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Musician Resume Guidance

A musician’s CV, or curriculum vitae, is a detailed document that highlights a musician’s education, work experience, and performance history. CVs are often used to apply for jobs, but they can also be used for graduate or professional school applications, speaking engagements, and more. 

1. Contact Information

Include your basic details at the top of your resume:

  • Full Name
  • Phone Number
  • Email Address
  • Location (City, State)
  • Website/Portfolio (if available)
  • Social Media (e.g., Instagram, YouTube, Spotify, or LinkedIn links showcasing your work)

2. Professional Summary

Write a concise statement that highlights your experience, style, and key accomplishments as a musician.

Example:
“Versatile and dynamic musician with over 10 years of experience performing in live venues, recording studios, and collaborative projects. Proficient in guitar, piano, and vocals, with a deep understanding of music theory, composition, and production. Skilled in engaging diverse audiences across genres including jazz, rock, and classical. Passionate about creating memorable musical experiences and fostering meaningful collaborations.”

3. Key Skills

Highlight your technical and creative skills as a musician.

Instrumental and Vocal Skills:

  • Proficiency in [list instruments, e.g., guitar, piano, violin, vocals]
  • Sight-reading and improvisation
  • Music composition and arrangement
  • Live performance and audience engagement
  • Studio recording and production

Technical Skills:

  • DAW Proficiency (e.g., Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Ableton Live)
  • MIDI programming and sound design
  • Music theory and ear training
  • Audio engineering and mixing

Soft Skills:

  • Collaboration and teamwork in ensembles or bands
  • Stage presence and charisma
  • Time management for gigs and rehearsals
  • Adaptability to different genres and styles

4. Professional Experience

List your musical roles, performances, and projects in reverse chronological order. Focus on achievements, venues, collaborations, and impact.

Example:

Lead Guitarist and Vocalist
The Echo Waves Band | New York, NY | Jan 2018 – Present

  • Performed at over 100 live events, including festivals, corporate gigs, and weddings, with audiences ranging from 50 to 5,000 people.
  • Composed and arranged original songs for the band’s debut album, achieving over 50,000 streams on Spotify.
  • Collaborated with sound engineers to ensure high-quality live and recorded performances.
  • Engaged with fans on social media platforms, growing the band’s following by 20%.

Session Musician
Freelance | Los Angeles, CA | Aug 2015 – Dec 2017

  • Played guitar and piano for studio recordings, collaborating with artists in genres such as pop, rock, and R&B.
  • Delivered on tight deadlines for commercials, films, and indie albums.
  • Provided creative input during recording sessions, contributing to the arrangement and production process.

Music Teacher
Harmony Music Academy | Austin, TX | June 2013 – July 2015

  • Taught guitar and piano lessons to students aged 6–50, adapting techniques to individual learning styles.
  • Organized student recitals, improving performance confidence and skills.
  • Developed lesson plans incorporating music theory and practical techniques.

5. Education

List your formal education and training, particularly if it is relevant to your music career.

Example:
Bachelor of Music in Performance
Berklee College of Music | Boston, MA | Graduated: May 2013

6. Certifications and Training

Highlight any additional training, workshops, or certifications.

Example:

  • Advanced Certificate in Music Production – Juilliard Online (2021)
  • Certified Pro Tools User – Avid Technology (2020)
  • Masterclass in Jazz Improvisation – [Famous Jazz Artist Name] (2019)

7. Performances and Collaborations

Create a dedicated section for notable performances or collaborations if your resume is performance-heavy.

Example:

Notable Performances:

  • Opening Act for John Mayer – Red Rocks Amphitheater, Denver, CO (2022)
  • Headlined Jazz Night – Blue Note Jazz Club, New York, NY (2021)
  • Performed at South by Southwest (SXSW) – Austin, TX (2020)

Collaborations:

  • Featured guitarist on [Artist Name]’s album Dreamscapes (2021).
  • Co-writer of “Melody of Us,” a track featured in an indie film soundtrack.

8. Awards and Recognition

Showcase any awards or achievements to highlight your talent and dedication.

Example:

  • Winner, Best Emerging Artist – Austin Music Awards (2019)
  • Nominated for Best Original Composition – Indie Music Awards (2020)
  • Gold Record Certification for contributions to [Album Name] (2021)

9. Additional Sections to Differentiate Your Resume

Languages

If you perform in different languages or have skills in foreign languages, include them.

Example:

  • Fluent in English and Spanish (sung and spoken)

Volunteer Work

If you’ve volunteered your musical talents, this can add a personal and community-focused dimension to your resume.

Example:

  • Volunteer Performer at Music for Healing Foundation – Provided live music for patients in hospice care.

Hobbies and Interests

Optional, but including relevant hobbies can provide a personal touch.

Example:

  • Passionate about songwriting and composing orchestral music.
  • Enthusiastic about exploring traditional folk music from different cultures.

10. Portfolio/Recordings

Provide links to your portfolio, recordings, or performances. This is especially important for musicians to demonstrate their talent.

Example:

Formatting Tips

  • Length: Keep your resume to one page unless you have extensive experience.
  • Font: Use professional and clean fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica (size 10–12).
  • Design: A simple, clear layout is key. For creative roles like music, you may add subtle design elements, but ensure the content remains the focus.
  • File Format: Save as a PDF to ensure formatting remains consistent.
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