Music Directors and Composers

Summary

Music directors, also called conductors, lead orchestras and other musical groups during performances and recording sessions.

Quick Facts: Music Directors and Composers
2010 Median Pay	$45,970 per year $22.10 per hour
Entry-Level Education	Bachelor’s degree
Work Experience in a Related Occupation	1 to 5 years
On-the-job Training	None
Number of Jobs, 2010	93,200
Job Outlook, 2010-20	10% (About as fast as average)
Employment Change, 2010-20	9,600

What Music Directors and Composers Do

Music directors (also called conductors) lead orchestras and other musical groups during performances and recording sessions. Composers write and arrange original music in a variety of musical styles.

Work Environment

Some music directors and composers work in religious organizations, concert halls, or recording studios. However, many are self-employed.

How to Become a Music Director or Composer

Education and training requirements for music directors and composers vary. Conductors for a symphony orchestra typically need a master’s degree, but a choir director may need a bachelor’s degree. There are no educational requirements for those interested in writing popular music.

Pay

The median annual wage of music directors and composers was $45,970 in May 2010.

Job Outlook

Employment of music directors and composers is expected to grow by 10 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Increases in demand for musical performances are expected to lead to employment growth. However, strong competition for jobs is anticipated because of the large number of people who are interested in this field.

Similar Occupations

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of music directors and composers with similar occupations.

O*NET

O*NET provides comprehensive information on key characteristics of workers and occupations.

Contacts for More Information

Learn more about music directors and composers by contacting these additional resources.

What Music Directors and Composers Do About this section

Composers write and arrange original music in a variety of musical styles.

Music directors (also called conductors) lead orchestras and other musical groups during performances and recording sessions. Composers write and arrange original music in a variety of musical styles.

Duties

Music directors typically do the following:

• Select musical arrangements and compositions to be performed for live audiences or recordings
• Prepare for performances by reviewing and interpreting musical scores
• Direct rehearsals to prepare for performances and recordings
• Choose guest performers and soloists
• Audition new performers or assist section leaders with auditions
• Practice conducting to improve technique
• Meet with potential donors and attend fundraisers    

Music directors lead orchestras and other musical groups. They ensure that the musicians play with one coherent sound, balancing the timing, rhythm, and volume. Working with a variety of orchestras and musical groups, they give feedback to musicians and section leaders so that they can achieve the sound and style they want for the piece.

Music directors may conduct youth orchestras or orchestras at colleges and universities. Some work with orchestras that accompany dance and opera companies.

Composers typically do the following:

• Write original music that orchestras, bands, and other musical groups perform
• Arrange existing music into new compositions
• Write lyrics for music or work with a lyricist
• Meet with companies, orchestras, or other musical groups that are interested in commissioning a piece of music
• Study and listen to music of various styles for inspiration
• Work with musicians to record their music

Composers write music for a variety of musical groups and users. Some work in a particular style of music, such as classical, jazz, or rock. They also may write for musicals, operas, or other types of theatrical productions.

Some composers write scores for movies or television; others write jingles for commercials. Many songwriters focus on composing music for popular audiences. Some composers are hired by music publishers and producers to write music for bands and groups that are under contract with the company.

Some composers use instruments to help them as they write music. Others use software that allows them to hear a piece without musicians.

For more information about careers in music, see the profile on musicians and singers. Some music directors and composers work as self-enrichment teachers, giving private music lessons to children and adults. Others work as music teachers in elementary, middle, or high schools. For more information, see the profiles on self-enrichment teachers, kindergarten and elementary school teachers, middle school teachers and high school teachers.

Work Environment About this section

Music directors often work for religious organizations, concert halls, and recording studios.

Music directors and composers held about 93,200 jobs in 2010. About 38 percent were self-employed.

Jobs for music directors and composers are found all over the country. However, many jobs are located in cities in which entertainment and recording activities are concentrated, such as New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.

Music directors often work for religious organizations, frequently as choir directors. They also work in concert halls and recording studios. Music directors may spend a lot of time traveling to different performances.

Composers can work in offices, recording studios, or their own homes.

Work Schedules

Rehearsals and recording sessions are commonly held during business hours, but performances take place most often on nights and weekends. Because music writing is done primarily independently, composers may be able to set their own schedules.

How to Become a Music Director or Composer About this section

In order to become a music director or composer, one must have the talent to play, write, and conduct music.

Educational and training requirements for music directors and composers vary. A conductor for a symphony orchestra typically needs a master’s degree, but a choir director may need a bachelor’s degree. There are no educational requirements for those interested in writing popular music.

Education

A degree in music theory, music composition, or conducting is generally preferred for those who want to work as a conductor or classical composer. To enter these programs, applicants are typically required to submit recordings or audition in person or both.

These programs teach students about music history and styles, as well as composing and conducting techniques. Information on degree programs is available from the National Association of Schools of Music.

A bachelor’s degree is typically required for those who want to work as a choir director.

There are no specific educational requirements for those interested in writing popular music. These composers usually find employment by submitting recordings of their compositions to bands, singers, and music and movie studios. They may seek representation by an agent, who helps them find employment and performance opportunities.

Work Experience

Music directors and composers typically begin their musical training as a child, learning to play an instrument or sing.

Music directors and composers who are interested in classical music may seek additional training through music camps and fellowships. These programs provide participants with classes, lessons, and performance opportunities.

Important Qualities

Discipline. Talent is not enough for most music directors and composers to find employment in this field. They must constantly practice and seek to improve their technique and style.

Musical talent. To become a music director or composer, one must have the talent to play, write, and conduct music.

People skills. Music directors and composers need to work with agents, musicians, and recording studios. Being friendly, respectful, open to criticism as well as praise, and enjoying being with others can help music directors and composers work well with a variety of people.

Perseverance. Attending auditions and submitting compositions can be frustrating because it may take many different auditions and submissions to find a job. Music directors and composers need determination and perseverance to continue attending auditions and submitting work after receiving many rejections.

Pay About this section

The median annual wage of music directors and composers was $45,970 in May 2010. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $21,720, and the top 10 percent earned more than $85,020. 

Rehearsals and recording sessions are commonly held during business hours, but performances take place most often on nights and weekends. Because music writing is done primarily independently, composers may be able to set their own schedules.

Job Outlook About this section

Employment of music directors and composers is expected to grow by 10 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Growth is expected from increases in demand for musical performances.

From 2010 to 2020, the number of people attending musical performances, such as symphonies and concerts, and theatrical performances, such as ballets and musical theater, is expected to increase. More music directors will be needed to lead orchestras for concerts and musical theater performances and to accompany ballet troupes and opera companies.

In addition, there will likely be an increased need for composers to write original music and arrange known works for performance. Composers are also expected to be needed to write film scores and music for television and commercials.

However, growth is expected to be limited, because orchestras, opera companies, and other musical groups have difficulty getting funds. Some music groups are nonprofit organizations that rely on donations and corporate sponsorships, in addition to ticket sales, to fund their work. During economic downturns, these organizations may have difficulty finding enough money to cover their expenses.

Job Prospects

Despite expected growth, strong competition for jobs is anticipated because of the large number of people who are interested in entering this field. In particular, there will be considerable competition for full-time positions. Those with exceptional musical talent and abilities should have the best opportunities. Many music directors and composers experience periods of unemployment or work in another occupation and attend auditions or write music outside of working hours.

Contacts for More Information About this section

For information about music degree programs, visit

National Association of Schools of Music