Music Directors and Composers
Also known as: Arranger, Artistic Director, Band Director (+41 more)
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.
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What You'll Do
- Use gestures to shape the music being played, communicating desired tempo, phrasing, tone, color, pitch, volume, and other performance aspects.
- Direct groups at rehearsals and live or recorded performances to achieve desired effects such as tonal and harmonic balance dynamics, rhythm, and tempo.
- Study scores to learn the music in detail, and to develop interpretations.
- Apply elements of music theory to create musical and tonal structures, including harmonies and melodies.
- Consider such factors as ensemble size and abilities, availability of scores, and the need for musical variety, to select music to be performed.
- Determine voices, instruments, harmonic structures, rhythms, tempos, and tone balances required to achieve the effects desired in a musical composition.
- Experiment with different sounds, and types and pieces of music, using synthesizers and computers as necessary to test and evaluate ideas.
- Transcribe ideas for musical compositions into musical notation, using instruments, pen and paper, or computers.
- Audition and select performers for musical presentations.
- Plan and schedule rehearsals and performances, and arrange details such as locations, accompanists, and instrumentalists.
Essential Skills
Career Fit Overview
Use this summary to sense whether the day to day rhythm and focus of this path line up with what energizes you.
Top passions
- Artist: Creating original work and expressing ideas feels natural.
- Leader: Taking charge and moving ideas forward motivates you.
- Helper: Supporting people and making a difference matters to you.
Common styles
Dependability, Integrity, Attention to Detail, Initiative, Independence
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Key Abilities
This career demands strong capabilities in the following areas:
Technologies & Tools
Work Environment & Style
Common Styles for This Career
- Dependability (High importance: 4.7/5)
- Integrity (High importance: 4.7/5)
- Attention to Detail (High importance: 4.52/5)
- Initiative (High importance: 4.39/5)
- Independence (High importance: 4.35/5)
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Most employers require a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Some positions may also require experience through internships, co-ops, or entry-level work to strengthen your candidacy.
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Also Known As
This career is known by many different job titles across industries. Here are all the variations:
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