Why this resume works
- Highlights industry-specific skills: Showcasing roles like sound designer and composer, the applicant demonstrates expertise in music production, a perfect fit for creative leadership in audio and scoring sectors.
- Quantifies accomplishments: Measurable accomplishments like boosting audience engagement by 30% highlight the applicant’s tangible impact on project success.
- Uses action-oriented language: Using action verbs such as “composed,” “led,” and “facilitated” conveys decisive action and effectiveness, emphasizing initiative.
More Composer Resume Examples
Our composer resume examples provide insights into showcasing your musical creativity, collaboration, and technical skills. Use these music resume samples to create a standout resume that captures diverse opportunities in the music industry.
Entry-Level Composer
Why this resume works
- Effective use of keywords: The applicant integrates role-specific keywords like “composer” and “music arranger,” improving visibility in ATS and aligning with industry expectations.
- Shows digital literacy: Demonstrating digital literacy, the applicant’s experience in audio editing platforms showcases computer skills and readiness for tech-driven workplaces.
- Centers on academic background: By spotlighting academic achievements from prestigious institutions, the education section shows foundational knowledge important for early career success.
Mid-Level Composer
Why this resume works
- Points to measurable outcomes: Increasing sales by 20% and reducing costs by 10% as a composer shows the applicant’s ability to achieve significant, measurable outcomes.
- Includes a mix of soft and hard skills: The mixing of technical skills like music composition with interpersonal skills is evident through successful team collaboration and client satisfaction improvements.
- Demonstrates language abilities: Language skills in Spanish, French, and German facilitate effective communication in diverse international collaborations.
Experienced Composer
Why this resume works
- Showcases impressive accomplishments: Highlighting quantifiable achievements like increasing soundtrack sales by 25% and improving audience engagement by 35%, the applicant showcases senior-level impact.
- Focuses on work history: Using a chronological resume format, the applicant effectively emphasizes extensive career experience, detailing roles from film score composer to music director.
- Lists relevant certifications: Listing certifications such as Certified Composer and Film Scoring Certification, the applicant shows a commitment to learning and deep expertise in their field.
Composer Resume Template (Text Version)
Sophia Williams
Newark, NJ 07104
(555)555-5555
Sophia.Williams@example.com
Professional Summary
Dynamic composer with 5 years in music creation, skilled in orchestral composition and sound design, enhancing audience engagement.
Work History
Composer
Harmonic Symphony Studios – Newark, NJ
February 2023 – August 2025
- Composed 20+ original scores annually
- Increased audience engagement by 30%
- Coordinated with directors, enhancing soundtrack quality
Music Director
Melodic Productions – Maplewood, NJ
February 2021 – January 2023
- Led a team for orchestral projects
- Optimized production times by 15%
- Facilitated sessions with 50+ musicians
Sound Designer
Harmony Audio Works – Maplewood, NJ
February 2020 – January 2021
- Designed audio effects for 10 projects
- Boosted project success rate by 25%
- Collaborated with international artists
Languages
- Spanish – Beginner (A1)
- French – Beginner (A1)
- Italian – Beginner (A1)
Skills
- Orchestral Composition
- Music Theory
- Sound Design
- Audio Editing
- Film Scoring
- Project Coordination
- Team Leadership
- Digital Audio Workstations
Certifications
- Certified Audio Engineer – Audio Engineering Society
- Film Music Composition Certificate – Film Composers Academy
Education
Master of Music Composition
University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA
June 2020
Bachelor of Music Film Scoring
Berklee College of Music Boston, MA
June 2018
Related Resume Guides
Advice for Writing Your Composer Resume
Explore our advice on how to write a resume for a composer position and discover how to creatively highlight your musical talents and professional achievements.
Whether you’re an aspiring maestro or an experienced music creator, these tailored tips will help you compose a resume that resonates with potential employers.
Showcase your portfolio or projects
For a composer, having a portfolio or projects on your resume is essential. It demonstrates your skills and creativity in action, giving potential employers or collaborators the chance to experience your work rather than just read about it.
Hosting pieces on platforms like SoundCloud, YouTube, or your personal website—and linking them directly in your resume—makes it easy for others to explore the range and style of your compositions.
In addition to an online portfolio, consider including select projects directly on your resume. Freelance commissions, academic assignments, collaborations, or personal compositions can all showcase your versatility. Structure these entries much like job experience: begin with the project title, note any clients, ensembles, or organizations involved, and provide a brief description of the work.
Be sure to highlight your specific contributions and the impact of the project—for example, composing original scores for a short film that enhanced audience engagement, or creating a choral arrangement performed at a public event. This structure makes it easy for employers to understand not only what you’ve done, but also the results and recognition your work has achieved.
Example of a projects section
Original Score for Independent Film
Silver Screen Productions
March 2023 – June 2023
- Composed an original score for the film ‘Whispers of Time,’ improving the narrative with thematic motifs.
- Collaborated closely with the director to align musical elements with the film’s emotional tone.
- Used a mix of orchestral and electronic instruments to create a unique sound palette.
Musical Composition for Theatrical Play
City Lights Theater Company
August 2022 – November 2022
- Crafted an immersive soundscape for the play ‘Echoes in Silence,’ integrating live performance and pre-recorded tracks.
- Worked directly with playwrights and actors to synchronize music cues with pivotal scenes.
- Arranged and conducted a small ensemble, ensuring seamless integration during live performances.
Looking for ideas to make your resume stand out? Check out our professional resume examples for easy-to-follow templates and inspiration!
Emphasize your most relevant skills
Being a composer requires a balance of technical expertise and creative ability to bring musical ideas to life. On the technical side, proficiency with music software such as Ableton Live, Logic Pro, or Sibelius is essential for composing, editing, and producing music efficiently.
Equally important are soft skills like creativity, collaboration, and emotional awareness, which allow you to work effectively with other artists and craft music that resonates with audiences. Successful composers know how to blend these skills to communicate their artistic vision with clarity and impact.
To make your resume stand out, include a dedicated skills section that highlights both your technical proficiencies and artistic strengths. Listing your expertise with modern music tools shows that you’re prepared for today’s composing demands, while emphasizing qualities like creativity and teamwork demonstrate your ability to thrive in collaborative and dynamic environments.
Beyond a skills section, reinforce your strengths by weaving them into your work experience. Rather than only listing tasks, describe how you applied your skills to achieve results—for example, using music software to compose a score for a short film, or collaborating with a director to create a soundtrack that enhanced storytelling.
Composers should choose a resume format that highlights their musical achievements, collaboration experience, and technical skills prominently.
Choose a professional resume template
When selecting a resume template for a composer, it’s essential to find one that balances creativity and professionalism. A clean, structured layout ensures your resume appears organized and easy to read. Choose templates with clear sections for experience, skills, and education.
Steer clear of overly decorative designs, as they can distract from your achievements and make it difficult for hiring managers to focus on what’s most important.
Additionally, consider picking a format optimized for ATS (applicant tracking systems) compatibility. Many companies use these systems to scan resumes before they’re reviewed by humans. To ensure your resume passes through successfully, select a design that’s straightforward with standard fonts like Arial or Times New Roman. Avoid graphics or unusual layouts that might confuse the system.
By choosing a simple yet elegant template, you allow your musical talents and accomplishments to shine without unnecessary distractions.
Use our Resume Builder to easily create a professional resume with styles and fonts that show your creativity and experience in the music industry.
Format your resume properly
Selecting the right resume format is essential for readability and making a strong impression. As a composer, if you have extensive experience, use a chronological format to showcase career growth. If you’re less experienced, opt for a functional format to emphasize skills like creativity and musical ability over work history. Choose the style that best highlights your strengths.
5 resume formatting tips
- Structure with clear headings: Use section titles like “Work Experience,” “Skills,” and “Portfolio” for clarity.
- Choose consistent fonts: Select readable fonts such as Arial or Calibri in 10-12 pt size.
- Use bullet points: Break down information into bullet points for easy scanning.
- Keep it to one page: Aim for a one-page resume unless you have extensive experience.
- Ensure proper spacing and alignment: Maintain good spacing and alignment for a clean, professional look.
Make your resume better! Our ATS Resume Checker scans your resume, gives instant tips, and helps you stand out to hiring managers.
Salary Insights for Composers
Researching salary data can help you make informed decisions about your career path and negotiation strategy. Explore key insights below to guide your research.
Top 10 highest-paying states for composers
Composers earn varying salaries across the United States, with a national average of $72,223. The table below highlights the states where composers command the highest compensation.
Our salary information comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey. This official government data provides the most comprehensive and reliable salary information for composers across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The figures presented here reflect the May 2025 dataset, which is the most recent available as of this publication.
| State | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Connecticut | $115,500 |
| New York | $108,980 |
| California | $98,460 |
| Minnesota | $91,270 |
| Hawaii | $89,710 |
| Massachusetts | $86,440 |
| Washington | $86,200 |
| Indiana | $84,960 |
| Texas | $81,660 |
| Maryland | $80,180 |
FAQ
Do I need to include a cover letter with my composer resume?
Yes, including a cover letter with your composer resume can definitely give you an edge over other applicants.
A cover letter offers a chance to convey your passion for music, highlight specific projects or compositions you are proud of, and explain why you’re interested in the position.
For example, if the organization is known for its innovative approach to music or has a particular genre focus, you can mention any relevant experience or interest in that area.
You might find our Cover Letter Generator helpful in crafting a customized cover letter that complements your resume by offering expert suggestions and step-by-step guidance.
Additionally, reviewing our library of cover letter examples can provide inspiration and insight into creating an effective document tailored to the composer’s role.
How long should a composer’s resume be?
For a composer, a one-page resume is often sufficient to capture key skills and experiences, especially if you’re early in your career.
Focus on highlighting your musical compositions, performances, and any notable collaborations or awards that set you apart.
If you’ve amassed extensive experience or have numerous prestigious projects under your belt, a two-page resume might be warranted to do justice to your achievements.
Ensure every detail included is relevant and adds value by illustrating your unique contributions to the field of music.
Consider exploring our guide on how long a resume should be; it offers specific examples and tips tailored to different career stages and industries.
How do you write a composer resume with no experience?
To create a resume with no experience, emphasize your skills, education, and any relevant projects or compositions. Highlight these elements to make your resume stand out effectively.
- Highlight your education: Start by listing any formal music education or training you’ve received. Include details like the institution name, degree obtained, and notable achievements or projects during your studies.
- Showcase personal projects: If you’ve composed music independently, list these as part of your experience. Describe the style, purpose of the composition, and any performances or recordings.
- Emphasize transferable skills: Include skills such as skill in music notation software (like Sibelius or Finale), ability to read and write sheet music, understanding of different musical genres, and collaboration abilities from group projects.
Check out resources on writing a resume with no experience for more examples and tips to improve your composer application.
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Composer
Jasmine is certified career coach and recognized expert in job search strategy. She is committed to helping job seekers navigate the job market and succeed in their careers.
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