Acting Resume Examples and Templates
Music Resume Examples and Templates for 2025
By Andrew Stoner
, Executive Resume Writer and Career Coach
Andrew Stoner
Read More
Executive Resume Writer and Career Coach
Last Updated:
March 18, 2025
As a musician, you understand the importance of cadence, pitch, and rhythm. Your resume can benefit from musical thinking, even if writing isn’t your strongest skill set. To create an impactful document that connects with your audience, emphasize your career progression and commitment to your craft. Whether pursuing a career as a music teacher or auditioning for a classical jazz symphony, your resume must encapsulate what makes you unique as an artist. We’ll provide expert tips to help you fine-tune your resume into a beautiful harmony that resonates with potential employers.
Key takeaways:
- Emphasize your musical talents: Feature your mastery of various musical instruments, genres, and styles to demonstrate your versatility as a musician.
- Highlight your most impressive achievements: Showcase your most impressive career accomplishments, such as notable venues you’ve performed at or the impact you’ve had on students as a music teacher.
- Tailor your resume for each job: Alter your content to better align your resume with specific opportunities you’re targeting.
Most Popular Music Resumes
Musical Theater Resume Example
Why this musical theatre resume example is strong:
This resume highlights a performer’s versatility and achievements through quantified metrics like Critics’ Choice Awards and the number of productions performed. It effectively aligns with professional roles in the industry using industry-specific terms. Learn more about how to showcase creative accomplishments here: What Hobbies and Interests To Put on a Resume.
Music Teacher Resume Example
Why this music teacher resume example is strong:
This resume demonstrates the candidate’s impact through quantifiable results, such as increasing participation rates and competition wins. It balances private instruction with formal teaching experience. Learn how to tailor teaching resumes effectively here: Teaching Skills for Resumes.
Music Composer Resume Example
Why this music composer resume example is strong:
This resume effectively combines technical and creative skills with client collaboration, showcasing versatility. Detailed achievements, such as client satisfaction rates, stand out to employers. Discover how to highlight your academic accomplishments visit: How To List a Degree on a Resume.
Music Engineer Resume Example
Why this music engineer resume example is strong:
This resume emphasizes technical proficiency and quantifies achievements, such as the number of tracks produced and production efficiency improvements. The content demonstrates the applicant’s understanding of recording technology and software using tangible examples from their career.
Music Producer Resume Example
Why this music producer resume example is strong:
This resume combines commercial success metrics and leadership experience, making it highly impactful. The bullet points illustrate their experience working with major artists to produce albums with budgets of over $1 million, which will grab potential employers’ attention.
Church Music Director Resume Example
Why this church music director resume example is strong:
This resume demonstrates the candidate’s leadership capabilities using compelling examples from their career. The bullet points highlight their experience managing a choir with over 40 members, which shows potential employers that they have the expertise to lead and develop large ensembles.
Classical Music Resume Example
Why this classical music resume example is strong:
This resume excels by showcasing international experience and highlighting collaborations with composers. The content showcases their background performing at famous venues such as Carnegie Hall, sure to draw potential employers’ interest.
Elementary Music Teacher Resume Example
Why this elementary music teacher resume example is strong:
This resume strongly connects student success with participation rates and concert attendance metrics. Learn how to present educational impact effectively here: Teaching Skills for Resume.
Entry-Level Music Industry Resume Example
Why this entry-level music industry resume example is strong:
This resume highlights internships and volunteer work to compensate for limited formal experience. See tips on making resumes for beginners here: How To Write a Resume With No Experience.
Music Curator Resume Example
Why this music curator resume example is strong:
This resume emphasizes industry-specific metrics, such as increased listens and the number of curated playlists. Discover more about impactful resumes here: How To Make a Resume.
Vocal Coach Resume Example
Why this vocal coach resume example is strong:
This resume combines certifications, individual client success stories, and student outcomes for a well-rounded professional image. Learn how to showcase your career progression here: How To Show a Promotion on a Resume.
Sound Designer Resume Example
Why this sound designer resume example is strong:
This resume demonstrates technical mastery and creativity through a mix of industry-specific achievements and quantifiable outcomes. Discover how to showcase specialized skills effectively here: How To List Skills on a Resume.
Music Librarian Resume Example
Why this music librarian resume example is strong:
This resume combines archival expertise and technology-driven improvements, making it ideal for modern library roles. Learn more about leveraging library experience in resumes here: How To List Publications on a Resume.
Session Musician Resume Example
Why this session musician resume example is strong:
This resume highlights adaptability and quantifies session work contributions. See how to emphasize performance roles in resumes here: Resume Action Words.
Film Score Composer Resume Example
Why this film score composer resume example is strong:
This resume effectively combines creative achievements and technical skills, highlighting standout projects. Learn more about structuring creative resumes here: What To Put on a Resume.
Live Sound Technician Resume Example
Why this live sound technician resume example is strong:
This resume highlights leadership in event production and quantifies experience with metrics like audience size and number of events managed. Learn more about building impactful technical resumes here: Work Experience on a Resume.
Choir Director Resume Example
Why this choir director resume example is strong:
This resume showcases leadership in education and worship settings, combining quantifiable achievements and technical expertise. Learn how to highlight organizational leadership on resumes here: Resume Job Description.
Music Festival Coordinator Resume Example
Why this music festival coordinator resume example is strong:
This resume highlights the candidate’s ability to manage large events and their logistical complexities. Learn more about showcasing event management skills here: Transferable Skills for a Resume.
Orchestra Conductor Resume Example
Why this orchestra conductor resume example is strong:
This resume highlights leadership in high-profile roles and international achievements. Learn how to emphasize leadership for artistic professions here: How To Write a Resume Summary.
Music Arranger Resume Example
Why this music arranger resume example is strong:
This resume highlights the candidate’s ability to create commercially successful and artistically versatile arrangements. Learn more about showcasing creative roles effectively here: Resume Keywords.
Music Text-Only Resume Examples and Templates
How To Write a Music Resume Example
Just like a sheet of musical notation, your resume needs a cohesive structure to display your talents and expertise as a professional musician properly. To organize your content effectively, opt for a clean template that contains the following sections:
- Contact information
- Profile
- Key skills
- Professional experience
- Education and certifications
1. Share your contact information
Include your name, phone number, email address, location, and URLs to your portfolio and LinkedIn profile. Keep the information updated to ensure potential employers or collaborators can reach you.
Example
Your Name
[email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | City, ST | LinkedIn | Portfolio
2. Write a compelling summary of your music career
First impressions play a pivotal role during the hiring process, so leading with a powerful opening summary encapsulating your unique strengths as a professional musician is important. Start with your title, years of experience, and any instruments and styles you specialize in. Round out your paragraph by showcasing key achievements that can help set you apart from other candidates. If you’ve performed as a member of a prominent group, such as the Philadelphia Orchestra, feature this prominently in your profile.
Senior-level profile example:
Concert violinist with over 15 years of international performance experience specializing in classical repertoire and chamber music. Collaborated with world-renowned conductors and ensembles, achieving critical acclaim for technical precision and emotive interpretations.
Entry-level profile example:
Jazz pianist with a strong foundation in improvisation and music theory. Experienced in live performances at local venues and eager to contribute to collaborative musical projects.
3. Add an accomplishment-driven professional experience section
Your professional experience section should center on your most notable accomplishments as a musician. Like an orchestra, your bullet points paint an engaging picture of your music career. Highlight notable venues you’ve performed at in the past or positive reception from critics for an album you released. If you’re pursuing a role in teaching, emphasize how you’ve nurtured talent and helped your students excel.
Resume writer’s tip: Quantify your experience
While it’s not always easy to quantify your accomplishments as a musician, incorporating numbers and metrics can amplify the impact of your bullet points. If you’re a performer, showcase the number of concerts you’ve done or the size of the audiences to demonstrate your proven track record of success. If you’re a teacher, highlight goal attainment metrics to show employers how you’ve contributed positively to student growth.
Do
- “Performed in over 50 sold-out concerts at Carnegie Hall and Royal Albert Hall venues.”
Don’t
- “Played concerts at various venues.”
Resume writer’s tip: Tailor your resume for each application
Your resume should be uniquely tailored to specific roles within the music industry according to your long-term goals and aspirations. If you’re pursuing an opportunity at a major orchestra, highlighting past performances at prominent venues can help establish your talent and credibility. When you’re targeting a role as a university professor, illustrating that mastery of musical theory can increase your chances of generating interviews.
What if you don’t have experience?
If you’re entering the field for the first time, you can still build an exceptional resume to position yourself for entry-level opportunities. Highlight your education and training, especially if you graduated from a prominent institution such as Julliard or Berklee. Feature volunteer performances or student recitals to show you have some experience playing in front of live audiences.
4. Include relevant education and certifications
Education is often a cornerstone of a music resume, especially for classical musicians or those applying for academic positions. Highlight your degrees and conservatory training in music theory, pedagogy, or specific instruments. If your goal is to pursue a career in education, you’ll need to feature your state teaching certification to be eligible for employment.
Education
Template:
[Degree Name and Major] | [Graduation Date]
[School Name] | [City, ST]
Example:
Bachelor of Music (B.M.) | May 2016
Berklee College of Music | Boston, MA
Certifications
Template:
[Certification Name] | [Awarding Organization] | [Completion Date]
Examples:
Music Therapist-Board Certified (MT-BC) | CBMT | 2018
K-12 Music Teacher Certification | State of Massachusetts | 2017
5. List pertinent key skills
Even for musician jobs, many organizations rely on applicant tracking systems (ATS) to identify ideal candidates during the hiring process. To pass the initial screening process and make a positive impression on the hiring manager, include a comprehensive list of key skills that align with the job posting. Feature specific musical skills, styles, and instruments that employers are looking for. If you’re a music teacher, highlight specific teaching methodologies that match the school’s academic mission.
| Key Skills: | |
|---|---|
| Arrangement and orchestration | Cello |
| Classical music | Collaborative performance |
| Ensemble performance | Flute |
| Guitar | Improvisation |
| Jazz | Music theory |
| Music therapy | Piano |
| Recording and production | Rehearsal direction |
| Sight-reading | Studio recording |
| Teaching | Trumpet |
| Vocal coaching | |
Resume writer’s tip: Use descriptive action verbs
Start each bullet point with a dynamic action verb to add a unique and engaging element to your writing. Using proactive language lets you take ownership of your achievements and paint a clearer picture of your experience. That said, it’s important to diversify your usage of action verbs to give each bullet a distinct feel. We’ve compiled a list of verbs to craft the professional experience section of your music resume:
| Action Verbs | |
|---|---|
| Achieved | Arranged |
| Composed | Conducted |
| Created | Delivered |
| Directed | Enhanced |
| Improved | Led |
| Improvised | Mentored |
| Performed | Produced |
| Supported | Taught |
How To Pick the Best Music Resume Template
Choose a template that emphasizes readability and clarity. Avoid overly decorative designs that might distract from your content. A clean, professional layout that includes sections for performances, teaching experience, and education will ensure your qualifications are presented effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions: Music Resume Examples and Advice
How do you align your resume with a music job description?
Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 2% increase in growth for musicians over the next decade. This only amounts to 20,400 new openings each year, which is much slower when compared to other industries. Given the long-term outlook for the industry, aligning your resume with the job description is essential.
For example, if you’re applying for a position as a music therapist, highlight your knowledge of specific clinical techniques and musical instruments that match the job posting. If you’re targeting a music producer or sound technician role, feature specific technical skills and recording software that align with the employer's needs.
What is the best music resume format?
The reverse chronological format best suits musicians, as it highlights your most recent jobs, performances, and teaching experience towards the top of your resume. A combination approach should only be considered for entry-level candidates who must compensate for a lack of work history by highlighting education, training, and student recitals.
Expert advice: include a cover letter with your resume
Once you’ve completed your resume, consider crafting a custom cover letter to increase further your odds of landing the interview. Use this opportunity to add a personal touch to your application by emphasizing your passion and dedication to your craft. Be sure to mention something specific about the organization’s reputation and why this entices you to apply for the role, as this demonstrates your genuine interest in the opportunity.
Check Out Related Examples
Executive Resume Writer and Career Coach
Andrew Stoner is an executive career coach and resume writer with 17 years of experience as a hiring manager and operations leader at two Fortune 500 Financial Services companies, and as the career services director at two major university business schools.
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