<p>My D, a HS junior is setting up some sample lessons at colleges and is wondering if she should bring a resume with her to give to the teachers? Is it overkill, or will it make her look more "serious" about the school?</p>
<p>I brought a resume to my college auditions and everyone responded positively to it. I’m not sure about sample lessons though. Only one teacher I met with requested a resume (plus a repertoire list).</p>
<p>Back in 2002 when my son was taking sample lessons…he brought his resume to all of the practice lessons.</p>
<p>One thing any young musician should learn is to always have a copy of their press kit available. Stash a couple of copies in the trunk of the car, throw one into a music folder or gig bag that you use. Take them with you everywhere - to the supermarket, to your day job, on dates. Take several to gigs, but wait until after the concert or when you are on an official break to hand them out. You never know when it will be crucial to have one.</p>
<p>That does not mean that you want to foist a copy off on just anyone or at inappropriate times. It takes a bit of judgment to know when and to whom to give them out, but if you do not get into the habit of taking one everywhere you will probably not have one when it is most needed.</p>
<p>What does this mean in the case of a student going to a sample lesson? By all means create a resume and a repertoire list if you have not already done so. Later on, the press kit might also contain a head shot (this may be needed in some situations even in high school for singers), a business card, copies of press releases, and a demo CD, all housed in a nice folder, but those items can wait for a little while. Be sure to bring several copies along on college visits and to sample lessons. If someone asks for one, give it to them. If you have an interview or a sample lesson and the teacher or admission rep seems like the sort who would like to have that information, offer it but do not be upset if it is declined. Some people like to have a piece of paper to remember you by and perhaps jot some notes on (so leave generous margins), and some would rather not be bothered. A very few may think it presumptuous of a high school student to bother with such credentials, but I think most teachers realize that self-promotion is a necessary skill these days and should not object to the student getting in some practice at it.</p>
<p>It is worth bringing.</p>
<p>I would offer it, and let the response dictate the action.</p>
<p>It’s worth having at hand in the music bag, but in D’s experience perhaps only half of the teachers were interested in looking at it.</p>
<p>Thanks for the input. She will make one this weekend, just to have with her.</p>