skip to main content
MENU

Music Directors and Composers

General Information

Description

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.

Explore this career in the Military

Business Breakdown

People in this career work in these sectors.

  1. Private, not for profit41.18%
  2. Self-employed35.07%
  3. Private, for profit20.40%
  4. State and local government2.39%

Workplace at a Glance

What you can expect to experience while on the job

  • Responsibility
  • Exposure to job hazards
  • Physical activity
  • Decision making
  • Repetitiveness
  • Level of competition
  • Time pressure

Industry areas

  • Arts, Audio/Video Technology & Communications

Job Outlook

Projected Job Growth (2022 - 2032)
0%
Read More

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.

Similar Careers

Related Military Careers

No Information for this section

Salary

Salary Information

Median Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.

$62,940

Median Military Salary Military pay may be higher based on specialty pays or bonuses. Learn more about Military benefits.

$109,740

Explore this career in the Military

State-by-state Salary

Gray states indicate no data available

Salary Range Salary varies based on years of experience, degree level and location.

$38,600
$99,210
No Information for this section

Education & Interests

Most Common Education Levels

People in this career achieve this level of education.

  • Master's degree 28%
  • Bachelor's degree 24%
  • Doctoral degree 20%
  • Associate's degree 7%
  • Some college 6%
  • Less than high school 5%
  • High school 3%
  • Post baccalaureate 2%
  • Post-master's certificate 1%
  • Post-doctoral training 0%
  • First professional degree 0%
  • Post-secondary certificate 0%

Related College Majors

Select major to see colleges that offer it

PERSONALITY CHARACTERISTICS

You may find this career fulfilling if you consider yourself to be:

  • Artistic — You have an interest in creating visual artwork, performances, written works, food or music.
  • Enterprising — You have an interest in managing, negotiating and marketing, or leading and advising others.
  • Social — You have an interest in helping, teaching, advising, assisting or providing service to others.

Not sure what characteristics best describe you? Take the RIASEC Test.

Skills at a Glance

Skills helpful in this career

  • Verbal skills
  • Critical thinking & problem solving
  • Equipment operation & maintenance
  • Math & science skills
  • Technology design & control
  • Leadership

Knowledge

  • Fine Arts
  • English Language
  • Education and Training
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Administrative

Gain insights into your knowledge by using the ASVAB Career Exploration Program

No Information for this section

Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.