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Table of contents

Popular music resumes
How to write a music resume
Music resume examples by experience level
Write a music cover letter
Facts about the music industry
Key takeaways for your music resume
Commonly asked question about resume writing

In the rhythm of a music career, a good resume can set the stage for your success.

As you step into the spotlight to present your talents and dedication to potential employers or collaborators, you might wonder how to compose a simple and powerful resume, much like a well-arranged musical piece.

You’ve found the perfect ensemble here. We’ll share the secrets so you can hit the right notes for the role you aspire to in the music industry.

This guide covers:

Music resume examples that hit the high notes.
Step-by-step instructions on creating a music resume.
Tips on selecting the right music resume template and format.
The importance of a cover letter in complementing your resume.
Key takeaways to help you land a job.

And if you’re looking for an easy way to make your resume — try our AI Resume Builder. Choose a template that resonates with the spirit of the music industry and get specialized advice, including text options tailored to your artistic and professional journey.

Popular music resumes

Before diving into how to make a resume, let’s explore some successful music resume samples. These can serve as your inspiration and guide to unlocking your next big break in the music industry.

Are you looking for a specific resume example? Check out one of our guides in a creative career field:

How to write a music resume

Prepare for a thriving business career by creating a resume that showcases your skills, organized clearly in distinct sections.

Your resume outline should include:

Clear contact information at the top.
A captivating professional summary or artist bio.
A section dedicated to your specific music skills.
Your experience in the music industry or performance history, beginning with your most recent role.
Your educational background, including any music-related degrees or specialized training.
Additional sections highlighting your unique strengths as a musician, such as notable compositions or recordings.

Now, let’s break these sections down in detail.

Step 1

Add your contact info

Your contact section should be at the top of your resume and include essential information that makes it easy for potential employers or collaborators to reach out to you.

Here’s what you should include:

Full name: Clearly state your name at the top of the resume. If you have a stage name or professional name that you are widely recognized by, include that as well.
Phone number: Provide a reliable phone number where you can be easily contacted. Ensure that your voicemail greeting is professional and clear.
Email address: Include a professional email address. It’s best to use one that incorporates your name for easy identification.
Website or portfolio link: If you have a professional website, online portfolio or a profile on a music platform (like SoundCloud, Bandcamp or a YouTube channel), include the URL.
Social media handles: If you actively use social media for your music career (like Facebook, Instagram or X), you can include these, but only if they are relevant to your work.
Location: While you don’t need to provide your full address, mentioning your city and state is helpful, especially if the opportunities are location-specific.

Remember, this section should be easy to find and read. The goal is to make reaching you as straightforward as possible.

That’s true of your resume design as a whole. You want it to be as carefully arranged as a complex piece of music so that your skills and accomplishments can sing.

Next, let’s talk about the main sections of your resume.

Step 2

Catch attention with a resume profile

Consider your resume profile as the opening act of your music career’s showcase, setting the stage for your entire resume. Placed at the forefront, it’s your chance to make a memorable first impression.

There are two types of profiles — professional summaries and resume objectives. Each one has something to offer, depending on how far you’ve progressed in your career.

Here’s how to adapt it according to your career stage:

For experienced music professionals: Your professional summary should concisely capture your expertise in the music field. Highlight key accomplishments and experiences that demonstrate why you stand out as a candidate.
For newcomers or career changers: Use a resume objective to outline your musical aspirations and explain how your skills, whether from previous non-music roles or recent training, align with the opportunities you seek in the music industry.

You can personalize your resume by considering the ethos and style of the company or group you’re applying to. What language do they use to describe their mission and values? Use similar terminology when you lay out your artistic vision.

To add an extra layer of personalization, research the company’s mission statement. Tailor your summary to reflect their language and values, showing an alignment with their vision and culture.

Writing tip

Employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to weed out applicants who don’t include the right keywords. Avoid that mistake by reading the job listing closely and taking note of the keywords so you have an ATS-friendly resume.

Professional summary example for a music resume

Accomplished musician and composer with over 10 years of experience in live performance, studio recording and music arrangement. Known for versatility across genres, collaboration with renowned artists and innovative approaches to sound and composition. Proven ability to captivate audiences and contribute to successful musical projects.

Career objective example for a music resume

Recent music production graduate eager to apply technical skills and creative energy to a dynamic team at ABC Music Studio. Passionate about exploring innovative recording techniques and contributing to the creation of impactful music. Committed to excellence in sound design and collaborative project development.

Step 3

List your most relevant music skills

In the music industry, showcasing a range of skills will help you illustrate what you bring to the table as a music professional.

One thing is for sure — you will need a mix of hard skills, such as instrument proficiency and music composition, and soft skills, like stage presence and collaboration.

This isn’t a showdown of hard skills vs soft skills. This is a harmony. They sound even better when singing together.

Note that many of your hard skills will be technical skills, particularly those related to your proficiency in music production and instrument mastery.

Writing tip

A “Musical Abilities” section offers a focused platform to showcase your unique musical skills. Such a section gives a clearer picture of your musical expertise.

Music soft and hard skills to list on your resume

Hard Skills

Proficiency in multiple instruments (e.g., piano, guitar)
Expertise in music theory
Knowledge of music production software (e.g., Ableton Live)
Experience in arranging music

Soft Skills

Engaging stage presence
Team collaboration in ensemble settings
Effective communication with fellow musicians
Adaptability in varied performance environments

Step 4

Outline your work history in music

Just as the music industry is constantly evolving with new trends and opportunities, your work history should capture this vibrant dynamism, focusing on the tangible results and impacts of your musical endeavors.

In the experience section of your resume, aim to do more than just list your previous roles and responsibilities. Instead, highlight your work’s tangible outcomes and contributions, especially as they relate to your artistic and professional growth.

As you detail your experience, consider including:

Specific achievements, like successful performances, recordings or compositions, which demonstrate your artistic impact.
Roles in collaborative projects or initiatives, such as organizing concerts or music events, that showcase your ability to drive creative and logistical efforts.
Use action verbs like “performed,” “composed,” “collaborated” and “produced” to bring life and energy to your professional narrative.

Organize your work history in reverse-chronological order to put a spotlight on your most recent and significant musical accomplishments.

Writing tip

While your technical and artistic skills are No. 1 in the music industry, don’t forget to highlight experiences that showcase your interpersonal skills. Skills such as teamwork, communication and project coordination remain important.

Music work experience entry example:

Music Director
Harmony Arts Collective | Los Angeles, CA | June 2019 – Present

Orchestrate and conduct performances for a range of events that have led to a 40% increase in audience engagement and attendance.
Led a collaborative project to produce the collective’s first studio album, which was critically acclaimed and boosted our online presence.
Implement innovative music education workshops, enhancing community involvement and participant skill development.
Foster a cooperative and creative environment among musicians, resulting in a more cohesive and dynamic performance group.

Step 5

Detail your education and certifications

In the music industry, the education section of your resume is a reflection of your formal training and expertise in various music-related disciplines.

Here’s how you should structure this section:

Higher education: List any degrees you have in music-related fields. This could be a bachelor’s or master’s in Music, Music Production, Music Theory or other specialized areas within music education.
High school education: Mention your high school diploma if you don’t have a college degree.
Certifications and training: Highlight any relevant certifications or additional training specific to your music industry role. This could include certifications in music production software.
Workshops: The music industry values continuous learning and skill refinement. Include any workshops, masterclasses or short courses you’ve attended

Writing tip

Including workshops and short courses in your resume is particularly beneficial in music, as they demonstrate ongoing learning and specialization in specific areas.

Sample education section for a music resume:

Education

Bachelor of Music
Performance and Composition
Melody Conservatory, Los Angeles, CA
May 2019

Certifications

Certified Ableton Live Producer, Ableton Certification Program – 2021
Music Theory Certification, The Musicians Institute – 2019

Workshops

Digital Music Production Course, BeatCraft Academy, March 2021
Advanced Vocal Performance Workshop, Voice Harmony Institute, August 2020

Step 6

Add relevant additional sections

Your resume should represent your professional and artistic journey. Optional sections are a great method for telling the full story.

Sections to consider adding to your music resume:

Musical abilities: This is a must-have section for any music resume. List your proficiency in various instruments, vocal abilities and other relevant musical skills.
Training: Include any formal music education or training you’ve received, such as degrees from conservatories, private lessons, masterclasses or workshops.
Performances and compositions: If you’re a performer or composer, detail notable performances, compositions and recordings. This showcases your experience and achievements in the field.
Music industry memberships: Being part of industry groups shows your active engagement in the field. It can be an excellent way to show your involvement in the music community.

Writing tip

Don’t forget to include significant recognitions like honors and awards in music competitions or grants for artistic projects. These honors underscore your talent and contributions to the music industry.

When selecting a resume template, consider opting for a creative resume, as the music field often values and embraces artistic expression.

However, modern templates and even a simple resume design are also suitable, especially if they align with your personal taste or the institution’s values. Whichever style you choose, ensure that it is easy to read and well-organized.

Various templates designed for the unique needs of musicians and music professionals are available online, with many accessible for free on platforms like Microsoft Word or Google Docs.

Remember, the final step of proofreading your resume is crucial to present a polished and error-free application.

Next, we’ll delve into how different resume formats can be effectively utilized in your music career journey.

Music resume examples by experience level

As you move forward in your career, choosing the right resume format can be as important as crafting the perfect setlist for a performance.

Your resume’s structure should serve your accomplishments. There are three resume formats, each suited for different stages in your journey:

Chronological resume: If you have a lot of experience in the music industry, a chronological resume is a good choice. It lists your music roles and achievements from the most recent going backward, highlighting your growth and success.
Combination resume: A combination resume can work well if you’re still building your reputation in music. It balances your professional experiences with your developing musical skills, perfect for showing what you’ve done and can do.
Functional resume: If you’re just starting out in the music world, a skills-focused or functional resume is useful. It highlights your musical abilities and training rather than your job history, showing off your potential even if you don’t have much experience yet.

Next, we’ll provide visual examples of each resume type and explain why they are particularly effective for music industry professionals.

Chronological music resume example

Chronological resume experienced example music producer

Create your resume

Here’s why this resume works:

Professional summary shows experience
The resume opens with a professional summary that effectively encapsulates the candidate’s career, emphasizing their impressive length of experience in the music industry (15+ years).
Well-structured work history
The work history is well-organized with bold job titles, clear locations and precise dates. Each role is accompanied by bullet points that focus on significant accomplishments.
Data-driven results
The use of quantitative data, such as the percentage increase in studio bookings and reduction in operational expenses, effectively illustrates the tangible impact of the candidate’s work.

Combination music resume example

Combination resume mid career example audio engineer

Create your resume

Here’s why this resume works:

Eye-catching header
The resume features an attention-grabbing header that is likely to draw the hiring manager’s interest, inviting them to dive deeper into the candidate’s profile.
Prominent display of diverse skills
Skills are given prominence on the resume, showcasing a well-rounded mix of both hard skills like signal processing and soft skills like problem-solving.
Certifications highlight professional development
The inclusion of certifications such as Pro Tools and Live Sound Engineer shows the candidate’s willingness to stay up to date with industry developments.

Functional music resume example

Functional resume entry level example music production assistant

Create your resume

Here’s why this resume works:

Creative and organized design
The resume utilizes color, starting from the candidate’s name and flowing through well-defined, centered headers, separated by distinct lines to enhance readability.
Detailed professional skills section
The ‘Professional Skills’ section is broken down into categories like audio equipment management, digital audio workstations and sound design, showing a range of experience.
Relevant volunteer experience
Relevant volunteer experience has its own section, which is especially useful in offsetting a lack of extensive work history.

Write a music cover letter

Create your cover letter

Writing a great cover letter can make a big difference in the competitive music industry, often giving you that extra edge to stand out.

Your cover letter is a perfect chance to share your passion for music and the unique path that led you to this field. It’s where you can talk about what drew you to music in the first place, whether it’s your lifelong love for playing an instrument, your fascination with music production, or how you’ve transitioned from another career into the music world.

If you need help getting started, check out our guide on how to write a cover letter or some cover letter examples. These resources can also help you understand how to format your cover letter more effectively.

If you’re pressed for time, consider using a cover letter generator. This tool offers customized content ideas that you can tweak to match your individual story and musical journey.

Up next, we’ll explore the earning potential and other career considerations for professionals in the music industry.

Facts about the music industry

Even the most skilled individuals in the music industry can benefit from understanding the potential paths their careers might take.

Here are three insights about careers in the music industry in the U.S.:

Musicians earn a median of $39.14 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The employment of musicians is expected to be roughly the same between now and 2032.
The highest-earning 10% of musicians make $100.22 per hour.

Key takeaways for your music resume

Highlight your musical expertise
Ensure your resume clearly showcases your skills in music performance, composition and understanding of music theory and technology.
Customize your resume for the role
Take time to analyze the job description and adjust your resume to emphasize the skills and experiences that align closely with the position’s specific needs.
Showcase your musical qualifications
Music-related qualifications, such as degrees from music conservatories, certifications in music production and instrument proficiency, might warrant their own sections.
Emphasize tangible achievements
Your achievements can include successful performances, compositions, recordings or collaborations. Use specific examples and results to illustrate these accomplishments.
Select an appropriate format
Choose a format that highlights your musical background effectively. Established musicians would be well suited to the chronological format.
Be clear, accurate and concise
A music resume must be precise and clear, reflecting your professionalism. Carefully proofread your resume and consider getting feedback from a peer in the music industry.
Include a persuasive cover letter
A compelling cover letter can enhance your application, allowing you to express your passion for music and explain why you’re a great fit for the role.

Commonly asked question about resume writing

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Don is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with more than 10 years’ experience creating digital content, including four years helping job seekers develop their careers. He holds an M.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University.