Bill, the most successful cover letters I've ever written, that is, the ones where I actually got a gig, were the ones in which I cited another musician who the person to whom I was writing knew, and who also knew my work. Since you're a tenor, as far as church jobs are concerned, you should have an easier time of it that an unknown soprano.
Since I do not know the style, content or format of your prior cover letters which you consider unsuccessful, the English teacher part of me wants you to run them by someone with writing savvy. Maybe your "editor" will have some idea why they didn't work for you and suggest something which will. Even the best writers need editors.
Another thought: maybe you should not do a "blanket" letter for church jobs. Perhaps you are too general and not specific enough for the variety of sacred repertoire and liturgy which the various churches, organists and choirmasters take pride in. Maybe they sensed that they were being blanketed. Think about tailoring your letters to their diverse interests and ideas of what their tenor soloists, section leaders or pro choristers ought to be.
I hope Judy Miller answers your query. This is an area of special expertise for her.
Doris Long Thurber one of the New Jersey sopranos
--- Bill Alley <balley@h...> wrote: --- Bill Alley <balley@h...> wrote: > I am looking for suggestions about writing "knock > out" cover letters for > singing jobs. I will be freelancing as a singer and > need to "sell" > myself. For church work I want to write a blanket > cover letter. I have > tried this several years ago and was not very > successful. I would > appreciate any suggestions and recommendations from > personal > experience. Thank you in advance for your help. > > Bill Alley > Tenor > Boston, MA
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