Musical resume

binx
Mon, 05 Nov 2007 20:40:55 +0000

My kids never listed rep for orchestra, only recent solo work that was publicly performed, and occasional ensemble work. And they put that right on the resume. Most of the time, it didn’t take up any more room - fit on the same line. Only included their placement in orchestra when they were principal.

As I recall, Curtis asked for a copy of a program from an orchestra performance. That was the only time any orchestra rep was presented to any school.

D had to list solo rep for a school or two - she just listed a few (I think they gave her 6 or 8 lines) and called it recent rep or sample rep or something like that.

Both kids only listed rep for their primary instrument - the one they were applying/auditioning on.

Our rule of thumb for resumes is to decide if the activity presents you favorably, in an objective way. If it doesn’t, leave it off. Listing lots and lots of rep doesn’t tell whether or not you played any of it well!

Noting that you won the concerto competition for youth symphony, playing such and such, does indicate a level of mastery. So does listing other competitions where you won or placed. When they listed those things, S2 and D did list the specific piece that was performed.

On the other hand, listing specific rep for each “festival” is probably not a good idea. Just say something like, “1995-2003 - various GMTA/GMEA festivals, Superior rating.” The fact that you participated, and performed well, tells them all they wanted to know.