Résumé Guidelines

Writing your Résumé

Best Practices

• Include degree(s) received – including cum laude, GPA, and so on
• Include accomplishments related to the degree and concentrations for which you are applying, such as All-State/Region awards, performances, presentations, publications, creative work exhibited, and so on
• Include additional educational training (workshops, internships, and so on) related to the degree you are pursuing—place and dates
• Include awards, special recognitions, and appropriate non-music recognitions/awards (E.G. Dean’s list, Eagle Scout, etc.)
• Include undergraduate merit scholarships in music and/or else
• List technical skills that would be helpful in a Graduate Assistant position (computer program proficiency like Excel; audio mixing; library work and organization; and so on)
• List work experience, volunteer work, and other community-related items only if they point to your leadership, interpersonal, management, and problem-solving skills.
• Organize in sections according to content, such as Education, Accomplishments, Additional Training, Awards, and so on. List all entries with most recent items first.
• Shorter is better(1 – 2 pages)
• Dates and locations for degrees received, accomplishments, educational training, merit scholarships, awards, and so on

Additional Recommendations

• A repertoire list and/or list of teachers with whom you have studied may be attached as a separate document.
• Provide complete names for universities, degrees, organizations, etc. Avoid abbreviations.
• Have someone you respect read your resume and offer feedback
• Proof-read carefully—No misspellings or bad grammar
• Easy to scan through—No paragraphs or long sentences.
• Focus on music and professional skills.