My advice for writing a professional orchestral CV

1. Writing a Professional Orchestral CV?
Don’t head it Curriculum Vitae or CV, but with your name &/or instrument(s)
Include your home address, telephone numbers, email (& website)
Education (qualifications, where, when, subjects, results, prizes, awards) by date, start
with the most recent & work backwards
Experience (what you’ve performed, with whom, when, where) by date & might be
subdivided into Orchestral/Chamber/Solo/Recordings/Teaching
Expand on each role, show a rounded experience (this should form the main body)
2010- Regular extra work with the CBSO
Played second, bass & E flat clarinet with the CBSO at Symphony Hall under
Principal Conductor Andris Nelsons & also undertook a tour of the USA, conducted by
Sakari Oramo
2009- Second Clarinet, Orchestra of the Swan
This professional chamber orchestra is based in Stratford-upon-Avon, & is in residence at
Birmingham Town Hall, giving about 20 concerts each year
2006-8 Principal Clarinet, CBSO Youth Orchestra
Played with this training orchestra for two seasons, including a performance of Mahler
Symphony No 2 in Symphony Hall, Birmingham, conducted by Andris Nelsons
2006-7 Second Clarinet, Birmingham Philharmonic Orchestra
This is one of the leading amateur orchestras in the UK
2004-6 Principal Clarinet, Kent County Youth Orchestra
Including a tour of the Baltic States in summer 2001
Other things to include could be teachers, masterclasses, interests/hobbies, languages
You might want to include a very brief Personal Statement about yourself & your future
goals (i.e. closely related to the employment you are pitching for)
Include contact details of 2 referees (ask permission beforehand)
Keep to 2 pages maximum
Don’t use a typeface smaller that 12 point or an unreadable font but try to make it really
clear & easy to read (use larger font, bold or italics to highlight key achievements)
Don’t leave big unexplained chronological gaps
Do use positive language
Do use bullet points rather than long paragraphs
Proofread, especially spelling, punctuation & consistent formatting
As for a covering letter / email:
Keep it very simple & brief
Put your address & their address & date in the letterhead, end “Yours sincerely”
Check all the contact details of the employer are correct (spell their name right!)
Para 1: why you are sending this CV (e.g. “I am sending this CV in response to the
vacancy on your website for a Second Clarinet.”)
Para 2: outline your interest in the position & highlight what makes you most eligible
Para 3: ask for an opportunity to audition
Don’t be presumptuous or informal (“Hi there!”)
And if you don’t get the job:
Ask for feedback!