BlissPoint Analytics

Occupation AtlasMusic Directors and Composers

O*NET · 27-2041.00

Music Directors and Composers

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.

Also called Arranger · Artistic Director · Band Director · Band Leader · Band Master · Children's Choir Director · Choir Director · Choir Leader
37 more

Choirmaster · Choral Activities Director · Choral Director · Chorus Master · Composer · Conceptor · Conductor · Digital Composer · Film Composer · Handbell Choir Director · High School Band Director · Jingle Writer · Leadership Director · Liturgical Music Director · Maestro · Marching Band Director · Middle School Band Director · Music Adapter · Music Arranger · Music Arts Director · Music Composer · Music Director · Music Manager · Music Minister · Music Ministries Director · Music Orchestrator · Music Pastor · Music Producer · Music Supervisor · Music Writer · Musical Director · Orchestra Conductor · Orchestra Director · Orchestra Leader · Orchestrator · Score Composer · Songwriter

Job Zone 4 — Considerable Preparation NeededHolland code AES35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed

Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

AESArtistic · Enterprising · Social — the three strongest interests, in order

  • A Artistic7.00
  • E Enterprising4.82
  • S Social3.04
  • C Conventional2.63
  • I Investigative2.28
  • R Realistic2.07

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma5%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent4%
  • Some College Courses6%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree8%
  • Bachelor's Degree24%
  • Post-Baccalaureate Certificate2%
  • Master's Degree28%
  • Post-Master's Certificate2%
  • Doctoral Degree21%
Related work experience
Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years (31%)
On-site or in-plant training
None (32%)
On-the-job training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (25%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Active Listeningbasic3.93.6Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Speakingbasic3.63.6Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.53.8Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.53.5Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.53.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
  • Coordination3.43.8Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
  • Writingbasic3.43.5Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Active Learningbasic3.43.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Monitoringbasic3.33.6Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Persuasion3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
  • Social Perceptiveness3.13.6Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
  • Complex Problem Solving3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
Show the other 23
  • Management of Personnel Resources3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Direct the activities of a road repair crew with minimal disruption of traffic flow
  • Time Management3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
  • Negotiation3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Contract with a wholesaler to sell items at a given cost
  • Systems Evaluation3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Instructing2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Systems Analysis2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.83.0Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Service Orientation2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Management of Financial Resources2.32.4Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Operations Analysis2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Mathematicsbasic2.11.6Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Management of Material Resources2.11.5Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Programming1.91.1Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
  • Technology Design1.61.3Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
  • Quality Control Analysis1.61.1Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Equipment Selection1.4—
  • Operation and Control1.4—
  • Operations Monitoring1.3—
  • Sciencebasic1.3—
  • Troubleshooting1.3—
  • Equipment Maintenance1.0—
  • Installation1.0—
  • Repairing1.0—

Tasks

27 core · 1 supplemental · 2 not yet rated

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Use gestures to shape the music being played, communicating desired tempo, phrasing, tone, color, pitch, volume, and other performance aspects.4.8
  2. Direct groups at rehearsals and live or recorded performances to achieve desired effects such as tonal and harmonic balance dynamics, rhythm, and tempo.4.7
  3. Study scores to learn the music in detail, and to develop interpretations.4.6
  4. Apply elements of music theory to create musical and tonal structures, including harmonies and melodies.4.5
  5. Consider such factors as ensemble size and abilities, availability of scores, and the need for musical variety, to select music to be performed.4.5
  6. Determine voices, instruments, harmonic structures, rhythms, tempos, and tone balances required to achieve the effects desired in a musical composition.4.4
  7. Experiment with different sounds, and types and pieces of music, using synthesizers and computers as necessary to test and evaluate ideas.4.3
  8. Transcribe ideas for musical compositions into musical notation, using instruments, pen and paper, or computers.4.2
  9. Audition and select performers for musical presentations.4.2
  10. Plan and schedule rehearsals and performances, and arrange details such as locations, accompanists, and instrumentalists.4.1
  11. Write musical scores for orchestras, bands, choral groups, or individual instrumentalists or vocalists, using knowledge of music theory and of instrumental and vocal capabilities.4.0
  12. Position members within groups to obtain balance among instrumental or vocal sections.3.9
Show the other 18
  1. Perform administrative tasks such as applying for grants, developing budgets, negotiating contracts, and designing and printing programs and other promotional materials.3.9
  2. Confer with producers and directors to define the nature and placement of film or television music.3.9
  3. Meet with soloists and concertmasters to discuss and prepare for performances.3.8
  4. Fill in details of orchestral sketches, such as adding vocal parts to scores.3.8
  5. Explore and develop musical ideas based on sources such as imagination or sounds in the environment.3.8
  6. Write music for commercial mediums, including advertising jingles or film soundtracks.3.8
  7. Transpose music from one voice or instrument to another to accommodate particular musicians.3.8
  8. Rewrite original musical scores in different musical styles by changing rhythms, harmonies, or tempos.3.7
  9. Arrange music composed by others, changing the music to achieve desired effects.3.5
  10. Assign and review staff work in such areas as scoring, arranging, and copying music, and vocal coaching.3.5
  11. Study films or scripts to determine how musical scores can be used to create desired effects or moods.3.5
  12. Transcribe musical compositions and melodic lines to adapt them to a particular group, or to create a particular musical style.3.5
  13. Create original musical forms, or write within circumscribed musical forms such as sonatas, symphonies, or operas.3.4
  14. Collaborate with other colleagues, such as copyists, to complete final scores.3.4
  15. Copy parts from scores for individual performers.3.3
  16. Coordinate and organize tours, or hire touring companies to arrange concert dates, venues, accommodations, and transportation for longer tours.3.5
  17. Produce recordings of music.
  18. Stay abreast of the latest trends in music and music technology.

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Fine Arts4.76.3Level 7 looks like: Design an exhibit for a major art show
  • English Language3.84.4Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Education and Training3.54.3Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Computers and Electronics3.44.1Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Customer and Personal Service3.13.6Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • Philosophy and Theology3.13.6Level 4 looks like: Understand another culture's religious practices
  • Administrative2.93.8Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Communications and Media2.93.7Level 4 looks like: Host a music radio show
Show all 33
  • Administration and Management2.83.0Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Psychology2.62.4Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.52.3Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Sales and Marketing2.53.0Level 4 looks like: Introduce clients to a new line of products
  • History and Archeology2.42.1Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
  • Foreign Language2.21.7Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Production and Processing2.12.1Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • Sociology and Anthropology2.12.1Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Economics and Accounting2.01.6Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Mathematics2.02.2Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
  • Design1.92.0Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Telecommunications1.91.3Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Law and Government1.81.9Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Therapy and Counseling1.81.4Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • Engineering and Technology1.71.1Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Geography1.71.4Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Public Safety and Security1.61.2Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Mechanical1.40.9Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
  • Physics1.40.7Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Transportation1.40.9Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.2—
  • Biology1.1—
  • Building and Construction1.1—
  • Chemistry1.1—
  • Food Production1.1—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Hearing Sensitivity4.35.1Level 6 looks like: Tune an orchestra
  • Fluency of Ideas3.84.0Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • Information Ordering3.84.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Originality3.84.1Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
  • Written Comprehension3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Auditory Attention3.64.1Level 4 looks like: Listen for your flight announcement at a busy airport
  • Oral Comprehension3.64.1Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral Expression3.64.1Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
Show all 52
  • Category Flexibility3.53.6Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Deductive Reasoning3.54.1Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
  • Near Vision3.53.9
  • Speech Clarity3.53.6Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Speech Recognition3.53.6Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Written Expression3.53.5Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Problem Sensitivity3.43.4Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Flexibility of Closure3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
  • Inductive Reasoning3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Selective Attention3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
  • Memorization3.03.6Level 4 looks like: Recite the first names of the five people you just met
  • Speed of Closure3.03.0Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Far Vision2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Perceptual Speed2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Sound Localization2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Listen to a sound system to determine which speaker is working
  • Time Sharing2.62.6Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Multilimb Coordination2.52.6Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Trunk Strength2.52.6Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness2.42.1Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Visualization2.42.3Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Dynamic Strength2.31.6Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Manual Dexterity2.32.3Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
  • Number Facility2.32.3Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Control Precision2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Finger Dexterity2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.11.9Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Extent Flexibility2.01.5Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Stamina2.01.3Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Gross Body Coordination1.91.5Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Rate Control1.91.4Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Response Orientation1.90.9
  • Visual Color Discrimination1.91.3Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Explosive Strength1.81.0Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.81.0Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Static Strength1.81.0Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.60.9
  • Reaction Time1.5—
  • Spatial Orientation1.50.6
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.5—
  • Depth Perception1.1—
  • Glare Sensitivity1.1—
  • Night Vision1.1—
  • Peripheral Vision1.1—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Thinking Creatively4.55.6
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships4.45.2Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Getting Information4.14.6Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.04.2Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.94.6Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.85.2Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.74.3Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public3.74.3Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
Show all 41
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization3.64.6Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.64.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems3.64.7Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Working with Computers3.63.1Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.54.4Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Developing and Building Teams3.43.7Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events3.43.8Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Training and Teaching Others3.44.3Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Coaching and Developing Others3.34.2Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Performing Administrative Activities3.33.2Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.23.5Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates3.23.8Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources3.13.5Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
  • Documenting/Recording Information3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Analyzing Data or Information2.93.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Processing Information2.93.0Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.93.9Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others2.82.9
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.83.5Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.83.0Level 4 looks like: Make a sales pitch to convince others to buy a product
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.53.0Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
  • Performing General Physical Activities2.52.5Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information2.42.2Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings2.42.8
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards2.22.1Level 1 looks like: Review forms for completeness
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials2.11.6Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
  • Handling and Moving Objects2.02.1Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
  • Staffing Organizational Units1.91.9Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment1.81.0Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Controlling Machines and Processes1.50.9Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment1.50.9Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment1.4—
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment1.4—

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.7
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.6
  • E-Mail4.6
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.5
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.4
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.3
  • Contact With Others4.2
  • Telephone Conversations4.2
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.2
  • Deal With External Customers or the Public in General3.9

Technology

86 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (5)

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
Other tools (81)
  • Anvil Studio
  • Apple Final Cut Pro
  • Apple MainStage
  • Arobas Music Guitar Pro
  • Arpege Music Pizzicato
  • Audacity
  • Audio Chaos Soundscape Generator
  • Audiveris
  • Avid Pro Tools
  • Avid Technology Sibelius
  • Azemus FS
  • Basic Music Composer
  • Cakewalk SONAR
  • Canorus
  • ChordWizard Software Soundtrix Gold
  • Click MusicalKEYS
  • Curto Drum
  • D'accord Music Software iChords
  • Denemo
  • Desktop Piano and Drums
  • DigiPiano
  • Dream Computer Piano
  • Easy Music Composer Free
  • Epinoisis Software Digital Ear
  • FlexiMusic Composer
  • GenieSoft Overture
  • HS Virtual Piano
  • IK Multimedia GrooveMaker
  • Image-Line FL Studio
  • Impro-Visor
  • Jackbeat
  • Javamin Composer
  • Korg EM-1 Editor
  • Lauriso Software Music Publisher
  • Little Piano
  • MadTracker
  • Maestro Music Software MagicScore
  • MAGIX Music Maker
  • MakeMusic Finale
  • Making Waves Audio Making Waves
  • MediaShout
  • Microsoft Publisher
  • MIDI Maestro
  • MIDI Score Creator
  • MidiSwing
  • Mozart Music Software Mozart
  • MuseScore
  • Music Director Pro
  • Musical Palette
  • MusicDevelopments RapidComposer
  • MusicGraph
  • Musilogic HarmonyBuilder
  • Myriad Software Harmony Assistant
  • Notation Software Notation Composer
  • NoteWorthy Software NoteWorthy Composer
  • Open Song Composer
  • PianoFX STUDIO
  • PianoRollComposer
  • Power Tab Editor
  • Proxima Controller
  • Renoise
  • Rhythm Rascal
  • Sonoma Wire Works RiffWorks
  • Storm Music Studio
  • SVArTracker
  • SwarMala
  • TabIt
  • TablEdit
  • Tonality Systems Symoblic Composer
  • Truepianos
  • TuxGuitar
  • Twelve Tone Matrix Calculator
  • Twelve Tone Row Analyzer
  • Underware Design DTAB
  • VBRhapsody
  • Visiv SharpEye
  • Widisoft WIDI Recognition System
  • Wusik Wusikstation VSTi
  • Xitona Software Voice Composer
  • XT Software energyXT
  • ZynAddSubFX

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Musicians and Singers
  2. Choreographers
  3. Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
  4. Producers and Directors
  5. Talent Directors
  6. Music Therapists
  7. Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
  8. Art Directors
  9. Media Programming Directors
  10. Film and Video Editors

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.