CAREER

Music Directors and Composers

Overview

Salary Median (2020)

$49,130

Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)

+4.9% (slower than the average)

Career

What Music Directors and Composers Do

Conduct, direct, plan, and lead instrumental or vocal performances by musical artists or groups, such as orchestras, bands, choirs, and glee clubs; or create original works of music.

Other Job Titles Music Directors and Composers May Have

Choir Director, Conductor, Music Composer, Music Director

How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work

President & Music Supervisor ,

Commotion Records

What’s wonderful about my work is that no two days are alike. I read and breakdown scripts for music ideas, listen to new music sent my way to discover, review submitted music for select projects, interface with our record label distributor to organize releases…and of course, manage and negotiate any deals required.

DJ & Music Producer

When not working my day job as a software programmer, I'm focused on creating quality music, content, and how to get it out to the world.


Tasks & Responsibilities May Include

  • Use gestures to shape the music being played, communicating desired tempo, phrasing, tone, color, pitch, volume, and other performance aspects.
  • Direct groups at rehearsals and live or recorded performances to achieve desired effects such as tonal and harmonic balance dynamics, rhythm, and tempo.
  • Study scores to learn the music in detail, and to develop interpretations.
  • Apply elements of music theory to create musical and tonal structures, including harmonies and melodies.
  • Consider such factors as ensemble size and abilities, availability of scores, and the need for musical variety, to select music to be performed.

This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.