4 Music Resume Examples & Templates for 2024

A music professional, often called a musician or music artist, is responsible for creating, performing, and sometimes producing music. They play a critical role in entertaining, inspiring, and evoking emotions through their art. To secure a job in the field of music, you need a well-written resume, showcasing your skills, experience, and musical philosophy.

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Music Resume Example

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Entry-Level / Junior Musician Resume Example

An entry-level/junior musician is an emerging professional in the field of music. Their primary role is to assist in musical performances, contribute fresh ideas to compositions, and support senior musicians. They help ensure that musical projects are executed smoothly and efficiently, from initial rehearsal to final performance. Here’s a sample entry-level/junior musician resume:

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Mid-Level Musician Resume Example

A mid-level musician is a professional with several years of experience in the field of music. They are responsible for managing performances, coordinating with other musicians, and mentoring junior musicians. They ensure that performances are executed efficiently, on time, and within budget, while maintaining high musical quality standards. Here’s a sample mid-level musician resume:

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Senior Musician Resume Example

A senior musician is a highly experienced professional responsible for leading large-scale musical projects and guiding the strategic direction of musical performances within a group or company. They manage teams of musicians, interact with clients at the highest levels, and ensure that performances meet both artistic and technical requirements. Their role involves a significant amount of leadership, innovation, and decision-making. Here’s a sample senior musician resume:

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Resume Templates for Musicians

Based on the analysis of 11 million resumes created using the Zety Resume Builder, here are the top 3 template recommendations specifically for musicians.

Cascade

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Featuring a clean white background and black text, this resume template combines simplicity and sophistication. It merges the best aspects of infographic resumes with traditional layouts, creating a seamless integration. Ideal for job seekers who prefer a reverse-chronological format, it includes a slim sidebar on the left, perfect for mapping out your career timeline.

Concept

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This modern resume template presents a sleek design with an eye-catching timeline. It's professional and sophisticated, making it an excellent choice for office jobs and managerial positions. The elegant layout ensures your credentials stand out, offering a perfect blend of style and functionality.

Diamond

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This single-column resume template stands out with its unique timeline, icons, and subtle graphic elements, perfect for showcasing an extensive work history. It ensures your professional journey is presented distinctly and memorably.

How to Write a Music Resume:

1. Choose the Perfect Format for Your Music Resume

Your resume is more than a list of gigs; it’s a unique story of your musical journey. In the competitive music industry, it's important to showcase your experience, skills, and achievements in a clear and engaging way. A well-crafted resume can open doors to exciting opportunities and collaborations.

To ensure your resume captivates employers, follow these formatting guidelines:

• Resume format: opt for the reverse-chronological resume format to highlight your most prominent achievements effectively.
• Resume fonts: use classic fonts like Calibri, Didot, or other popular choices.
• Line spacing: set spacing between 1 and 1.15.
• Font size: use 11–12 points for the main text.
• Resume headings: set headings at 13–14 points.
• Resume margins: keep margins at 1 inch all around.
• File type: PDF resumes are the best unless the company specifically requests an MS Word document.

Aim for a one-page resume. If additional space is needed, consider leaving out less important information and focus on showcasing your top achievements.

Include these resume sections:

• Header: write your name and contact information.
• Summary: summarize your resume’s highlights.
• Experience: emphasize your best music achievements and roles.
• Education: detail relevant education and academic accomplishments.
• Skills: list the skills that match the job description.
• Other sections: add relevant certifications, awards, or significant projects.

Pro Tip: What if you’re a programmer kicking off a music career? Show transferable achievements. Use the combination resume format to do that on a resume for music jobs.

2. Describe Professional Experience on Your Music Resume

In the music industry, how you present your experience can be as crucial as your actual talent. Listing your work experience effectively is key to standing out and getting noticed by industry professionals.

To customize your resume:

• Put your newest job title or most recent gig first.
• Add the company or venue’s name and start and finish dates.
• Write a short musician job description.
• Include 5–6 bullet points that mix duties and accomplishments.
• Show achievements with the PAR (Problem-Action-Result) formula.

Here are some examples of responsibilities for a music resume:

Music Keywords for a Resume

• Develop and perform music for live concerts, recordings, and public events.
• Collaborate with other musicians and stakeholders to understand their needs and ensure musical pieces meet expectations.
• Manage project workflow, overseeing the entire process from rehearsals to live performances, ensuring timely and within-budget completion.
• Conduct sound checks and feasibility studies to determine project viability and optimize performance solutions.
• Prepare detailed music arrangements and compositions, generating accurate scores and parts.
• Coordinate with production teams, liaising with sound engineers and producers to ensure audio quality during recordings.
• Ensure compliance with copyright laws and regulations, verifying that all music used complies with legal standards.
• Implement innovative musical techniques, integrating new instruments and styles into performances.
• Utilize advanced music software like Pro Tools, Logic Pro, and Sibelius to create detailed and precise musical arrangements.
• Manage and mentor junior musicians, providing guidance and fostering a collaborative and creative work environment.

Incorporate powerful action verbs for musician resumes to articulate your musical responsibilities and accomplishments clearly:

Music Resume Action Verbs

• Composed
• Performed
• Managed
• Coordinated
• Arranged
• Implemented
• Created
• Oversaw
• Collaborated
• Executed

If you’re a music student, look online for freelance or volunteer music jobs. Attend a conference or enter a competition. Anything that shows your dedication looks great on a resume for musicians.

Pro Tip: A performance resume is a different instrument than a music teacher resume or other music industry resume. Fill performer artistic resumes with performances. Stuff other artistic resumes with jobs.

3. Describe Education in Your Music Resume

Your education section is a crucial part of your music resume, especially if it aligns closely with the role you're applying for. If you recently graduated from a prestigious institution like Juilliard, place this section near the top to immediately capture attention.

Conversely, if your degree was earned a long time ago and from a less known school, consider placing it further down your resume or omitting it if it's not highly relevant.

Break ground with the basics:

• Institution Name(s) and Location(s).
• Years in School.
• Degree.

Pro Tip: Did you study under Evgeny Kissin or Cecilia Bartoli? Don’t hide that in your education section. That means putting it in a special section in your music CV or music resume for college.

4. List Your Best Music Resume Skills

In your music resume skills section, highlight your most significant projects, emphasize your proficiency with industry-leading tools, and illustrate your commitment to innovative and quality music production.

Music Resume Skills

Soft Skills

• Interpersonal Skills
• Communication Skills
• Collaboration Skills
• Leadership Skills
• Strong Work Ethic
• Active Learning
• Dependability
• Adaptability
• Creative Thinking
• Stamina
• Teaching Skills
• Instruction
• Assessment
• Classroom Management
• Technique
• Music History
• Theory
• Professional Development
• Mentoring
• Consultation
• Technical Skills

Performance Skills

• Symphony Experience
• Chamber Music
• Opera
• Pit Orchestra
• Concerto
• Ensemble
• Quarter/Quintet
• Performance
• Specific Instrument Skills
• Band
• Technical Skills
• Digital Audio Workstations
• Ableton Live
• Pro Tools
• Acid Pro 7
• Electronics
• Pitch, Rhythm, Timing
• Recording Equipment Skills
• Track Mixing

Want to make your skills section the crescendo of your music resume? See our guide: Best Examples of What Skills to Put on a Resume

5. Enrich Your Music Resume With Added Sections

In the music industry, having the right certifications and credentials can significantly boost your resume. These sections can showcase your specialized skills and dedication to your craft. 

Including awards, notable projects, and professional associations can highlight your expertise and accomplishments, making your resume stand out even more.

1. Resume Licenses & Certifications

• Certified Music Educator (CME)
• Pro Tools Certification
• Certified Audio Engineer (CAE)
• Music Theory Certification
• Digital Music Production Certificate

2. Awards and Honors

Listing any awards or honors you have received can help you set you apart. This could include music competitions, industry awards, or recognition from reputable institutions.

3. Foreign Languages

Being multilingual can be a significant advantage in the music industry. If you speak languages such as Spanish, Mandarin, or French, list them on your resume to show your ability to work in diverse environments and with international collaborators.

4. Professional Associations

Memberships in organizations such as the American Federation of Musicians (AFM), National Association for Music Education (NAfME), or the Audio Engineering Society (AES) show your commitment to the profession. Active involvement or volunteering in these organizations adds even more value.

5. Notable Performances and Projects

Highlight significant performances, tours, or projects you have participated in. Mention any high-profile venues or collaborations with well-known artists.

Pro Tip: Does an online certificate look good on a music resume? If you’re just starting out and don’t have experience yet—yes!

6. Compose an Impressive Music Resume Objective or Resume Summary

Your music resume needs to grab attention immediately, just like a hit single. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just starting out, a compelling summary or objective can showcase your passion and unique qualifications, making you stand out from the crowd.

A resume summary should highlight your extensive experience and achievements, convincing employers of your exceptional talent.

A resume objective should convey your enthusiasm and career aspirations, offering a snapshot of your focused goal. This is perfect if you’re early in your career or transitioning into a new role.

Here’s how to write a resume summary or resume objective:

1. Start with an adjective like dedicated or ambitious.
2. Add your title (Musician, Junior Musician).
3. List years of experience (1, 3, 5).
4. State your objective (to innovate music production at Studio Sound Ltd.).
5. Highlight a significant achievement from your education or career.
6. Ensure your resume is free from any typos and errors.

Pro Tip: Does every artistic resume need a resume summary or objective? If you’re writing a performance resume with lots of appearances or venues, you can skip it. A music teacher resume or music industry resume for tech jobs needs a summary.

7. Attach a Cover Letter to Your Music Resume

A cover letter might seem old-fashioned, but in the music industry, it can be a powerful tool to introduce yourself and explain why you're the perfect fit for the job. Including a professionally written cover letter with your music resume can set you apart and show your dedication.

Here's how to write a great music cover letter:

1. Format your cover letter.
2. Begin your music cover letter with the manager’s name.
3. Write an opening sentence for your cover letter that encourages to read further.
4. In the second paragraph, show your understanding of a musician’s duties and responsibilities.
5. Showcase what you can achieve by applying your unique music skills.
6. Conclude your cover letter with a clear reason for them to hire you.

Pair your cover letter template with a matching resume template. Typing out a cover letter in plain 12-point Arial just won’t cut it anymore. 

Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here. Here's what it may look like:

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See more cover letter templates and start writing.

Are you writing a music teacher resume? Also see our other guides:

• Music Teacher Resume
• DJ Resume
• Audio Engineer Resume
• Artist Resume
• Performing Arts Resume
• Tutor Resume
• Resume Examples for All Careers

About Zety’s Editorial Process

This article has been reviewed by our editorial team to make sure it follows Zety's editorial guidelines. We’re committed to sharing our expertise and giving you trustworthy career advice tailored to your needs. High-quality content is what brings over 40 million readers to our site every year. But we don't stop there. Our team conducts original research to understand the job market better, and we pride ourselves on being quoted by top universities and prime media outlets from around the world.

Sources

• https://www.pcc.edu/staff/tmaldona/wp-content/uploads/sites/114/2018/08/Samples-of-a-PAR-formula-statements.pdf
• https://guides.library.unt.edu/SCCopyright/basics
• https://cdo.business.rice.edu/blog/2021/08/12/how-to-demonstrate-passion-in-your-resume-and-interviews/