Contracts and Agreements

Most musicians will sign a music contract at some stage of their career. The MU is here to make sure that when you do, you get the best possible deal.

Advice and resources

MU Standard contracts

Job Contracts for Freelance Work

Get your work in writing using contract templates for various types of engagements and work.

Music business

Specimen Agreements

Before you seek business contract advice, browse our range of example agreements for doing music business.

Specimen Sync Licences

Templates to help you negotiate synchronisation deals and agree appropriate terms for the use of your music

Employment Contracts

Use our UK employment contract advice resource to find out more about employment contracts and the conditions you should be wary of.

Aggregator Digital Distribution Services

A review of the terms and conditions of six of the most popular aggregators

Legal services for members

Access Expert Contract Advice

For advice on music business contracts MU members can get expert advice at no extra cost.

Get Employment Legal Advice & Assistance

We can arrange for a specialist employment lawyer to review your contract and provide you with appropriate advice.

Recover Unpaid Fees

The MU can help when you haven’t been paid properly for your work.

Get Advice on Partnership Agreements

Access Legal Advice and Assistance on Work Issues

Upcoming events

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Once you start contracting other musicians and bringing other people in the studio you realise there’s paperwork that needs to be done.
Fiona BriceArranger, composer and violinist

All business relationships that you enter into should be clearly and carefully set out in agreements that are fair to all concerned.
Naomi PohlMU General Secretary

#WorkNotPlayMU

This is not a hobby - it's our profession

No-one should feel guilty about turning down unpaid “opportunities". Have you been asked to work for no fee?

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This is not a hobby - it's our profession

Latest news and features

Blue digital sound waves over a black background.

Beyond Copyright: Do Musicians Need Personality Rights in the UK?

AI-generated voices, deepfakes and digital replicas are creating new challenges for musicians. Dr Hayleigh Bosher examines why existing UK copyright law may not be enough, and how personality rights could give creators greater control over their image and voice.

Published: 20 July 2026

Music composer sat in front of a computer screen and laptop, wearing headphones and making notes.

MU Backs Global Call for Artists’ Rights in AI Music Deals

The MU has joined artists, songwriters and music industry organisations from around the world in signing a new open letter coordinated by the European Music Managers Alliance (EMMA), calling for creators' rights to be respected in AI-related music deals.

Published: 25 June 2026

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MU Shares Solidarity with American Federation of Musicians in Artificial Intelligence Court Case

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl has written to the American Federation of Musicians (AfM) – our US counterpart – in solidarity as they take Warner Music Group and Universal Music Group to court.

Published: 18 June 2026

Two female session musicians in the studio, one playing bass and the other singing into a microphone. The sound technician is sitting at the mixing desk, turned towards them.

Over £3 Million Returned to Musicians Through MU Support in 2025

From recovering unpaid fees to distributing royalties, MU services helped secure £3.2 million for musicians in 2025. Your membership pays off.

Published: 29 May 2026

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MU Panel Explores Rates, Rights and Royalties at Sound City 2026

At Liverpool Sound City Conference 2026, the MU brought together industry professionals and working musicians for its ‘Money in the Mix’ panel to demystify these issues and offer practical insights into building a sustainable career in session work.

Published: 11 May 2026

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Over £3 Million Recovered for Musicians

In the last year, MU secured over £3,200,000 for musicians through:

Recovery of unpaid fees
Negotiation of contract settlements
Royalty distribution
Recovery of unlawful pay deductions
Negotiation of redundancy claims
Compensation claims for contractual breaches
Recovery of unpaid holiday pay

Your membership pays off.

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