Pursuing a career as a musician differs from other occupations and industries. Instead of seeking interviews, you’ll find auditions and opportunities to showcase your musical talents. Craft a strong, accomplishment-driven resume displaying your skills, such as performing and teaching music. Add your knowledge of music theory to stand out from the competition. We’ll provide expert tips to translate your career as a musician into a powerful marketing document.
“Music resumes should reflect performance history, technical skill, and collaboration. Highlight your versatility across styles or instruments.”
Music Resume Templates and Examples (Download in App)
Music Resume Example
Why this resume works
This resume uses bullet points to showcase details such as audience size to illustrate the candidate’s skill and experience. Learn how to make your resume stand out here: How to make a resume.
Music Reviewer and Guitarist Resume Example
Why this resume works
This resume offers a detailed profile section to summarize the candidate's skills and experience immediately. Learn more about writing a strong resume summary: Resume Summary Examples.
Music Teacher and Trombonist Resume Example
Why this resume works
This resume puts a lot of detail into their professional experience section to showcase the varied work this senior-level candidate has done throughout their career. Learn how to list your education on a resume.
Music Performance Resume Example
Why this resume works
This theater resume leads with important personal statistics and a list of previous bookings, which give the casting directors an idea of their range and skill set. Learn how to list references on your resume.
Dance Instructor Resume Example
Why this resume works
To showcase the candidate's range of skills, this resume uses the profile to list the types of dance they have worked with before and goes on to showcase skills and certifications. Learn about what to put on a resume.
Entertainment Resume Example
Why this resume works
Unlike traditional resumes, an entertainment resume lists personal details and offers a broad list of the candidate’s bookings instead of detailed work experience descriptions. This allows casting directors to quickly see if this candidate fits the role they are applying for. Explore how to list relevant coursework on your resume.
Music Producer Resume Example
Why this resume works
This resume highlights the candidate’s ability to produce chart-topping singles and work with artists, demonstrating both technical and creative skills. It also emphasizes measurable outcomes, like millions of streams. Learn how to list your skills effectively here: Resume Skills.
Music Director Resume Example
Why this resume works
This resume provides strong details about the candidate's leadership in directing large musical productions and emphasizes key performances and the collaboration with various teams. Learn about what to put on your resume.
Music Performance Resume Examples
Why this resume works
This resume emphasizes the candidate's versatility, from local performances to national tours, showcasing a well-rounded career in music performance. Learn how to list your work experience on a resume.
Freelance Musician Resume Example
Why this resume works
The freelancer's resume includes detailed examples of the wide variety of music genres the candidate works in, emphasizing versatility and client-driven work. Learn how to list certifications on your resume.
Music Industry Professional Resume Example
Why this resume works
The resume demonstrates a clear career trajectory, showcasing how the candidate has developed their skills and experience over time in the music industry. Learn how to put your education on your resume.
Music Composer Resume Example
Why this resume works
The resume highlights the candidate's versatile career in composing music for various mediums, including film and video games, showcasing a broad skill set. Learn how to make your resume stand out.
Jazz Musician Resume Example
Why this resume works
This resume emphasizes both live performance and studio work, showcasing the candidate's diverse experience and contributions to the jazz genre. Explore how to list relevant coursework on your resume.
Music Engineer Resume Example
Why this resume works
This resume showcases hands-on experience in both live sound and studio work, emphasizing the candidate’s technical abilities and adaptability. Learn about technical skills for your resume.
Pop Musician Resume Example
Why this resume works
The resume emphasizes achievements in the pop music industry, including notable performances, chart success, and a growing online presence. Learn how to list your references on your resume.
Music Performance Instructor Resume Example
Why this resume works
This resume effectively emphasizes the candidate's extensive experience as both a music educator and a performance instructor, highlighting their versatility across multiple music genres. Learn how to list relevant coursework on your resume.
Studio Musician Resume Example
Why this resume works
This resume clearly demonstrates the versatility of the musician across various roles, from session work to live performances, while also showing concrete achievements such as chart-topping albums. Explore how to list certifications on your resume.
Music Composer for Film Resume Example
Why this resume works
This resume highlights the candidate’s diverse experience in composing music for both film and commercial projects, showcasing their ability to collaborate with directors and produce high-quality compositions. Learn about how to list references on your resume.
Music Arranger Resume Example
Why this resume works
This resume highlights the versatility of the music arranger and focuses on high-profile projects, including work with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, giving the candidate strong credibility. Learn how to list your education on a resume.
Band Leader Resume Example
Why this resume works
This resume highlights the candidate's long-standing leadership and management experience, with a focus on both performance and administrative duties. Learn how to put your accomplishments on your resume.
Music Production Assistant Resume Example
Why this resume works
This resume effectively showcases a candidate who has built their career on providing essential support in music production, highlighting experience with high-profile projects and logistical expertise. Learn how to list your experience on a resume.
Sound Engineer Resume Example
Why this resume works
This resume emphasizes a comprehensive range of experience in both live sound and studio recording, highlighting technical expertise and hands-on work in high-pressure environments. Learn how to format your resume effectively.
Vocal Coach Resume Example
Why this resume works
This resume emphasizes the candidate's broad expertise in teaching and vocal performance, with a focus on personalized training and student success. Learn how to list certifications on your resume.
Music Tour Manager Resume Example
Why this resume works
This resume highlights the candidate’s ability to handle the complexities of tour management, from logistics to budget management. The strong focus on operational details and artist collaboration ensures a comprehensive understanding of the job's requirements. Learn how to list your achievements on your resume.
Music Production Engineer Resume Example
Why this resume works
This resume clearly outlines the candidate's technical skills and experience in the music production field, showcasing their hands-on work in both studio and live recording environments. Learn how to email a resume.
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Music Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples
How To Write a Music Resume
Music resumes that look like raw set lists with no context do not help much. Highlight the bigger or longer running gigs, typical audience size, and how often venues invited you back. That is what shows me you are more than occasional background sound.
1. Write a brief summary of your music qualifications
Openings for musician jobs are highly competitive, so you’ll need to create a strong opening summary to grab the hiring manager’s attention. Start by establishing what type of musician you are, your years of experience, and the styles of music you specialize in. Also, highlight any well-renowned organizations you’ve been a part of.
For example, mentioning you graduated from the Juilliard School of Music or are a member of a large orchestra would immediately show prospective employers you have ample musical talent.
Senior-Level Profile Example
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.
Mid-Level Profile Example
A classical musician and graduate of The Juilliard School with eight years of experience playing the piano in large concert settings with over 20,000 attendees. A proven track record of performing with symphony orchestras and premiere music groups, including the Philadelphia Orchestra.
2. Outline your music experience in a compelling list
As a musician, highlight your strongest areas of musical knowledge and expertise on your resume to secure auditions. Prospective employers want to see what styles you excel in and the types of performances you’ve given in the past.
For instance, if you have extensive knowledge of classical music and jazz, focus on major performances for each. It requires extensive skill to perform at the highest level across multiple music styles, which organizations will take note of during the hiring process.
Professional Experience Example #1
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 performance schedules, and determine which ensembles to join
Professional Experience Example #2
Classical Pianist
Philadelphia Orchestra, Philadelphia, PA | September 2017 – present
- Deliver piano performances for regional symphonies, chamber ensembles, and major concerts with over 20,000 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
3. Include education and certifications relevant to music
List the school of music you attended, your graduation date, and your area of concentration on your resume. You can also mention your instructor’s name if they have a prominent reputation. Certifications are generally not required for most musician jobs, but exceptions exist. For example, music teachers and therapists need specific credentials to work within their fields.
Education
Template
- [Degree Name]
- [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] – [Graduation Month and Year]
Example
- Bachelor of Music (B.M.) Piano
- Julliard School of Music, New York, NY – June 2018
Certifications
Template
- [Certification Name], [Awarding Organization]- [Completion Year]
Example
- K-12 Music Education Teacher Certification, State of Kansas – 2016
- Music Therapist-Board Certified (MT-BC), CBMT – 2016
4. List key music skills and proficiencies
While not every organization will utilize an applicant tracking system (ATS) to identify talented candidates for auditions, it’s still important to incorporate key terms and skills from the job description into your resume. If the posting mentions specific styles of music or instruments, emphasize your knowledge in these areas prominently in your profile, professional experience, and skills sections. Below, you’ll find a list of key terms you may encounter while applying for musician jobs:
| Key Skills and Proficiencies | |
|---|---|
| Bass | Brass instruments |
| Cello | Clarinet |
| Classical music | Ensemble performance |
| Flute | Guitar |
| Jazz | Music education |
| Music history | Music performance |
| Music theory | Music therapy |
| Opera | Orchestra symphony |
| Piano | Stage performance |
| Trumpet | Violin |
| Vocal training | |
How To Pick the Best Music Resume Template
When selecting your resume template, focus on structure and organization over visual appeal. Hiring managers will always be far more interested in your musical accomplishments and expertise than resume aesthetics. Avoid overuse of color and bulky graphics, as these elements can often distract the reader from qualifications and experience.
Frequently Asked Questions: Music Resume Examples and Advice
Can I adjust a Music resume example for different roles or industries?-
Yes, you can easily adjust a Music resume example by aligning your profile summary and key skills with the job description. If you are applying to different industries, emphasize transferable skills and any industry-specific experience. For example, if you’re applying to a finance role after working in tech, highlight your data analysis and financial reporting skills as relevant to both fields.
What are common action verbs for music resumes?-
It’s easy to run short on action verbs while crafting your professional experience section. Often, there are a limited number of words to convey your musical accomplishments and experience. Differentiating your verb usage can enhance your content's impact and eliminate repetition in your bullet points. Below, you’ll find a list of action verbs to build your music resume:
| Action Verbs | |
|---|---|
| Accompanied | Arranged |
| Composed | Conducted |
| Created | Harmonized |
| Orchestrated | Performed |
| Played | Produced |
| Recorded | Taught |
| Trained | Transposed |
| Tuned | |
How do you align your resume with a 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 can use their talents to earn an income, whether providing entertainment at wedding receptions or performing at large events. They also repair musical instruments, give private lessons, write articles published in music publications, and compose music for other musicians to perform.
Despite the wide range of opportunities available for musicians, it’s still important to align your resume with the job description to secure auditions. For example, if a posting seeks a seasoned classical musician, highlight composers and complex pieces you’ve performed. By tailoring your resume towards individual job descriptions, you’ll increase your odds of landing your next big opportunity.
What is the best music resume format?-
Reverse chronological format is recommended for most music resumes. This features your most recent and relevant experience towards the top of your document. Functional formats, also known as skill-based resumes, are considered outdated by most recruiters and hiring managers. These formats don’t provide a framework to properly detail your career achievements and experience, which often results in a generic resume that won’t separate you from the competition.
How long should my music resume be?-
A music resume should typically be one page long, especially if you have less than 10 years of experience. A two-page resume may be appropriate for seasoned professionals with extensive achievements, but only if every detail adds value to your candidacy. Focus on conciseness and relevance by tailoring your resume to the job you're applying for. Highlight your most impactful accomplishments, certifications, and key skills rather than listing every career detail.
Including work experience from the last 10 to 15 years is generally recommended. Older positions can be summarized briefly or omitted unless highly relevant. Remember, your resume is a snapshot of your qualifications, not an exhaustive career history. Prioritize clarity and impact to make a strong impression.
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Creating a matching cover letter can bolster the strength of your application. This is another opportunity for you to provide insights into the nuances of your music experience. In the middle paragraphs, mention the organization’s reputation or style of music and why this draws you to apply for the position. For more information, visit our acting cover letter guide.
