Crafting a CV as a music teacher often involves striking the right chord between showcasing your technical expertise and your educational prowess. Our guide offers tailored advice to illuminate your unique teaching methods and musical achievements, ensuring your application hits all the right notes with potential employers.
- Design and format your professional music teacher CV;
- Curate your key contact information, skills, and achievements throughout your CV sections;
- Ensure your profile stays competitive by studying other industry-leading music teacher CVs;
- Create a great CV even if you happen to have less professional experience, or switching fields.
When writing your music teacher CV, you may need plenty of insights from hiring managers. We have prepared industry-leading advice in the form of our relevant CV guides.
How complex should the format of your music teacher CV be?
Perhaps, you decided to use a fancy font and plenty of colours to ensure your music teacher CV stands out amongst the pile of other candidate profiles. Alas - this may confuse recruiters. By keeping your format simple and organising your information coherently, you'll ultimately make a better impression. What matters most is your experience, while your CV format should act as complementary thing by:- Presenting the information in a reverse chronological order with the most recent of your jobs first. This is done so that your career history stays organised and is aligned to the role;
- Making it easy for recruiters to get in touch with you by including your contact details in the CV header. Regarding the design of your CV header, include plenty of white space and icons to draw attention to your information. If you're applying for roles in the UK, don't include a photo, as this is considered a bad practice;
- Organising your most important CV sections with consistent colours, plenty of white space, and appropriate margins (2.54 cm). Remember that your CV design should always aim at legibility and to spotlight your key information;
- Writing no more than two pages of your relevant experience. For candidates who are just starting out in the field, we recommend to have an one-page CV.
One more thing about your CV format - you may be worried if your double column CV is Applicant Tracker System (ATS) complaint. In our recent study, we discovered that both single and double-column CVs are ATS-friendly . Most ATSes out there can also read all serif and sans serif fonts. We suggest you go with modern, yet simple, fonts (e.g. Rubik, Lato, Raleway) instead of the classic Times New Roman. You'll want your application to stand out, and many candidates still go for the classics. Finally, you'll have to export your CV. If you're wondering if you should select Doc or PDF, we always advise going with PDF. Your CV in PDF will stay intact and opens easily on every OS, including Mac OS.
PRO TIP
Use font size and style strategically to create a visual hierarchy, drawing the reader's eye to the most important information first (like your name and most recent job title).
The top sections on a music teacher CV
- Educational Background demonstrates qualifications.
- Teaching Experience shows practical skills in education.
- Musical Expertise highlights specific instrument proficiency.
- Performance History indicates practical application of skills.
- References from Educational Institutions build credibility.
What recruiters value on your CV:
- Highlight your musical proficiency by detailing the instruments you play and your proficiency level, ensuring to mention any advanced skills, notable performances, or certifications.
- Include your educational background with a focus on music-related qualifications, such as degrees in Music Education, certificates in teaching music, or any specialised training courses you've completed.
- Emphasize any experience with diverse teaching methods and curriculum development tailored for a range of age groups and learning stages, demonstrating your versatility and adaptability as a music teacher.
- Detail your experience with organising and directing musical performances, such as school concerts or community music events, to show your ability to manage and showcase your students' talents.
- Illustrate your commitment to continuous professional development by listing any workshops, seminars, or music education conferences you've attended to keep your teaching methods and content knowledge current.
Recommended reads:
Tips and tricks on writing a job-winning music teacher CV header
The CV header is the space which most recruiters would be referring most often to, in the beginning and end of your application. That is as the CV header includes your contact details, but also a headline and a professional photo. When writing your CV header:
- Double-check your contact details for spelling errors or if you've missed any digits. Also, ensure you've provided your personal details, and not your current work email or telephone number;
- Include your location in the form of the city and country you live in. If you want to be more detailed, you can list your full address to show proximity to your potential work place;
- Don't include your CV photo, if you're applying for roles in the UK or US, as this may bias initial recruiters' assessments;
- Write a professional headline that either integrates the job title, some relevant industry keywords, or your most noteworthy achievement.
In the next part of our guide, we'll provide you with professional CVs that showcase some of the best practices when it comes to writing your headline.
Examples of good CV headlines for music teacher:
- Head of Music Department | PGCE Certified | Orchestral Conducting | 10+ Years Teaching Experience
- Instrumental Music Instructor | Piano & Theory Specialist | ABRSM Examiner | 5 Years Tutoring
- Senior Music Lecturer | PhD in Musicology | Composition & Ethnomusicology Expert | 15 Years Academic Leadership
- Music Education Consultant | Curriculum Development | Inclusive Practices Advocate | M.Ed, 12 Years in Field
- Associate Professor of Music | Voice Training Specialist | Opera Direction | EdD, 20+ Years Teaching
- Primary School Music Teacher | Early Years Music Engagement | Kodály Method Practitioner | QTS, 8 Years Experience
Opting between a music teacher CV summary or objective
Within the top one third of your music teacher CV, you have the opportunity to briefly summarise your best achievements or present your professional goals and dreams. Those two functions are met by either the CV summary or the objective.
- The summary is three-to-five sentences long and should narrate your best successes, while answering key requirements for the role. Select up to three skills which you can feature in your summary. Always aim to present what the actual outcomes were of using your particular skill set. The summary is an excellent choice for more experienced professionals.
- The objective is more focused on showcasing your unique value as a candidate and defining your dreams and ambitions. Think about highlighting how this current opportunity would answer your career vision. Also, about how you could help your potential employers grow. The objective matches the needs of less experienced candidates, who need to prove their skill set and, in particular, their soft skills.
Still not sure about how to write your CV opening statement? Use some best industry examples as inspiration:
CV summaries for a music teacher job:
- Seasoned music educator with over 15 years of experience inspiring students in both private and public school settings. Pivotal in developing comprehensive music programmes that incorporate theory, instrumental skills, and performance. Instrumental in establishing a school orchestra that won national recognition.
- Dynamic and dedicated former professional musician seeking to pivot into music education. Brings a decade of onstage experience and profound knowledge of music theory and history, coupled with a passionate commitment to fostering the next generation of musical talent.
- Accomplished software engineer with a lifelong passion for music, holding a Grade 8 in piano and violin. Eager to transition to music education after 12 years in tech, bringing a unique perspective on integrating digital tools into innovative teaching methods.
- Creative music instructor with 10 years of experience, skilled in various teaching methodologies and adept at blending traditional approaches with modern technology. Lauded for composing an award-winning school musical, highlighting the ability to drive a strong creative curriculum.
- Aspiring music educator currently completing a Master’s in Music Education, with a focus on curriculum development for diverse learning styles. Keen to apply theoretical knowledge and fresh ideas to create engaging and inclusive music learning experiences for all students.
- Determined recent music graduate with a first-class honours degree from the Royal College of Music. Looking to leverage comprehensive training in performance, pedagogy, and composition to nurture and develop new talent within a vibrant music department.
The best formula for your music teacher CV experience section
The CV experience section is the space where many candidates go wrong by merely listing their work history and duties. Don't do that. Instead, use the job description to better understand what matters most for the role and integrate these keywords across your CV. Thus, you should focus on:
- showcasing your accomplishments to hint that you're results-oriented;
- highlighting your skill set by integrating job keywords, technologies, and transferrable skills in your experience bullets;
- listing your roles in reverse chronological order, starting with the latest and most senior, to hint at how you have grown your career;
- featuring metrics, in the form of percentage, numbers, etc. to make your success more tangible.
When writing each experience bullet, start with a strong, actionable verb, then follow it up with a skill, accomplishment, or metric. Use these professional examples to perfect your CV experience section:
Best practices for your CV's work experience section
- Conducted individual and group music lessons for students aged 5-18, fostering their musical skills, confidence, and creativity.
- Developed diverse lesson plans incorporating music theory, practical skills, and history, tailored to various age groups and capabilities.
- Organised and led successful student recitals and school concerts, demonstrating effective event management and ability to showcase student achievements.
- Assisted in the development of the school's music curriculum, incorporating innovative teaching methods and materials that increased student engagement.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of music education practices and ABRSM examination requirements, ensuring students are well-prepared for assessments.
- Provided constructive feedback and continuous support to students, resulting in a significant improvement in students' performance and grades.
- Leveraged technology by incorporating music software and applications in teaching, enhancing interactive learning and student interest in music composition.
- Collaborated with colleagues to integrate music into cross-curricular activities, reinforcing the link between music and other subjects.
- Engaged in continuous professional development through attending workshops and seminars, ensuring a modern and informed approach to teaching music.
- Spearheaded the school's music department, increasing student participation in music classes by 35% through the introduction of diverse musical genres and interactive teaching methods.
- Directed biannual school musicals, with the latest production involving over 150 students, showcasing their talents and contributing to their holistic development.
- Implemented a digital music composition workshop, utilising software like Sibelius and GarageBand, which enhanced student engagement and creative output.
- Designed an adaptive curriculum for over 200 students tailored to individual learning styles and proficiencies, resulting in a 40% increase in students achieving distinction in ABRSM examinations.
- Collaborated with local orchestras to provide performance opportunities for students, leading to enhanced community engagement and partnerships.
- Conducted music technology integration by teaching students to record and edit their performances, leading to an online student music portfolio.
- Managed a cohort of 15 music instructors, providing professional development and fostering a collaborative teaching environment that improved teaching methods and student success.
- Implemented a special program for underprivileged youth, offering free music lessons that increased enrolment and community support by 50%.
- Championed the integration of world music into the curriculum, exposing students to a variety of cultural sounds and instruments, thereby broadening their musical appreciation and knowledge.
- Created and delivered an innovative jazz studies program that resulted in five students being accepted to prestigious music conservatories.
- Organised a series of successful fundraising concerts for the music department, raising over £10,000 for new instruments and resources.
- Developed a comprehensive online learning platform for music theory and practice, which supported remote learning and increased student accessibility.
- Introduced and coached a school rock band, securing first place in a national competition, and increasing the visibility of the school's modern music program.
- Developed a partnership with a local recording studio to provide real-world experience for students, significantly improving practical skill levels and engagement.
- Co-ordinated with the drama department to fuse music and theatre, enhancing the artistic versatility of students across multiple disciplines.
- Pioneered a student-led music composition project that culminated in a publicly released album, which increased the school's prestige within the local arts community.
- Led the transition to an inclusive music curriculum that incorporated SEN (Special Educational Needs) strategies, improving accessibility for all students.
- Developed and maintained a departmental budget, securing grants and funding that provided for additional music resources and student scholarships.
- Instituted a cross-curricular initiative, integrating music composition elements into language and history lessons, enriching the learning experience and stimulating creative thought among students.
- Oversaw the successful application and attainment of the 'Artsmark Gold Award' for the school, recognising commitment to high-quality arts and cultural provision.
- Spearheaded a technology upgrade for the music classroom, incorporating tablet devices and music production software, thus modernising the learning environment.
- Organized masterclasses and workshops with professional musicians, which enhanced student learning experiences and connected academics with the industry.
- Launched an annual inter-school music competition, fostering healthy competition and collaboration between students and local schools.
- Cultivated a program for students to compose and record music for local radio, providing a platform for talent and contributing to the city's cultural tapestry.
Lacking professional expertise: how to write your CV to highlight your best talents
Don't count on your lucky stars when you're applying for a role, where you happen to have less (or almost none) professional experience. Recruiters sometimes do hire inexperienced candidates if they're able to present their unique value from the get-go. So, instead of opting for the traditional, CV experience section:
- List any applicable expertise you happen to have - no matter if it's a part-time job, internship, or volunteer work. This would hint to recruiters that your profile is relevant;
- Focus your CV on your transferrable skills or talents you've obtained thanks to your whole life and work experience. In effect, you'll be spotlighting your value as a candidate;
- Separate more space for your applicable academic background and certificates to show you have the technical know-how;
- Ensure that within your objective, you've defined why you'll like the job and how you'll be the perfect match for it. Always ensure you've tailored your CV to individual applications.
Looking for more good examples for your first job? We'll show you how other candidates, with less professional experience, have created their job-winning CVs.
Recommended reads:
PRO TIP
If applicable, briefly mention a situation where things didn’t go as planned and what you learned from it, demonstrating your ability to learn and adapt.
Describing your unique skill set using both hard skills and soft skills
Your music teacher CV provides you with the perfect opportunity to spotlight your talents, and at the same time - to pass any form of assessment. Focusing on your skill set across different CV sections is the way to go, as this would provide you with an opportunity to quantify your achievements and successes. There's one common, very simple mistake, which candidates tend to make at this stage. Short on time, they tend to hurry and mess up the spelling of some of the key technologies, skills, and keywords. Copy and paste the particular skill directly from the job requirement to your CV to pass the Applicant Tracker System (ATS) assessment. Now, your CV skills are divided into:
- Technical or hard skills, describing your comfort level with technologies (software and hardware). List your aptitude by curating your certifications, on the work success in the experience section, and technical projects. Use the dedicated skills section to provide recruiters with up to twelve technologies, that match the job requirements, and you're capable of using.
- People or soft skills provide you with an excellent background to communicate, work within a team, solve problems. Don't just copy-paste that you're a "leader" or excel at "analysis". Instead, provide tangible metrics that define your success inusing the particular skill within the strengths, achievements, summary/ objective sections.
Top skills for your music teacher CV:
Instrumental expertise
Vocal coaching
Music theory knowledge
Sight-reading and ear training
Lesson planning
Classroom management
Curriculum development
Music production and technology
Conducting ensembles
Performance assessment
Patience
Communication
Creativity
Enthusiasm
Adaptability
Empathy
Interpersonal skills
Motivational skills
Time management
Continuous learning
PRO TIP
If there's a noticeable gap in your skillset for the role you're applying for, mention any steps you're taking to acquire these skills, such as online courses or self-study.
Education and more professional qualifications to include in your music teacher CV
If you want to showcase to recruiters that you're further qualified for the role, ensure you've included your relevant university diplomas. Within your education section:
- Describe your degree with your university name(-s) and start-graduation dates;
- List any awards you've received, if you deem they would be impressive or are relevant to the industry;
- Include your projects and publications, if you need to further showcase how you've used your technical know-how;
- Avoid listing your A-level marks, as your potential employers care to learn more about your university background.
Apart from your higher education, ensure that you've curated your relevant certificates or courses by listing the:
- name of the certificate or course;
- name of the institution within which you received your training;
- the date(-s) when you obtained your accreditation.
In the next section, discover some of the most relevant certificates for your music teacher CV:
PRO TIP
If you have received professional endorsements or recommendations for certain skills, especially on platforms like LinkedIn, mention these to add credibility.
Recommended reads:
Key takeaways
Your successful job application depends on how you well you have aligned your music teacher CV to the job description and portrayed your best skills and traits. Make sure to:
- Select your CV format, so that it ensures your experience is easy to read and understand;
- Include your professional contact details and a link to your portfolio, so that recruiters can easily get in touch with you and preview your work;
- Write a CV summary if you happen to have more relevant professional experience. Meanwhile, use the objective to showcase your career dreams and ambitions;
- In your CV experience section bullets, back up your individual skills and responsibilities with tangible achievements;
- Have a healthy balance between hard and soft skills to answer the job requirements and hint at your unique professional value.
