Simpedia

Missy M., Nebraska

I think in this type of work, our best resume’s are our references to former/current students and telling our history, or story, as to how we got to where we are. I’d actually decline giving a resume because to me that would indicate a kind of person I would feel uncomfortable working with, although I get what they are saying.

Terah W., Kansas

I am inclined to agree with Missy. I think I would (as I normally do) direct them to the Simply Music website and tell them where to find my bio. Beyond that, I would be kind of ‘suspicious’ too, though that might be too strong of a word. I suppose also in an effort to be open and friendly I might ask if references from current student (families) would be helpful….but that would be kind of a ‘vibe’ thing as well.

If these 2 things are not enough, I would probably be hesitant to comply with much else. This is all kind of a knee-jerk reaction on my part but between the bio and SM website, they should be able to have enough of a picture of a teacher to at least make a beginning.

It would be interesting to know where this goes…

Jan D., Ohio

I’m not certain about this case, but in my experience, this stems from a very traditional background where the teacher’s “pedigree” is viewed as something desirable on which to base a teacher’s abilities or sometimes people just don’t know what else to ask. I’ve been asked when I started playing, where I have played, who I studied with, where I went to school, how often I play out, how long I have been teaching, where I have taught, etc., etc., etc., which would be typical “interview”-type questions to go along with the “resume.”

This is an instance where you have to steer the conversation to what is really important – what we have to offer and student results. Having all of these “qualifications” does not guarantee that someone is a good teacher.

Elaine F., South Carolina

Let me add another point of view. Perhaps this person simply lives in the business world where this is the norm. Don’t let it mess with your head. If you have degrees in whatever, put them down, whether in music or not.

DId you have work experience in a non musical field- no matter! put it down. And then the SM part— who trained you?

Do you play anywhere– church- whatever. Embrace who you are.. If you don’t play anywhere but for your studio, who cares? I always tell prospective clients that if I am not what they are looking for (say they want to read right away or take part in regional competitions) then I can refer them to someone else. If you don’t know who to refer them to, they (or you) can go to the MTNA site and get referral info.

Marg G., Australia

I TOTALLY agree with Missy and Terah. A resume tells nothing of the type of teacher you are or the method you believe in.

In my over 30 years of teaching I have not given a “resume” because it doesn’t represent ME and like the others I’m very suspicious of people who ask for such. They are probably looking for “qualifications” which in this day and age don’t mean a thing.

I also reinforce going with you “gut” feelings – do these people sound like the types you would want to be working with or do you feel you might always be looking over your shoulder to see if they are judging you?

Be STRONG in your position as a wonderful SM teacher and (yes) send them to the SM website.

Patti P., Hawaii

I find it interesting how few parents ever inquire about my training or experience. I have always encouraged students who are moving to ask those questions when they are looking for their new teacher. I agree with Missy, though, that our students are our best references. I was reminded recently how much stronger referrals from students are than potential students who find me randomly. They’ve already been sold on my program.

Asking for a resume is unusual, and really the wrong question, since resumes are used to land interviews for jobs. Perhaps it is the only way they know of to ascertain information they need to know about you.

I think if I were asked for one, I would answer that I discuss my background, training, and experience at the introductory session and leave it at that. If that wasn’t satisfactory, I agree with Missy. It would indicate they’re not likely to work out well in my studio.

I like to let people know that part of the purpose of the introductory session, in addition to them meeting me and getting their questions answered, is to interview them to see if they are a good fit for the studio. It’s a good time to find out if they are overbooked already, and if they are able and willing to commit to regularly scheduled practice times.

Shanta H., Minnesota

As someone who came from an office job and an HR job, I agree. It’s not such a bad thing to have a resume, because it gives people a reference point for your entire background (not just teaching). I would, however, be suspicious of anyone who wanted your resume but didn’t want references from students. Resumes are a snapshot of your background, but I would never have hired someone without an in-person interview and calls to references.

I don’t have a piano teaching resume, but I do have a resume for music theater auditions, a different one for singing auditions, and if I were applying for day-jobs, I’d have a slightly different one for each job application I sent out. If someone asked me for one, I’d

1. Think it was a little odd, but whatever.
2. Ask them to come to an Intro Session
3. At the intro session, I’d probably give them a revised Singing Resume, along with the names and numbers of a few students.

Remember, we’re redefining success at piano and we’re redefining what it means to have your own piano studio. As teachers we should also be prepared to break ourselves out of the tired old paradigms of the traditional music education world too.

Julie M., Canada

When I applied to teach for our local community centre, they asked me for a resume. I said “sure” then went home to think about what they really needed to see.

I think people like to see something ‘official’ so that they feel confident that they’ve done the appropriate checks prior to investing in something.

Since I naturally tell people “I’ve only been playing for 2 years and look how good I am already” when I first meet them, I know that they are not expecting me to have a full list of piano awards.

My solution was to prepare a folder with my flier and brochure and business card. I included a cover letter. (By the way, it’s always a safe bet to copy and paste what SM gives us because we know that it’s been proofed and thought about a whole lot. I used to run a PR office and I hated it when my employees felt they needed to deviate from the messaging I had so deliberately crafted.)

If you have video clips of interviews by local TV stations, send it to them. If you’ve got letters of recommendations, show them. And if you can get a parent to agree to speak to a potential student’s mom over the phone – do that too.

I handed all of this to my local recreation centre and I got the job – no questions were asked about my lack of any real resume.