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Guidelines for Content
Organize informaon in terms of your strengths and their relaonship to the posion for which you are applying.
You will never use a “general” resume—each one will be tailored to t the needs of the role to which you are
applying. Include only important informaon and jusfy to yourself your purpose for including any given material.
Put yourself in the seat of the person who will be reading your resume.
Lay your experiences out in reverse chronological order so that your most recent experiences are on top.
Do NOT lie about anything. Get the most mileage out of your experience as it exists. Including false/untrue
informaon, parcularly in aeld as small as music, is asking for your credibility to be quesoned.
Principal Teachers: Lisng of teachers is oen oponal and should only be included on your resume if it gives it
strength. Do not list teachers with whom you have only had a few lessons. If you have master class teachers whom
you feel are important to list, make sure to make this disncon so as not to give the impression that you have
studied with these people for extended periods of me.
Performance Engagements: List those ensembles/experiences that best portray your experience to date. Be
mindful of “padding” your resume with every experience you’ve ever had to make it look really full. Padding is
usually recognized; it is not to your advantage.
Advanced Professional Training, Summer Study, Study Abroad: Informaon of this kind can be added to
Educaon or be contained in a secon of its own if the quality and quanty is extensive. Begin, again, with the
most recent study.
Composions or Research Projects: If you applying to graduate school in a non-performing eld, reviewers of your
resume will want evidence of accomplishment. Include–whichever is relevant–composions, theses, grants, or
fellowships. Make sure you have polished examples of your work ready for submission.
Honors/Awards/Compeons: Include only important compeons and/or substanal honors in college or
graduate school. DO NOT include high school honors. As hard as it might be to let go of them, high school acvies
and accomplishments should not be included on a resume.
The examples provided in this resource are not dictates. The categories are intended to guide, not restrict. Focusing
your story may sound liming, but keep in mind that prospecve employers seek specic informaon. Before you
submit, always make sure a knowledgeable professional reviews your resume.