Music Directors and Composers

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.

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.

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.

The median annual wage for music directors and composers was $63,670 in May 2024.

Employment of music directors and composers is projected to decline 0 percent from 2024 to 2034.

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