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
A Classical Musician and graduate of The Juilliard School with eight years of experience playing the piano in large concert settings with over 20K attendees. A proven track record of performing with symphony orchestras and premiere music groups, including the Philadelphia Orchestra.
Professional Experience
Classical Musician, Philadelphia Orchestra, Philadelphia, PA
September 2017 – Present
- Deliver piano performances for regional symphonies, chamber ensembles, and major concerts with over 20K attendees
- Perform a variety of classical pieces for orchestra symphonies, musical theater, and operas, including the Phantom of the Opera at the Mann Center in 2019
- Achieve recognition for fresh and unique performances of pieces from famous Jazz composers, including Dr. Don Shirley and Ryu Fukui
Musician, Fishtown Symphony Group, Philadelphia, PA
July 2018 – July 2019
- Delivered exceptional performances as a member of the Fishtown Symphony for concerts, symphonies, and musical theater productions with up to 5K attendees
- Garnered accolades from local critics and reviewers for exceptional piano solos and Chopin renditions during the 2018 Starlight Concert
Key Skills
- Classical Piano
- Musical Theory
- Opera
- Symphony Orchestras
- Jazz Performance
Education
Bachelor of Music, Piano
The Juilliard School, New York City, NY, 2018
- Performed with the Juilliard Orchestra, New Juilliard Ensemble
Brian Marko
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
123 Your St., Seattle, WA 98101
Profile
A skilled Guitarist and Writer 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. A strong history of delivering engaging performances in major Seattle music venues, including the Crocodile.
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 and generate coverage for upcoming music events
- 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
Guitarist, Mouse Rat, Seattle, WA
April 2013 – Present
- Played acoustic and electric guitar for Seattle-based band Mouse Rat and performed at a variety of premiere venues, including Sunset Tavern, Ballard, The Crocodile, Belltown, and Paramount Theatre
- Composed original music with a blend of punk rock and mathcore elements, released three albums, and achieved a review score of 9.5 in a major online publication
Education
Bachelor of Music (B.M.)
Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, WA, 2012
Skills
- Acoustic Guitar
- Electric Guitar
- Music Composition and Arranging
- Content Writing
- Lyricism
Crystal Matthews
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
123 Your St., Topeka, KS 66546
Profile
An Experienced Trombonist and Music Teacher with 14 years of performance experience and eight years in music education. Studied the principles of trombone performance with Wycliffe Gordon while attending Emory University and performing with the Emory & Henry Marching Band.
Professional Experience
Music Teacher, Great Notes Performing Arts Academy, Topeka, KS
May 2012 – Present
- Provide individual and small-group instruction to aspiring trombonists attending a summer performing arts academy
- Teach classes on trombone performance, music theory, and music composition during the fall and spring semesters
- Mentor six student trombonists per session by giving feedback on performance techniques and prepare students 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: | |
|---|---|
| Bass | Brass Instruments |
| Cello | Classical Music |
| Clarinet | Ensemble Performance |
| Flute | Guitar |
| Jazz | Musical Theatre |
| Music Composition | Music Education |
| Music History | Music Performance |
| Music Theory | Opera |
| Orchestra Symphony | Piano |
| Stage Performance | Trumpet |
| Vocal Training | |
| Action Verbs: | |
|---|---|
| Accompany | Arrange |
| Compose | Conduct |
| Direct | Harmonize |
| Lead | Orchestrate |
| Perform | Produce |
| Record | Sample |
| Transcribe | Transpose |
| Tune | |
Tips for Writing a Better Music Resume
Highlight Your Areas of Musical Expertise
As a musician, you want to highlight your strongest areas of musical knowledge and expertise on your resume to secure auditions. Prospective employers will want to see what styles you excel in and the types of performances you’ve given in the past. In the example below, the candidate demonstrates their extensive knowledge of both classical music and jazz. It requires extensive knowledge and skill to perform at the highest level in each of these musical categories, which will help separate this musician from other applicants:
- Deliver exceptional performances as a classical and jazz pianist for regional symphonies, chamber ensembles, and major concerts with over 20K attendees
- Perform a variety of classical pieces for orchestra symphonies, musical theater, and operas, including the Phantom of the Opera at the Mann Center in 2019
- Achieve recognition for fresh and unique performances of pieces from famous jazz composers, including Dr. Don Shirley and Ryu Fukui
Create an Eye-Catching Professional Profile
Openings for musician jobs are highly competitive, so you’ll need to create a strong opening summary to grab the hiring manager’s attention. In the example below, the candidate mentions their history as a graduate of the Juilliard School of Music and as a member of the Philadelphia Orchestra. These are well-renowned organizations with a reputation for talent that prospective employers are sure to take notice of during the hiring process:
Profile
A Classical Musician and graduate of the Juilliard School with eight years of experience playing the piano in large concert settings with over 20K attendees. A proven track record of performing with symphony orchestras and premiere music groups, including the Philadelphia Orchestra.
How to Align Your Resume With the Job Description
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for musicians and singers is expected to grow by 4% from 2021 to 2031. Musicians have many opportunities to use their talents to earn an income, whether they’re providing the entertainment at wedding receptions or playing liturgical music during church services. In addition to performing, musicians use their talents to repair musical instruments, give private lessons, write articles published in music publications, and compose music for other musicians to perform.
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.