

Published: 05 August 2025

Close up of legs running on a treadmill.

Discounted Gym Membership Now Part of MU Benefits

Following the success of our discounted hotel room benefit, we’re now offering MU members exclusive access to reduced-rate gym memberships with The Gym Group — one of the UK’s leading fitness providers.

Published: 01 August 2025

“Climate Justice is Social Justice”: Bridget Walsh Launches the MU’s New Green Hub

MU Climate Emergency Action Group co-chair, Bridget Walsh, introduces the new MU Climate Action Hub — a space for resources, ideas, and collective action on sustainability in music.

Published: 30 July 2025

Cookies on Musicians' Union

Use your voice

Popular searches