Résumés, Cover Letters, Bios
The staff at the Music Entrepreneurship & Career Center present workshops for and regularly meet with students to help them prepare the materials they need in the professional world. The following resources outline ways to craft effective résumés, CVs, cover letters, bios, statements, and more.
When submitting documents to prospective employers, always customize them and be sure to address all of the duties and qualifications listed in any position announcement. Before you apply for jobs and other opportunities, contact us to review your documents.
Résumés & CVs
Note: A résumé concisely lists your education, experience, awards, skills, professional memberships, and community service in 1 or 2 pages; a CV (Curriculm Vitae - "course of life") provides more extensive documentation and is commonly used by musicians applying for academic positions.
Résumé Guidelines from the JHU Career Center (applicable to all résumés & CVs)
Résumé Templates from Microsoft
Résumé Templates from Google Docs
Handbooks from the Eastman School of Music:
Tip Sheets from NEC:
- Tips for Writing Classical Vocal Performance Résumés
- Tips for Writing Performance & Composition Résumés
Résumé Tips for Music Educators, from NAfME
The CV Doctor, from the Chronicle of Higher Education
"Applying for Faculty Positions," by Gerald Klickstein
Cover Letters
- Cover Letter Guidelines from the JHU Career Center
- Cover Letter Templates from Microsoft
- Cover Letter Templates from Google Docs
- The Musician's Cover Letter Handbook, from the Eastman School of Music
- Cover Letter Tips for Music Educators, from NAfME (scroll down).
Bios
Peabody students who need help creating written material for courses can sign up for tutoring.
- Bios for Classical Performers, from the New England Conservatory
- "Why Do You Need a Bio?" by Dan Kimpel
- "Bios That Inspire," by Gerald Klickstein
Reference Lists
Current and former employers make ideal references, as do colleagues with whom you work professionally. Your instructors are also valuable references but may be viewed as your advocates; if possible, avoid including too many instructors on any reference list.
- Sample Reference List
- Reference List Template from Microsoft
Teaching Philosophy Statements
- Sample teaching philosophy statements - 4 examples from Yale University
