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.
CAREER
Music Directors and Composers
Overview
Salary Median (2020)
$49,130
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)
+4.9% (slower than the average)
Career
Roadtrip Nation Leaders in This 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
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.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Music Directors and Composers
Most common level of education among people in
this career: Master's degree (28%)
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree
Doctoral degree
Majors Related to Career
Educational Paths Suggested by Leaders
Suggested Path
High School
Bachelor
Music Management
DJ & Music Producer
Suggested Path
High School
Bachelor
Marketing/Marketing Management, General
Bachelor
Graphic Communications, General
Additional Skills & Experiences That Can Help You Excel
In this position, it's important to be tech savvy, from social media to sharing websites (DISCO, Dropbox, etc.). It’s key to keep up-to-speed on what’s new and actively been used. Organizational skills are also key. And, of course, it's important to stay on top of what’s happening in the world of music via charts, Spotify, YouTube—be in touch.
DJ & Music Producer
Listen to a lot of music, be an action taker, be resourceful, and think outside of the box.
Getting Started
Recommended First Step for:
Middle School Students
Listen to a lot of music, and try organizing concerts for people
High School Students
College Students
Everyone
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.
