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 female electric guitarist performing live on stage at a festival, with a drummer in the background and audience members onlooking.

Applications Open for European Artists to Showcase at ESNS 2025

European artists can now apply to perform at ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag), a key exchange for emerging European music.

Published: 02 May 2024

Young male musician sat in front of home studio with guitar.

New Specimen Agreement Launched for Composers Working in TV

A new agreement and reference notes have been created by the MU and the Ivors Academy as part of the Fair Score campaign, to help composers understand fair commissioning.

Published: 30 April 2024

Two new UK passports, overlapping over a map of the world.

Update for Members Working in the EU on New Government Report and Feedback Opportunity

An update for musicians working in the EU, including a DAG report referencing carnets and visa waivers, as well as your chance to tell the Government what support and resources you need when working abroad.

Published: 29 April 2024

Interior of a bright and colourful conference room with empty stage..

Ticket Discount Available for MU Members Attending Liverpool Sound City Conference

The MU’s North of England team will be at the Liverpool Sound City Forum on Friday 3 May to discuss the importance of ‘How To Tour Sustainably’. Members can also receive a 30% discount on conference tickets.

Published: 24 April 2024

Member only Read more about Ticket Discount Available for MU Members Attending Liverpool Sound City Conference

A lively crowd and street market in Portugal.

Open Call to Perform at Inaugural Showcase Festival SQUARE

Taking place in early 2025 across four Portuguese cities, SQUARE is seeking British and European artists to perform as part of its inaugural showcase line-up.