Hard skills include technical abilities like songwriting, music composition, and skill in vocal techniques that showcase a singer-songwriter's artistry.
Singer Songwriter Resume Examples & Templates
Looking to showcase your talent? Our singer songwriter resume examples can help you highlight your creativity, lyrical skills, and performance experience to catch the eye of potential employers.
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Popular Singer Songwriter Resume Examples
Discover our top singer songwriter resume examples that emphasize important skills such as lyrical composition, vocal performance, and artistic collaboration. These examples are designed to help you effectively showcase your unique talents and experiences.
Looking to build your own impressive resume? The Resume Builder offers user-friendly templates tailored for musicians, making it simple to create a standout application.
Recommended
Entry-level singer songwriter resume
What this resume does well:
This entry-level resume for a singer-songwriter highlights the job seeker's diverse musical experiences, showcasing their ability to compose original songs and engage with audiences effectively. New professionals in this field must demonstrate their artistic skills, creativity, and commitment to collaboration through their resume, even if prior professional experience is limited.
Mid-career singer songwriter resume
What this resume does well:
This resume effectively showcases the job seeker's progression as a singer songwriter, highlighting notable achievements like chart-topping singles and live performances. The strategic presentation of skills and collaboration experiences positions them for leadership roles in the music industry.
Experienced singer songwriter resume
What this resume does well:
This work experience section showcases the applicant's extensive experience as a singer songwriter, highlighting their impressive achievements of composing over 50 original songs annually and performing at 100+ concerts globally. The concise formatting improves readability, making it easy for hiring managers to recognize key accomplishments.
Resume Template—Easy to Copy & Paste
Maria Davis
New York, NY 10003
(555)555-5555
Maria.Davis@example.com
Skills
- Vocal Performance
- Music Theory
- Songwriting
- Studio Recording
- Music Production
- Live Performance
- Creative Writing
- Audience Engagement
Languages
- Spanish - Beginner (A1)
- French - Intermediate (B1)
- Italian - Beginner (A1)
Professional Summary
Dynamic singer-songwriter with proven success in composing and performing music. Expertise in vocal performance, music production, and audience engagement, showcased by sold-out tours and chart-topping hits.
Work History
Singer Songwriter
Harmony Melodies Group - New York, NY
January 2025 - December 2025
- Composed 20+ songs for album production
- Performed sold-out concerts in 15 cities
- Increased streaming by 30% year-on-year
Music Composer
Echo Music Media - Brooklyn, NY
January 2023 - December 2024
- Arranged music for 10 films
- Collaborated with artists for recordings
- Awarded 20K for best score
Lyricist
Waveform Studios - Newark, NJ
January 2021 - December 2022
- Wrote lyrics for chart-topping singles
- Contributed to album sales growth by 25%
- Expanded fan base by 10,000 followers
Certifications
- Certified Music Producer - Music Producers Association
- Advanced Vocal Training - Vocal Arts Institute
Education
Master's Music Composition
Berklee College of Music Boston, Massachusetts
June 2020
Bachelor's Music Theory
University of Southern California Los Angeles, California
June 2019
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How to Write a Singer Songwriter Resume Summary
Your resume summary is the first impression you make on hiring managers. It’s your chance to show that you not only meet but exceed the expectations for a singer-songwriter.
In this role, it’s important to highlight your unique musical style, songwriting skills, and performance experience. Showcase what makes you stand out in a competitive industry filled with diverse talents.
To illustrate effective resume summaries, we’ll look at examples that demonstrate what resonates with employers and what to avoid:
Weak resume summary
I am a passionate singer-songwriter with years of experience creating music and performing. I hope to find a role where I can showcase my talents and connect with an audience. A supportive environment that fosters creativity would be great for me. I believe I can contribute positively if given the chance.
Why this summary misses the mark:
- Contains vague phrases about experience and skills, lacking detail on specific accomplishments or styles
- Overuses personal pronouns, which detracts from professionalism and clarity
- Emphasizes what the applicant seeks from the position instead of highlighting unique contributions they could make
Strong resume summary
Creative singer-songwriter with over 8 years of experience in composing and performing original music across various genres. Achieved over 1 million streams on major platforms, leading to a 30% increase in fan engagement through targeted social media campaigns. Proficient in guitar, piano, and music production software including Logic Pro and Ableton Live.
Why this summary works:
- Begins with specific experience level and highlights versatility in musical styles
- Includes quantifiable achievements that showcase the artist's reach and impact on audience engagement
- Lists relevant technical skills that are essential for songwriting and music production roles
PRO TIP
If you don't have much formal experience, consider using a career objective on your resume. This can highlight your passion and goals effectively. There are plenty of resume objective examples tailored for singer-songwriters that can inspire you to create your own unique statement.
Showcasing Your Work Experience
The work experience section is important in your resume as a singer songwriter, where the bulk of your accomplishments should be highlighted. Good resume templates always prioritize this section to capture the attention of industry professionals.
This area should be organized chronologically, listing your musical roles and collaborations in reverse order. Use bullet points to detail your key achievements, such as notable performances or song releases.
To further assist you, we’ll provide examples that illustrate effective entries for a singer songwriter’s work history. These examples will clarify what resonates well with hiring managers and what pitfalls to avoid:
Weak work experience
Singer Songwriter
Independent Artist – Nashville, TN
- Wrote songs.
- Performed at local venues.
- Collaborated with other musicians.
- Recorded music in a studio.
Why this work experience section misses the mark:
- Lacks specific dates or duration of experience
- Bullet points are overly general and do not highlight unique skills or achievements
- Emphasizes routine tasks rather than strong contributions or measurable success
Strong work experience
Singer Songwriter
Independent Artist – Nashville, TN
March 2020 - Present
- Released five original singles, achieving over 100,000 streams on various platforms within the first month.
- Performed at over 30 local venues and festivals, engaging audiences of up to 1,500 people per event.
- Collaborated with producers and fellow musicians to co-write songs featured in regional playlists, boosting visibility and fan engagement.
Why this work experience section works:
- Uses powerful action verbs that highlight achievements and contributions
- Incorporates quantifiable metrics such as stream counts and audience sizes for impact
- Demonstrates relevant skills like collaboration and performance that are essential in the music industry
While your resume summary and work experience are important, don't overlook the importance of other sections that contribute to a well-rounded presentation. For more insights on creating an effective resume, be sure to explore our comprehensive guide on how to write a resume.
Top Skills to Include on Your Resume
Strengthen your resume by including a balanced mix of hard and soft skills.
Focus on showcasing both creative and technical skills. Mention your skill in instruments, songwriting software like Ableton Live, and vocal techniques that demonstrate your versatility as an artist.
Soft skills encompass creativity, emotional expression, and strong communication abilities, which are essential for connecting with audiences and collaborating effectively within the music industry.
When selecting skills for your resume, it’s important to align them with what employers expect from job seekers. Many organizations use automated systems that filter out applicants lacking essential resume skills, making this alignment important.
To effectively choose which skills to highlight, take the time to review job postings in your field. These listings often reveal key competencies that recruiters value, helping you tailor your resume skills to stand out both in person and through ATS screening.
PRO TIP
Looking to improve your resume's chances of making it through applicant tracking systems? Try our ATS Resume Checker to spot over 30 common errors, ensuring your skills shine through.
10 skills that appear on successful singer songwriter resumes
Highlighting your unique skills can significantly increase your chances of catching the attention of music industry recruiters. You’ll see these vital skills reflected in our resume examples, empowering you to apply for positions with confidence.
By the way, here are 10 key skills that you might want to consider including in your resume if they align with your background and the job requirements:
Songwriting
Vocal performance
Music theory knowledge
Stage presence
Collaboration
Time management
Social media marketing
Networking
Creativity
Adaptability
Based on analysis of 5,000+ music professional resumes from 2023-2024
Resume Format Examples
Choosing the correct resume format is important for a singer-songwriter, as it showcases your unique talents, relevant experiences, and artistic journey in a compelling way.
Entry-Level 0 - 2 years
Functional
Focuses on skills rather than previous jobs
Best for:
Recent graduates and career changers with limited experience in music.
Mid-Career 3 - 7 years
Combination
Balances skills and work history equally
Best for:
Mid-career professionals eager to highlight their talents and growth potential.
Experienced 8+ years
Chronological
Emphasizes work history in reverse order
Best for:
Experienced artists who excel in songwriting and live performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I include a cover letter with my singer songwriter resume?
Absolutely, including a cover letter is a smart move for job seekers. It allows you to showcase your personality and highlight specific experiences that align with the role. If you need guidance, our resources on how to write a cover letter can help you get started. Consider using our Cover Letter Generator for a quick and easy solution.
Can I use a resume if I’m applying internationally, or do I need a CV?
A CV is typically used instead of a resume for international job applications, especially in Europe and Asia. It provides a comprehensive overview of your academic and professional history. For guidance on how to write a CV effectively, explore our resources designed to assist job seekers in crafting standout applications. Additionally, you can find numerous CV examples that highlight various styles and formats.
What soft skills are important for singer songwriters?
Soft skills such as creativity, collaboration, and interpersonal skills are essential for singer songwriters. These abilities allow them to connect deeply with their audience, work effectively with other musicians, and express genuine emotions through their music, fostering lasting relationships in the industry.
I’m transitioning from another field. How should I highlight my experience?
When transitioning to a singer-songwriter role, highlight your creativity, communication skills, and transferable skills such as emotional intelligence gained from past experiences. These abilities showcase your potential to connect with audiences and craft meaningful songs. Use specific instances where you collaborated or performed to illustrate how your background aligns with the demands of songwriting and musical expression.
Where can I find inspiration for writing my cover letter as a singer songwriter?
For aspiring singer-songwriters, exploring professional cover letter examples can spark inspiration and provide valuable formatting tips. These samples guide you in effectively showcasing your unique sound and talents, helping you stand out in the competitive music industry.
Should I include a personal mission statement on my singer songwriter resume?
Including a personal mission statement on your resume is recommended. It effectively conveys your artistic values and career aspirations, especially when applying to music organizations or companies that prioritize creativity and individual expression in their culture.
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