How to Write a Music Resume

A glimpse into the creative symphony of combining your musical journey with a professional portrayal.

Writing a music resume can be an intricate dance between showcasing your artistic prowess and presenting your credentials in a structured, professional manner. It’s a document that not only reflects your musical abilities but also serves as a bridge between your passion and potential opportunities. Here’s a comprehensive guide to crafting an impactful music resume that resonates with employers, educators, and collaborators alike.

1. Understand the Purpose

Before diving into the nuts and bolts, clarify the purpose of your resume. Are you aiming to land a gig with a symphony orchestra, secure a teaching position, or attract the attention of a music producer? Tailoring your resume to the specific role or industry will ensure it resonates with the audience.

2. Choose the Right Format

Decide between a chronological, functional, or combination format. For musicians, a combination format often works best, blending a chronological timeline of experiences with a skills-focused section that highlights your musical prowess.

3. Header and Contact Information

Start with a clean, professional header featuring your full name, phone number, email address, and a professional website or portfolio link if applicable. Ensure your contact info is up-to-date and easily accessible.

4. Personal Statement or Objective

Craft a concise, compelling personal statement or objective that encapsulates your musical aspirations and career goals. This is your chance to make a first impression—keep it brief, passionate, and relevant to the job you’re seeking.

5. Education Section

List your formal musical education, including degrees, certifications, workshops, and masterclasses. Highlight any honors, distinctions, or relevant coursework. For ongoing studies, note your expected graduation date.

6. Experience Section

Detail your performing, teaching, composing, and production experiences. Use bullet points to emphasize key achievements, such as:

• Performing: Venues, orchestras, ensembles, solo performances, tours, and festivals.
• Teaching: Institutions, workshops, private lessons, and masterclasses.
• Composing: Published works, commissions, awards, and collaborations.
• Production: Recording sessions, studio work, mixing, and mastering.

Include measurable outcomes if possible, like “Performed with the XYZ Symphony Orchestra for three seasons, reaching an audience of over 10,000 each season.”

7. Skills Section

Highlight your musical skills, technical abilities, and software proficiency. This could include:

• Instruments mastered (piano, violin, voice, etc.)
• Music theory, sight-reading, and improvisation skills.
• Proficiency in music software (Ableton Live, Pro Tools, Sibelius).
• Languages spoken (if relevant to international performances or collaborations).

8. Achievements and Awards

Dedicated section for honors, awards, scholarships, competitions won, and fellowships. This section should sing with the accolades that validate your musical journey.

9. Affiliations and Memberships

List any professional associations, unions, or societies you’re a part of (e.g., American Federation of Musicians, National Association of School Musicians).

10. Additional Sections (if applicable)

• Publications: Articles, books, or scores you’ve published.
• Volunteer Work: Contributions to community music programs or non-profits.
• Photos or Links: Include a headshot or links to videos/recordings if the medium allows.

11. Tailor Each Resume

Customize each resume for different job applications. Highlight different experiences and skills based on the job description’s requirements.

12. Proofread and Edit

A well-polished resume speaks volumes about your professionalism. Proofread thoroughly, checking for typos, grammatical errors, and inconsistencies. Consider having a peer or mentor review it as well.

Related Q&A

Q: How long should a music resume be?

A: Ideally, one to two pages, depending on your experience level. Keep it concise and focused on the most relevant information.

Q: Should I include every performance on my resume?

A: No. Focus on high-profile performances, significant achievements, and roles that demonstrate your skills and experience. Use a chronological order, prioritizing recent and relevant entries.

Q: How do I handle gaps in my musical career?

A: Be honest but strategic. Explain gaps briefly if necessary (e.g., “Took a break to pursue an MFA in Music Composition”). Focus on what you accomplished during that time, even if it wasn’t directly music-related.

Q: Can I include personal references on my music resume?

A: Generally, it’s better to provide professional references or contact info for past employers/teachers. If personal references are crucial, consider including them in a separate document to be submitted upon request.

Q: How do I showcase my creativity on a resume?

A: Use descriptive, engaging language in your bullet points and personal statement. Include specific examples of creative projects, compositions, or unique performances that demonstrate your innovative approach. A well-designed layout and thoughtfully chosen fonts can also reflect your creative spirit.