### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Music Directors and Composers Summary
                        
            
                                                        
                                                                
                        
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            									
							
				                                                
                                            




            			music directors and composers imageMusic directors lead choirs and other musical groups during performance sessions.							
						Quick Facts:     Music Directors and Composers2023     Median Pay
            						$62,590     per year
										$30.09     per hourTypical Entry-Level Education
                                    Bachelor's degreeWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    Less than 5 yearsOn-the-job Training
                                    NoneNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    51,800Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    1% (Little or no change)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    600What Music Directors and Composers Do
                                                
                        
                        
Music directors lead musical groups during performances and recording sessions. Composers write and arrange original music in a variety of musical styles.
            
                        Work Environment
                        
Most music directors work for religious organizations and schools, or are self-employed. Music directors may spend a lot of time traveling to different performances. Composers can work in offices, recording studios, or their own homes.
            
                                                How to Become a Music Director or Composer
                                                
                        
Educational and training requirements for music directors and composers vary, although most positions require related work experience. A music director or conductor for a symphony orchestra typically needs a master’s degree; a choir director may need a bachelor’s degree. There are no formal educational requirements for those interested in writing popular music.
            
                        Pay
                        												                            																				    														The median annual wage for music directors and composers was $62,590 in May 2023.									                                					
						
            
                        Job Outlook
                        						
												Employment							of music directors and composers is projected to show little or no change							 from 2022 to 2032.
						Despite  limited  employment growth, about 5,100 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.
						State & Area Data
                       Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for music directors and composers.
            
            
						
                        Similar Occupations
                        
                                                    Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of music directors and composers with similar occupations.
            
            
                        More Information, Including Links to O*NET
                        
                                               
                        Learn more about music directors and composers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
 What Music Directors and Composers Do 
            

			Music directors and composersComposers 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 their technique
Meet with potential donors and attend fundraisersMusic 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 musicComposers 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.
Some composers use instruments to help them as they write music. Others use software that allows them to hear a piece without 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
			Music directors and composersMusic directors ensure that musicians play with one coherent sound, balancing the melody, timing, rhythm, and volume.			

	    
				
	
	
	
	
	
	
	    					 Music directors and composers held about 51,800 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of music directors and composers were as follows:
        Religious, grantmaking, civic, professional, and similar organizations
                62%Self-employed workers
                22Performing arts companies
                7Elementary and secondary schools; state, local, and private
                2Music directors commonly work in concert halls and recording studios, and they may spend a lot of time traveling to different performances. Composers can work in offices, recording studios, or their own homes.
Jobs for music directors and composers are found all over the country. However, many jobs are located in cities in which entertainment activities are concentrated, such as New York, Los Angeles, Nashville, and Chicago.
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

			Music directors and composersIn 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, although most positions require related work experience. A conductor for a symphony orchestra typically needs a master’s degree; a choir director may need a bachelor’s degree. There are no formal educational requirements for those interested in writing popular music.
Education
For positions as a conductor or classical composer, employers generally prefer to hire candidates who have a master’s degree in 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. Information on degree programs is available from the National Association of Schools of Music.
Choir directors typically need a bachelor’s degree. Common fields of degree include fine and performing arts and education. Those who work in public schools may need a teaching license or certification. For more information, see the profiles on teachers.
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, record companies, and movie studios. Composers may promote themselves through personal websites, social media, or online video or audio of their musical work.
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.
***Interpersonal skills.*** Music directors and composers need to work with agents, musicians, and recording studio personnel. Being friendly, respectful, and open to criticism as well as praise, while enjoying being with others, can help music directors and composers work well with a variety of people.
***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.
***Perseverance.*** Music directors and composers need determination to continue submitting their compositions after receiving rejections. Also, reviewing auditions can be frustrating because it may take many different auditions to find the best musicians.
***Promotional skills.*** Music directors and composers need to promote their performances through local communities, word of mouth, and social media platforms. Good self-promotional skills are helpful in building a fan base and getting more work opportunities.
Training
Music directors and composers typically begin their musical training at a young age by learning to play an instrument or singing, and perhaps performing as a musician or singer. 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.
Work Experience in a Related Occupation
Music directors and composers often work as musicians or 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. For more information, see the profile on musicians and singers.
 Pay

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                Music Directors and ComposersMedian annual wages, May 2023Music directors and composers$62,590  Entertainers and performers, sports and related workers$53,360  Total, all occupations$48,060Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
 

	
	



		
	
	
	
The median annual wage for music directors and composers was $62,590 in May 2023. 


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 $34,240, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $173,810.





		
	    					 In May 2023, the median annual wages for music directors and composers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Elementary and secondary schools; state, local, and private
                $64,080Performing arts companies
                63,170Religious, grantmaking, civic, professional, and similar organizations
                56,910Rehearsals 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

   
        
    
          
        
    
                Music Directors and ComposersPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Entertainers and performers, sports and related workers6%  Total, all occupations3%  Music directors and composers1%Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
            
            
			 
	
	
	

			Employment				of music directors and composers is projected to show little or no change				 from 2022 to 2032.
			
			Despite  limited  employment growth, about 5,100 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.
			

                        Employment projections data for     music directors and composers, 2022-32
                Occupational Title
                        SOC Code
                        Employment, 2022
                        Projected Employment, 2032
                        Change, 2022-32
                        Employment by IndustryPercent
                        NumericSOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program**Music directors and composers**
			27-2041
			51,800
			52,400
			1
			600
			Get data
 State & Area Data **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(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Music directors and composers **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.com. 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.
 Similar Occupations This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of music directors and composers. Occupation
                Job Duties
                ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION
                2023     MEDIAN PAY**Actors**
            Actors express ideas and portray characters in theater, film, television, and other performing arts media.
            Some college, no degree
            The annual wage is not available.**Dancers and Choreographers**
            Dancers and choreographers use dance performances to express ideas and stories.
            See How to Become One
            The annual wage is not available.**High School Teachers**
            High school teachers teach academic lessons and various skills that students will need to attend college and to enter the job market.
            Bachelor's degree
            $65,220**Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers**
            Kindergarten and elementary school teachers instruct young students in basic subjects in order to prepare them for future schooling.
            Bachelor's degree
            $63,670**Middle School Teachers**
            Middle school teachers educate students, typically in sixth through eighth grades.
            Bachelor's degree
            $64,290**Musicians and Singers**
            Musicians and singers play instruments or sing for live audiences and in recording studios.
            No formal educational credential
            The annual wage is not available.**Postsecondary Teachers**
            Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a variety of academic subjects beyond the high school level.
            See How to Become One
            $84,380**Producers and Directors**
            Producers and directors make business and creative decisions about film, television, stage, and other productions.
            Bachelor's degree
            $82,510**Writers and Authors**
            Writers and authors develop written content for various types of media.
            Bachelor's degree
            $73,690
 Contacts for More Information
								
For more information about music degree programs, visit
National Association of Schools of Music
For more information about careers in music, visit
Future of Music Coalition

                                                
                                                        
                                                                                                    O*NET
                                        Music Directors and Composers
 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.  Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Music Directors and Composers, 
        	 at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/entertainment-and-sports/music-directors-and-composers.htm (visited *May 21, 2024*).
 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Wednesday, April 17, 2024


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