Composer Resume examples & templates

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Copyable Composer Resume examples

The music composition landscape has quietly transformed over the past decade. While traditional orchestral and chamber music remain vital, today's composers increasingly blend classical techniques with digital production, film scoring, and cross-genre collaboration. Since 2019, streaming platforms have commissioned original compositions at unprecedented rates—up 37% according to the American Composers Forum—creating fresh opportunities for both established and emerging composers. Gone are the days when composition careers followed predictable paths through conservatories to symphony halls. (I've met composers who never formally studied music theory yet create compelling video game soundtracks that reach millions!)

Contemporary composers navigate a rich, complex ecosystem spanning concert halls, streaming services, game development studios, and independent projects. The boundaries between composer, producer, and sound designer continue to blur, especially as immersive audio technologies reshape how we experience music. For those with both creative vision and technical adaptability, the composition field offers more diverse entry points and career trajectories than at any previous moment in musical history.

Junior Composer Resume Example

Ethan James Wilson

ewilson.composer@gmail.com | (612) 555-9784 | St. Paul, MN 55103
linkedin.com/in/ethanjwilson | SoundCloud: soundcloud.com/ethanjameswilson

Classically trained composer with emerging experience in film scoring and concert music. Recent graduate with a focus on blending traditional orchestration with modern electronic elements. My work has been featured in two independent short films and a local theater production. Looking to grow my portfolio while collaborating with filmmakers, game developers, and performing ensembles.

EXPERIENCE

Freelance Composer | Self-employed | January 2022 – Present

  • Composed original score for “The Forgotten Path,” an 18-minute independent short film that screened at 3 regional film festivals
  • Created sound design and musical score for “Memory Lane,” a 10-minute experimental animation film
  • Wrote incidental music for Riverview Theater’s production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
  • Built a catalog of 17 original compositions for various instrumental combinations ranging from solo piano to chamber ensembles

Music Production Intern | Northland Studios | May 2021 – December 2021

  • Assisted lead composer with orchestration and MIDI programming for commercial projects
  • Managed sample libraries and maintained digital asset organization system
  • Transcribed musical sketches into fully notated scores using Sibelius
  • Supported recording sessions by preparing Pro Tools sessions and assisting with mic placement

Composition Teaching Assistant | University of Minnesota | August 2020 – May 2021

  • Led weekly study groups for undergraduate music theory and composition students
  • Graded assignments and provided feedback on student compositions
  • Organized and cataloged the department’s score library of 1,200+ works
  • Helped coordinate the annual student composition recital featuring 8 new works

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Music in Composition | University of Minnesota | 2017-2021

  • Senior Thesis: “Bridging Classical Forms and Electronic Elements in Contemporary Film Scoring”
  • Relevant Coursework: Orchestration, Film Scoring, Electronic Music, Counterpoint, Music Production
  • Received Emerging Composer Award (2020)

Film Scoring Certificate | Berklee Online | Completed December 2021

Workshop | Film Scoring Workshop with James Newton Howard | Summer 2022

SKILLS

  • Composition: Orchestration, counterpoint, harmonic analysis, form & structure
  • Music Technology: Logic Pro X, Pro Tools, Sibelius, Finale, Ableton Live
  • Sample Libraries: Spitfire Audio, Orchestral Tools, Cinematic Studio Series, Native Instruments
  • Instruments: Piano (primary), guitar, basic string techniques
  • Audio Production: Recording, basic mixing, mastering
  • Other: Music engraving, score preparation, sight-reading, conducting

PORTFOLIO & PROJECTS

  • Portfolio website: ethanjameswilson.com (includes scores, recordings, and film collaborations)
  • Chamber Suite “Northern Lights” – performed by the Twin Cities Chamber Ensemble, April 2022
  • String Quartet No. 1 “Whispers” – premiered at student composer showcase, 2021
  • Electronic EP “Fractured Memories” – self-released, February 2022

Mid-level Composer Resume Example

Daniel Foster

Los Angeles, CA 90017 | (323) 555-8974 | d.foster.music@gmail.com | linkedin.com/in/danielfoster-composer

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Versatile composer with 5+ years crafting original music for indie films, video games, and live performances. Known for blending classical techniques with contemporary electronic elements that connect with modern audiences. Experienced in collaborating with directors and sound designers to create emotionally resonant scores that enhance storytelling. Proficient with industry-standard software including Logic Pro, Pro Tools, and Sibelius.

EXPERIENCE

Lead Composer – SoundFrame Studios | Los Angeles, CA | March 2021 – Present

  • Compose and produce original scores for 8-12 indie films and short-form projects annually, specializing in suspense and drama genres
  • Developed signature orchestration techniques that reduced production time by 27% while maintaining creative quality
  • Lead a team of 3 assistant composers and coordinate with sound engineers to deliver complete audio packages
  • Established relationships with 4 recurring directors, resulting in 6 award nominations at regional film festivals
  • Created an adaptive music system for interactive media that responds to player choices, now used in 3 published indie games

Composer/Sound Designer – Pinnacle Games | San Francisco, CA | June 2019 – February 2021

  • Composed over 90 minutes of original music for “Temporal Shift,” a sci-fi adventure game that sold 175,000+ copies
  • Collaborated with narrative team to develop character themes and leitmotifs that evolved throughout gameplay
  • Designed a procedural ambient music system that dynamically responded to in-game environments
  • Managed audio implementation using FMOD, ensuring seamless integration with the game engine

Freelance Composer | Los Angeles, CA | August 2018 – June 2019

  • Created original compositions for 5 student films, 2 web series, and a dance performance at CalArts
  • Built a home studio setup optimized for orchestral mockups and electronic production (the neighbors only complained twice!)
  • Adapted classical pieces for modern instrumentation for the “New Classics” concert series

EDUCATION

Master of Music in Composition – University of Southern California | 2018

Bachelor of Arts in Music Theory – Berklee College of Music | 2016

CERTIFICATIONS

Logic Pro X Certified Professional | Apple | 2020

Advanced Orchestration for Media | Film Scoring Academy | 2019

SKILLS

  • Composition & Orchestration
  • Film & Game Scoring
  • MIDI Programming
  • Logic Pro X & Pro Tools
  • Sibelius & Dorico
  • FMOD & Wwise Integration
  • Live Performance Recording
  • Sound Design
  • Mixing & Mastering
  • Adaptive/Interactive Music

SELECTED WORKS

Film: “The Quiet Hours” (drama, 2022), “Beneath the Surface” (thriller, 2021), “Last Light” (short, 2020)

Games: “Temporal Shift” (2020), “Echoes of Elsewhere” (2022), “The Forgotten Path” (2023)

Concert: “Fractured Symmetry” for string quartet and electronics (premiered at LA New Music Festival, 2021)

Senior / Experienced Composer Resume Example

DAVID CHEN

Boston, MA • (617) 555-8124 • davidchen@gmail.com • linkedin.com/in/davidchencomposer

Versatile composer with 10+ years creating original music for film, TV, video games, and live performance. Known for blending classical techniques with contemporary elements to craft distinctive soundscapes. My work has been featured in award-winning indie films and nationally broadcast commercials. Comfortable leading recording sessions and collaborating with directors to translate their vision into compelling musical narratives.

EXPERIENCE

Lead Composer | Soundcraft Studios | Boston, MA | 2018-Present

  • Compose and produce 15-20 original scores annually for commercial clients including New Balance, Wayfair, and Boston Children’s Hospital
  • Lead a team of 3 assistant composers and sound designers, providing mentorship while maintaining consistent quality across projects
  • Expanded studio’s client base by 42% through networking and delivering consistently high-quality work
  • Created signature sound for “Through the Glass” indie feature that won Best Original Score at Boston Independent Film Festival
  • Developed proprietary workflow system that reduced production time by 27% while maintaining creative excellence

Staff Composer | Parallax Gaming | Cambridge, MA | 2015-2018

  • Composed adaptive music for 4 major mobile game titles with combined downloads exceeding 12 million
  • Collaborated with audio programmers to implement dynamic music systems using FMOD and Wwise
  • Created distinctive musical themes for 23 game characters, enhancing player emotional connection
  • Recorded and directed string quartets and small ensembles for key soundtrack moments

Freelance Composer | Self-employed | Boston, MA | 2012-2015

  • Composed music for 30+ independent short films, web series, and commercial projects
  • Built network of 75+ industry contacts including directors, producers, and music supervisors
  • Scored “The Broken Path” documentary series which aired on PBS affiliates across New England
  • Managed all aspects of production including client communication, contracts, and delivery

EDUCATION

Master of Music in Composition | Berklee College of Music | Boston, MA | 2012

Bachelor of Arts in Music | University of Massachusetts | Amherst, MA | 2010

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Film Scoring Certificate | NYU School of Professional Studies | 2014

Orchestration Masterclass with James Newton Howard | Los Angeles, CA | 2017

Advanced FMOD Implementation | GDC Workshop | San Francisco, CA | 2016

SKILLS

  • Composition: Orchestral, electronic, hybrid scoring, leitmotif development, adaptive music
  • Software: Logic Pro X, Pro Tools, Cubase, Sibelius, Ableton Live, FMOD, Wwise
  • Instruments: Piano (primary), guitar, violin, electronic instruments
  • Technical: Mixing, mastering, sound design, MIDI programming, sample library development
  • Business: Client relations, project management, music licensing, copyright

SELECTED WORKS

  • “Echoes of Tomorrow” – Feature film (dir. Sarah Johnston) – Official selection at 3 film festivals
  • “Quantum Break” – iOS game with 4.8M downloads – Created full adaptive soundtrack
  • “Boston Strong” – Television campaign for marathon charity – Regional Emmy nomination
  • “Midnight Waltz” – Contemporary ballet performed by Boston Contemporary Dance Company

How to Write a Composer Resume

Introduction

Landing that dream composer job requires more than just musical talent—you need a resume that showcases your unique abilities and experience. Whether you're scoring films, writing for video games, or pursuing concert music opportunities, your resume serves as your professional calling card. I've helped hundreds of composers transform lackluster resumes into interview-generating documents, and I've noticed that many talented musicians struggle to translate their artistic accomplishments into language that resonates with hiring managers.

Resume Structure and Format

Keep your composer resume clean and straightforward—fancy designs might work for graphic designers, but in music, your compositions (not your resume layout) should do the talking. Aim for 1-2 pages depending on your experience level. A single page works for those with fewer than 5 years of professional experience.

  • Use a standard, readable font like Calibri or Times New Roman (11-12pt)
  • Include clear section headings (Professional Experience, Education, Skills)
  • Save as a PDF to preserve formatting (unless specified otherwise)
  • Name your file professionally: "FirstName_LastName_Composer_Resume.pdf"
  • Consider including a link to your portfolio or SoundCloud

Profile/Summary Section

Start with a brief, compelling summary that highlights your compositional style, years of experience, and notable achievements. This gives busy music directors or producers an immediate sense of who you are as a composer.

Think of your summary as a 30-second musical intro—it should capture attention and give listeners a taste of what's to come without giving everything away.

Example: "Versatile film composer with 6+ years crafting emotional orchestral scores for indie films and documentaries. Experienced with live recording sessions and virtual instruments. Recent work featured in 3 festival-winning short films."

Professional Experience

List your composition work chronologically, starting with your most recent projects. Include:

  • Project name and type (film score, video game, concert piece)
  • Your role (Composer, Orchestrator, Assistant Composer)
  • Dates of involvement (month/year format works best)
  • Specific achievements (awards, streaming numbers, notable performances)
  • Technical skills demonstrated (DAW proficiency, orchestration techniques)

Example of a strong bullet point: "Composed and orchestrated 47 minutes of original music for 'Moonlight Valley,' an indie feature that screened at 4 regional film festivals; collaborated with a 15-piece string ensemble for live recording sessions."

Education and Certifications

Include relevant musical training, focusing on composition-specific education:

  • Degrees in composition, music theory, or related fields
  • Specialized training programs (film scoring workshops, etc.)
  • Notable mentors or private study (if you studied with someone well-known)
  • Relevant masterclasses or continuing education

For early-career composers, education might come before experience. As you build your portfolio, flip the order to emphasize your work.

Keywords and ATS Tips

Many larger studios and production companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes. Include industry-specific keywords like:

  • Technical skills: Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Sibelius, orchestration, MIDI programming
  • Musical styles: orchestral, electronic, hybrid, minimalist
  • Industry terms: scoring, sound design, mixing, editing, spotting sessions

Industry-specific Terms

Pepper your resume with composition terminology that shows your expertise:

  • DAWs you've mastered (Cubase, Digital Performer, Ableton)
  • Sample libraries (Spitfire, Cinematic Studio Series, 8Dio)
  • Specialized skills (conducting, music preparation, mixing)
  • Instruments you play proficiently (helpful for understanding orchestration)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Listing every piece you've ever written (focus on quality over quantity)
  • Vague descriptions ("wrote beautiful music" instead of specifics)
  • Omitting technical skills that production teams need to know
  • Using too much musical jargon for non-musical hiring managers
  • Forgetting to include contact info or portfolio links

Before/After Example

Before: "Composed music for short film project using orchestral samples."

After: "Composed and produced 18 minutes of tension-building orchestral music for psychological thriller 'Dark Corners' (2022), utilizing Cinematic Studio Strings and custom-designed synthesizer patches that director called 'spine-tingling and perfect for the story.'"

Remember—your resume should be as carefully crafted as your compositions. Every word counts, just like every note in your scores!

Soft skills for your Composer resume

  • Cross-disciplinary collaboration – comfortable working with directors, sound designers, and musicians to bring artistic vision to life
  • Deadline management in high-pressure environments (once composed a 35-minute orchestral piece in under 3 weeks for a film festival)
  • Client relationship nurturing – balancing artistic integrity with client needs
  • Active listening skills – able to interpret emotional nuance and translate feedback into musical adjustments
  • Constructive critique – giving and receiving feedback that improves the final composition
  • Team leadership during recording sessions with ensembles ranging from quartets to full orchestras

Hard skills for your Composer resume

  • Orchestration and arrangement in Sibelius, Finale, and MuseScore notation software
  • Digital audio workstation proficiency (Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase)
  • Sound design and synthesis using Kontakt libraries and Omnisphere
  • Music production techniques with mixing/mastering capabilities
  • Functional harmony and counterpoint application across genres
  • MIDI programming and virtual instrument implementation
  • Film scoring and synchronization to visual media using Spotting Notes
  • Proficiency in extended instrumental techniques for contemporary compositions
  • Conducting and rehearsal leadership for small to medium ensembles