Music Resume Examples
Years of Experience
- Entry-level
- Mid-career
- Senior-level
Philip Pavia
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
123 Your St., Minneapolis, MN 55111
Profile
Recent graduate of The Juilliard School with eight years of experience playing the trumpet and euphonium. Enthusiastic musician with a positive attitude and strong desire to contribute to the success of every performance. Additional experience repairing brass instruments, giving private trumpet lessons and serving as a coach for students in a high-school marching band.
Key Skills
- Experience teaching introductory classes in music history and humanities, including survey courses on world music and well-known classical composers
- Extensive knowledge of music theory and the principles of music composition
- Performing with concert bands, symphonies, brass quartets and other music groups; four years of experience performing solo concerts with piano accompaniment
- Providing private trumpet instruction to students in middle school and high school
- Knowledge of trumpet, euphonium and tuba repair and maintenance procedures
Education
Bachelor of Music, Trumpet, 3.8 GPA
The Juilliard School New York City, NY, 2018
- Studied trumpet technique with Kevin Cobb and David Krauss
- Performed with the Juilliard Orchestra, New Juilliard Ensemble and Brass Quintet
Professional Experience
Freelance Musician, New York City, NY
September 2019 – Present
- Perform with a brass quartet at wedding ceremonies and other special occasions
- Deliver solo trumpet performances for regional symphonies and chamber ensembles
- Provide musical entertainment for fundraising events
- Assist clients by recommending musical selections and giving advice on staging and the use of audiovisual equipment
Trumpet Teacher, New York City Public Schools, New York, NY
July 2018 – July 2019
- Taught the principles of trumpet performance to students in middle school and high school
- Served as a coach for brass players in a high-school marching band
- Assisted beginning trumpeters with instrument selection
Brian Marko
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
123 Your St., Seattle, WA 98101
Profile
Skilled guitarist with seven years of performance experience and more than 100 published music reviews. Winner of the “Best of Seattle” award for coverage of the city’s thriving music scene. Additional experience playing guitar during performances at small and medium-size venues.
Professional Experience
Music Reviewer, Treble Clef Magazine, Seattle, WA
June 2016 – Present
- Write detailed reviews of rock and punk concerts, symphony performances and Broadway-style musicals for a music magazine with a circulation of 25,000
- Interview musicians and gather interesting details to be used in profiles and concert reviews
- Use musical knowledge to promote local events and ensure that Seattle residents of all ages are aware of the variety of music performances available on a weekly basis
- Take high-resolution photographs during rehearsals and performances; write accompanying captions before publication
- Develop relationships with local musicians to ensure the magazine has access to as many performances as possible
Guitarist, Mouse Rat, Seattle, WA
April 2013 – Present
- Played acoustic and electric guitar for Seattle-based band Mouse Rat
- Composed original music to be performed at local venues
- Developed modern arrangements of popular songs
- Promoted the band by signing autographs at music stores, sending demo CDs to venue owners and developing marketing materials to be posted on local bulletin boards
Education
Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration (Marketing)
Seattle Pacific University Seattle, WA, 2012
Skills
- Ability to write compelling reviews that make readers want to learn more about a performance
- Acoustic guitar and electric guitar performance
- Developing positive relationships with musicians, conductors and music directors
- Experience taking photographs and video recordings to accompany print articles and online content
- Music composition and arranging
Crystal Matthews
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
123 Your St., Topeka, KS 66546
Profile
Trombonist with 14 years of performance experience and eight years of experience giving private lessons and teaching trombone in a small-group setting. Studied the principles of trombone performance with Wycliffe Gordon while attending Emory University and performing with the Emory & Henry Marching Band.
Professional Experience
Student Mentor, Great Notes Performing Arts Academy, Topeka, KS
May 2012 – Present
- Provided individual and small-group instruction to aspiring trombonists attending a summer performing arts academy
- Taught classes on trombone performance, music theory and music composition during the fall and spring semesters
- Mentored six student trombonists per session by giving feedback on performance techniques and helping assigned students prepare for college auditions
- Served as a program adviser for students in the brass performance track; helped students choose classes, plan their performance schedules and determine which ensembles to join
Trombonist II, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Atlanta, GA
June 2006 – May 2012
- Performed second and third trombone parts for a wide range of concert pieces
- Delivered workshops on trombone performance to local students enrolled in a music-appreciation program
- Assisted with the promotion of the ASO by attending special events, participating in fundraisers and delivering music lectures to small community groups
Education
Bachelor’s Degree in Music Performance
Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 2005
Skills
- Coordinating small-group ensembles by choosing music, conducting rehearsals and providing performance feedback to musicians
- Delivering workshops and lectures on music topics
- Mentoring students interested in pursuing a career in instrumental music
- Providing private trombone instruction to teens and young adults
- Trombone performance as a soloist or ensemble member
Common Key Skills and Action Verbs for Music Resumes
Many hiring managers use automated systems to screen applications. These systems search application forms, cover letters and resumes for words and phrases that are highly relevant to the job opening. The more keywords your application has, the more likely it is that you’ll make it past the initial screening and receive further consideration from a recruiter or hiring manager. It’s important to integrate these keywords into your resume by listing your key skills, highlighting your proficiencies and incorporating action verbs into your applicant profile and descriptions of your previous job duties.
| Key Skills & Proficiencies: | |
|---|---|
| Ability to tour nationally | Excellent stage presence |
| Knowledge of various music genres | Music performance |
| Reading music | Self-discipline |
| Time management skills | Transposing between key signatures |
| Action Verbs: | |
|---|---|
| Accompany | Arrange |
| Compose | Conduct |
| Direct | Harmonize |
| Lead | Orchestrate |
| Perform | Produce |
| Record | Sample |
| Transcribe | Transpose |
| Tune | |
Tips for Writing a Better Music Resume
Showcase your technical skills for the music industry
Whether you play an instrument or produce concerts, a career in the music industry requires a variety of technical skills. For example, many performing artists must know how to set up recording equipment, use audiovisual equipment during their performances, download and install software used to compose or transcribe music, correspond with clients via email and use office productivity software to create contracts, send invoices and produce marketing materials. Draw attention to your music resume by highlighting your technical skills and explaining how they relate to the music industry.
Example #1
Good
Experience using Noteflight to compose 30-second music clips to accompany television commercials and radio advertisements
Bad
Noteflight experience
Example #2
Good
Extensive knowledge of how to set up and use audiovisual equipment to amplify sound and record musical performances
Bad
A/V knowledge
Quantify your experience on your music resume
Quantifying your experience makes it easier for hiring managers and recruiters to understand the extent of your musical talent and ability to perform the essential functions of the job. If the job doesn’t involve live musical performances, make sure your resume indicates how many years of experience you have setting up audiovisual equipment or using software for music composition and production. When creating bullet points to describe your previous experience, try to include answers to the following questions:
- How many musical instruments do you play?
- How many years of experience do you have performing in front of live audiences?
- How many times have you given private lessons?
- How many of your students have been accepted to college music programs or regional music festivals?
Example #1
Good
10 years of experience playing instruments in the woodwind family, including the B-flat clarinet, alto clarinet, bass clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, oboe, and bassoon
Bad
Woodwind experience
Example #2
Good
Five years of experience setting up, testing and maintaining microphones, amplifiers, synthesizers, and other audiovisual equipment used in live music performances
Bad
Experience setting up A/V equipment
How to Align Your Resume With the Job Description
Hiring managers must look through dozens of applications to find the right fit for each job opening. If your resume isn’t well-aligned with the job description, you may be passed over in favor of applicants with resumes that do a better job of explaining why they’re qualified for the job and what skills they bring to the table.
If you’re not sure which skills to highlight, take a look at the job description. The most important skills and abilities for the job are usually listed within the first few lines of the advertisement. Recruiters may also draw attention to specific qualifications by mentioning them more than once in a short job posting. Before applying for a job, make sure your resume mirrors the language of the job description.
Example Music Job Description
Encore Music Camp is the premier summer music camp for students between the ages of 13 and 18. Students have the opportunity to take private lessons, participate in live performances and complete courses in music theory, composition and orchestral conducting. We’re looking for an experienced clarinetist to serve as a counselor to students enrolled in the six-week woodwind program. Use your woodwind expertise to help teenagers develop their performance skills and prepare to compete in regional music festivals.
Responsibilities:
- Provide private clarinet lessons to students between the ages of 13 and 18
- Teach sessions on music theory and instrumental performance
- Mentor campers as they choose new instruments and determine whether they should participate in the instrumental track or the composition and conducting track
- Supervise campers during meals and breaks
- Plan weekend activities to keep campers engaged in the program
- Distribute sheet music and assist the music librarian with collecting music at the end of each session
- Organize reeds, mouthpieces, cleaning products and other items used to repair, maintain and play woodwind instruments
- Make minor repairs to B-flat, alto and bass clarinets
- Encourage students to practice their instruments and prepare for fall auditions
- Monitor students during rehearsals and before performances
Qualifications:
- Five years of experience playing the B-flat clarinet, E-flat soprano clarinet, alto clarinet or bass clarinet
- Two years of experience playing double-reed instruments preferred
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Ability to remain calm under pressure
- Experience giving private music lessons
According to the job description, the ideal applicant should have the following qualifications:
- Experience giving private lessons
- Ability to mentor, encourage and supervise students
- Strong communication, organizational and planning skills
- Experience repairing woodwind instruments
- Ability to monitor students during meals and breaks
- Extensive experience playing the clarinet
Next, take key terms from the job description and integrate them into your resume as follows:
Music Work Experience Example
Music Camp Counselor, Smithson School of Music, Canton, OH
June 2015-June 2019, Summers
- Supervised students in the clarinet program
- Organized sheet music and ensured that all music was returned at the end of each session
- Provided private clarinet lessons to students between the ages of 15 and 18
- Communicated with guardians regarding student performance
- Recommended students for advanced performance opportunities and scholarships
- Repaired bent keys, damaged cork and other problems with woodwind instruments