Young Musicians

New and emerging artists face many challenges starting out in the music industry. Some are specific to musicians, and others are shared with young workers across the UK. The MU’s work with young musicians covers both, highlighting union advice, creating resources for young members, and working with young people across the trade union movement to challenge inequality and injustice at work.

Career advice

Financing and Funding your Work

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

5 Strategies for Success

What strategies do successful people use to achieve what they want?

Marketing and Promotion

Learn how to establish yourself in the music industry - from maximising opportunities on social media to offering memorable merchandise.

Boosting your Creativity

How musicians can boost creativity and overcome the challenges of the creative process.

Protecting your Rights at Work

Orchestras

A Guide to Auditioning

Get useful tips and an explanation of the process, as well as information about screened auditions.

The Musical Kit

This Kit aims to support music and song writers for musical theatre.

Mentoring in Music

Create your own opportunities to get mentoring or be a mentor with this DIY mentoring guide. It covers finding a mentor, setting goals, the mentoring process, and more.

Learn more

The MU gave me a huge amount of support at a crucial point in my career.
Scott Bowley13XL

Being a part of the MU really made me realise that we could fight for change, and that with collective effort we could actually make things happen.
Diljeet BhachuFlautist and MU Executive Committee member

I think it feels like belonging to a community, a genuine family of musicians.
Jess GillamSaxophonist

You have to be the change you want to see. It's our business. We need to shape it.
Amanda DalSession drummer

Fight for a fairer music industry

Have you been asked to work for no or low pay?

We regularly hear from musicians asked to work for free. Asking musicians to work for free is unacceptable at any time.

#ProtectFreelancersToo

End Sexual Harassment at Work

Help change the law to protect all self-employed musicians from sexual harassment at work.

#ComposersAgainstBuyouts

Take action Against Composers Buyouts

Media composers should get a fair share of the value they create.

#FixStreaming

Fix Streaming and Keep Music Alive

Record labels, streaming platforms and other internet giants have exploited musicians and songwriters without rewarding them fairly for too long.

It's ok not to be ok

A Guide to Mental Health and the Music Industry

Get insight and advice to help build a sustainable career as a young self-employed musician. Looking at common challenges including anxiety, burn out, setting boundaries, and building your support network.

Explore the guide

Silhouette of young male guitarist jumping

Get support as a young musician through MU membership

Access expert music industry advice and services whether you are a music professional in full-time music education, an occasional gig player, a part-time recording artist or looking to kick-start your career as a musician.

Explore our services available to members only

Be free from insurance worries
Get contract advice before signing it
Get your unpaid fees recovered
Be part of the community – where young musicians connect, network and make positive change across the MU and the music industry.

Join as a student or Join for a pound

Get support as a young musician through MU membership

Latest news and features

TUC to Hold Event on Preventing Sexual Harassment for Workplace Reps

The TUC will be launching a new resource toolkit for reps around preventing sexual harassment in the workplace, on Monday 13 December at 2:00 pm.

Published: 07 December 2021

A pair of pale blue denim shoes on painted white floorboards.

Court of Appeal Rule that the Calculation of the Government’s SEISS Scheme Discriminated Against New Mothers

Campaign organisation Pregnant Then Screwed submitted an appeal about the disproportionate impact SEISS calculations have on new mothers, which has now been accepted with the caveat that the urgency of the situation justified the discrimination.

Published: 29 November 2021

Photograph of a masked woman sitting outdoors, writing into a notebook and wearing headphones.

Together With The Ivors Academy We’re Calling For Support For Shielding Musicians and Music Creators

Joint research by the MU and The Ivors Academy has revealed that 70% of musicians, songwriters and composers who are still shielding are facing financial hardship because of their continued need to shield.

Published: 10 September 2021

Photograph of a woman backstage, she has a concerned expression and is looking into her mob

#ThisIsNotWorking: Call From Musicians and Music Industry Workforce For Abuse to End

New reports reveal sexual harassment and abuse remain rife in the music industry despite the #MeToo movement. We’re calling on the Government and music industry organisations to protect musicians and other workers from victimisation and harassment.

Published: 03 September 2021

A woman holding earphones who appears to be recording, there is a microphone, and open laptop and a notebook on the table.

MU Signs Open Letter Demanding Return to Live Music Post-Pandemic is Safe and Inclusive For Everyone

The MU has signed UN Women UK’s open letter, calling for 2021 to be the year the music and events industries rise up to the call of the #MeToo movement – and commits to change.

Published: 24 August 2021

Find your Local MU Office Contact

Enter your postcode below to find your local Musicians' Union office contact information.

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