Our resume experts created these music resume examples to help you get an interview for your dream job. We also included writing tips to help you get started!

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Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment demand for musicians, music directors and composers is expected to show little or no growth for the next decade — however, the BLS projects about 5,100 job openings for music directors and composers and 22,600 for musicians.

With its limited job openings, the music industry remains a competitive field. Ensuring your resume follows industry standards and is optimized to grab the recruiter’s attention is crucial.

3 Tips for Writing Music Resumes

Select the right format for your resume

Your resume format dictates the layout of your resume sections, so it’s crucial to understand which is the right one for you. When choosing your format, consider your career goals and years of experience. Here are the three main resume formats:

  1. Chronological resume: Ideal for candidates with more than five years of experience who want to show off their past roles and achievements.
  2. Functional resume: We recommend this format for job seekers with less than two years of experience because it highlights their skills instead of their work experience.
  3. Hybrid/combination resume: Professionals between two and five years of experience can benefit from a format that places equal emphasis on their skills and work experience sections.

Use music-friendly skills

Music is a vast industry with many different roles. We recommend researching the position you’re applying for and tailoring your skills to the job. However, these are some of the most sought-after hard and soft skills in the music industry:

  • Ear training
  • Music theory
  • Reading and writing music
  • Instrumental and ensemble performance
  • Dedication
  • Discipline
  • Music composition
  • Arranging
  • Improvisation
  • Creativity

Use a professional template

Using a professional template ensures your resume is clean, well-organized and follows industry standards. Review our library of free resume templates to find the best one for you.

Music Resume FAQ

How much does a job in music get paid?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, musicians and singers earn an hourly wage of $39.14, while music directors and composers earned a median annual salary of $62,940 in May 2022.

What education should I put on my resume for music?

Depending on the position you’re applying for, you may need specialized certifications or even a college degree to compete for the role. If you’re applying for a music teacher position, you must include a teaching degree in your educational background. Here’s how it should look:

Music Education
Certification
Pennsylvania State University
July 2020

High School Pedagogy
Bachelor’s Degree
Pennsylvania State University
July 2018

Should I include a cover letter with my music resume?

Yes. Cover letters are a powerful tool to expand on your achievements and convince the recruiter you’re the right fit for the role. Use our Cover Letter Builder to craft yours in no time!