Job Contracts and Business 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.

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

Upcoming

Graphic with copyright icon and music notes

16 Dec 2025

Legal Webinar – Key Contracts (Rescheduled)

Learn what red flags to watch out for in recording, publishing, management, live and agency agreements in this webinar with Scottish law firm Harper Macleod. Available to members in Scotland.

Online (Zoom)

Plan ahead

07 Jan 2026

CULT Cymru: Tax Going Digital

An in-person training session for Wales members to learn about HMRC's new tax reporting requirements that will come into effect in April 2026.

Cardiff

Plan ahead

08 Jan 2026

CULT Cymru: Finance for Freelancers

An in-person training day for creatives in Wales who are either currently freelance or are going freelance for the first time.

Cardiff

See all events

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?

Tell us about it See all Campaigns

This is not a hobby - it's our profession

Latest news and features

A young man sat at home with a laptop on his knee, typing, while looking at a piece of paper.

MU Launches Guidance to Help Freelance Musicians with Making Tax Digital for Income Tax

Explore the MU’s new guidance for freelancers on Making Tax Digital for Income Tax, covering what it is, what you need to be aware of, and practical tips to get ready.

Published: 12 November 2025

Large, modern, empty recording studio. The mixing desk is facing the booth.

Members Advised to Check PPL Performer Line-Ups on Recordings

PPL (the organisation that collects and distributes royalties for recorded music when it’s played in public or broadcast) is currently investigating reports of inaccurate performer line-ups. MU members are urged to report if they see individuals listed who did not perform on their recording.

Published: 26 August 2025

Close up of person in jeans and boots, carrying their guitar case and amp over stone steps.

MU Responds to Birmingham Council’s City Centre Busking Ban

The MU will continue campaigning to overturn the ban as Birmingham becomes the first UK city to entirely outlaw all city-centre busking.

Published: 19 August 2025

Exterior of the Clermont Hotel Charing Cross branch.

MU Partners with Clermont Hotels to Offer Members Discounted Rooms in London

Our new partnership with Clermont Hotels means MU members can book discounted hotel rooms at various locations in London, as an exclusive membership benefit.

Published: 01 May 2025

A young male musician, playing to an older man who is smiling as he listens.

Changes to the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020 (Disclosure Act)

Changes have been introduced to the disclosure system in Scotland from 1 April 2025, aiming to remove unnecessary barriers for those seeking work and enhance the PVG Scheme.

Published: 08 April 2025

See all latest news

Cookies on Musicians' Union

Use your voice

Popular searches

Job Contracts and Business Agreements

Advice and resources

Job Contracts for Freelance Work

Specimen Agreements

Specimen Sync Licences

Employment Contracts

Legal services for members

Access Expert Contract Advice

Get Employment Legal Advice & Assistance

Recover Unpaid Fees

Get Advice on Partnership Agreements

Access Legal Advice and Assistance on Work Issues

Upcoming events

Upcoming

Legal Webinar – Key Contracts (Rescheduled)

Plan ahead

CULT Cymru: Tax Going Digital

Plan ahead

CULT Cymru: Finance for Freelancers

This is not a hobby - it's our profession

Latest news and features

MU Launches Guidance to Help Freelance Musicians with Making Tax Digital for Income Tax

Members Advised to Check PPL Performer Line-Ups on Recordings

MU Responds to Birmingham Council’s City Centre Busking Ban

MU Partners with Clermont Hotels to Offer Members Discounted Rooms in London

Changes to the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020 (Disclosure Act)