Music Directors and Composers

Summary

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 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
• Plan and design productions and promotional materials
• Attend fundraisers and other community events

Music directors lead orchestras, choirs, and other musical groups. They ensure that musicians play with one coherent sound, balancing the melody, timing, rhythm, and volume. They also give feedback to musicians and section leaders on sound and style.

Music directors may work with a variety of musical groups, including church choirs, youth orchestras, and high school or college bands, choirs, or orchestras. 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 orchestras, musical groups, and others who 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 types of musical groups and users. Some work in a particular style of music, such as classical or jazz. 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 audiences of popular music. They also may promote themselves through personal websites, social media, or online video or audio of their musical work.

Some composers use instruments to help them as they write music. Others use software that allows them to hear how a piece would sound when played by musicians.

Some music directors and composers give private music lessons to children and adults. Others teach music in elementary, middle, or high schools. For more information, see the profiles on kindergarten and elementary school teachers, middle school teachers, and high school teachers.

For more information about careers in music, see the profile on musicians and singers.

Work Environment About this section

Music directors ensure that musicians play with one coherent sound, balancing the melody, timing, rhythm, and volume.

Music directors and composers held about 47,300 jobs in 2024. The largest employers of music directors and composers were as follows:

Music directors and composers may work in churches, concert halls, recording studios, or offices. Some workers travel for performances.

Jobs for music directors and composers are found all over the country. However, many jobs are in cities that are cultural and entertainment hubs.

Music directors and composers may need to wear ear plugs or in-ear monitors to help reduce the risk of damaging their hearing, such as when working with large ensembles.

Work Schedules

Part-time work is common for music directors and composers, and work schedules may vary. Rehearsals and recording sessions may be held during standard business hours, but performances often take place in the evenings and on weekends. Long workdays are sometimes required, such as when preparing for performances.

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.

Music directors and composers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree, although education requirements vary. Some workers may not need formal education, while others may benefit from having a graduate degree. Most positions require related work experience.

Education

Music directors and composers typically need a bachelor’s or higher degree. Common fields of degree include fine and performing arts and education. 

For some positions, employers may prefer to hire candidates who have a master’s degree in a field such as music theory, music composition, or conducting.

Applicants to postsecondary programs in music typically are required to submit recordings, audition in person, or both. These programs teach students about music history and styles, along with instruction in composing and conducting techniques.

There are no specific educational requirements for those interested in writing popular music, but completing a degree program may help prospective workers to hone their skills. These composers may find employment by submitting recordings of their compositions to bands, singers, record companies, and movie studios.

Music directors who work in public schools may need a teaching license or certification. For more information, see the profiles on teachers.

Important Qualities

The following are examples of qualities that are important for these workers to perform their duties. For more information, visit the Employment Projections (EP) skills data page.

Adaptability. Music directors and composers must be able to handle changing environments when traveling and working with various people and schedules.

Communication skills. Music directors and composers must be able to clearly communicate their vision and interpretations of the music to both the audience and the musicians and singers they work with.

Creativity and innovation. Music directors need to be creative to interpret the musical scores and intended meaning of the composer. Composers use creativity when composing and arranging new pieces.

Detail oriented. Music directors and composers must be able to identify minute details and make small changes to create a cohesive sound.

Interpersonal skills. Music directors and composers must be able to work well with a variety of people, including musicians, agents, and recording studio personnel.

Leadership. Music directors and composers must guide musicians and singers by preparing musical arrangements and helping them achieve the best possible sound.

Musical talent. To become a music director or composer, one must have musical talent.

Training

Music directors and composers typically begin their musical training at a young age by learning to play an instrument or singing and performing as a musician or singer. Music directors and composers who are interested in different musical styles may seek additional training through music camps and fellowships. These programs provide participants with classes, lessons, and performance opportunities.

Work Experience in a Related Occupation

Music directors and composers may work as musicians and singers in a group, a choir, or an orchestra before they take on a leadership role. They use this time to master their instrument and gain an understanding of how the group functions.

Pay About this section

The median annual wage for music directors and composers was $63,670 in May 2024. 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 $34,990, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $157,010.

In May 2024, the median annual wages for music directors and composers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

Part-time work is common for music directors and composers, and work schedules may vary. Rehearsals and recording sessions may be held during standard business hours, but performances often take place in the evenings and on weekends. Long workdays are sometimes required, such as when preparing for performances.

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 projected to show little or no change from 2024 to 2034.

Despite limited employment growth, about 4,300 openings for music directors and composers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Employment

Music directors will be needed to lead orchestras for concerts and musical theater performances. They also will conduct the music that accompanies ballet troupes and opera companies.

In addition, there will likely be a need for composers to write original music and arrange known works for performances. Composers will be needed as well to write film scores and music for television and commercials.

However, orchestras, opera companies, and other musical groups can 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. These organizations often have difficulty finding enough money to cover their expenses. In addition, growth may be limited for music directors in schools due to struggles with school funding, and music programs may be cut.

State & Area Data About this section

Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)

The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link below goes to OEWS data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Use the dropdown boxes to select an occupation.

• Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) Profiles

Projections Central

Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.org. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved.

CareerOneStop

CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.

Contacts for More Information About this section

CareerOneStop

For a career video on music directors and composers, visit

Music Directors and Composers

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Music Directors and Composers