Resume vs Video and Injury Stuff

College Majors Music Major
1

<p>Hi! I was wondering who gets to look at our resumes when we send in apps+pre-screen and how much they matter.
Here's my situation: went to top pre-college, doing UG at top school (one of Curtis, Juilliard, Colburn will not say which for privacy if its ok) and applying to competitive grad school, esp. studios harder to get in than current one.
Pb: my resume makes me look a lot better than my tapes. Was completely burnt out and injured by the time I did them from taking job auditions (took total of 5 auditions this semester). I could not play more than a few minutes at a time b/c of pain and the end of the concerto is a mess. My upper body was so tight from muscle spasm that I could barely reach the high notes. Anyhow long story short my resume looks a lot better (ran up for serious jobs, advanced in big auditions, top music festivals, pro orchestra sub, top chamber programs, etc...) but my recordings are far from perfect. No excuse, but this was the same week I came back from yet again trying to win a job so recording four solo pieces after that was a little rough, even though I knew them before.
I was just curious if anybody knows how much the resume vs the tape matter.</p>

<p>But also I want to know if someone has had muscle spasm (shoulder) what they did, how long it hurt for, etc... PT told me to use heat pad or something but they didn't seem so sure and got posture tips from Alexander Technique but still hurts I wonder if that's about playing too much or if it could be something like low quality mattress, etc...</p>

2

<p>Find a PT who does manual work. There are meds for muscle spasms if you want to go that route (baclofen, flexeril, benzodiazepines). I would find an MD or PT who knows musicians.</p>

<p>The Alexander technique may help you in the future but it is a long term practice.</p>

<p>Ben Gay or lidocaine may help temporarily, for a few hours at a time. Rub in while massaging or use a patch. I wear a plastic bag on my hand while applying.</p>

<p>If you have any health issues such as autoimmune problems, you will have to get ahead of this medically, but it sounds like you have an overuse problem from the job auditions and then the recordings and rest with appropriate exercises will help a lot.</p>

3

<p>Alfie, you’ve been through the ringer! I assume you play violin or viola, with the shoulder injury. Have you been to a doctor who specializes in musician-injuries? I don’t know the answer to your question about resumes. It was always my understanding that the recording is what gets you the audition. If you don’t get the auditions you are hoping for, you can always take a year to work and reapply. Also, does your teacher know any of the faculty at the schools where you are applying? Maybe they can put in a word. Try to rest and heal so you will be ready for audition season!</p>