Music Directors and Composers

Job description

The work splits between two related tracks: composing, working out the voices, instruments, harmonies, and tempos that create a desired effect, and directing, shaping how a live group of musicians interprets a piece during rehearsal. Composers writing for film or advertising typically study a script or footage first to figure out how music can shape the mood, then write or adapt a score to fit, sometimes rewriting the same piece in a different style for a different scene or client. Both tracks tend to run on a deadline-driven production schedule, and directors often lead ensembles ranging from orchestras and bands to choirs and glee clubs.

A typical day

The morning belongs to the desk: three hours scoring a documentary cue, sketching at a piano, then orchestrating the theme into string parts inside notation software with the director's notes pinned above the monitor. After lunch the role flips from composer to director — a 2:30pm rehearsal with the choir, where the work is diagnosis: hearing that the tenors are dragging the phrase, fixing balance with two words instead of ten, and shaping a crescendo until the room changes. A break for emails brings a commission inquiry and a licensing question. The evening ends in performance or another rehearsal, arms conducting patterns that took years to make look effortless, ears doing the real work.

Tasks at the job

• Determine voices, instruments, harmonic structures, rhythms, tempos, and tone balances required to achieve the effects desired in a musical composition.
• Write musical scores for orchestras, bands, choral groups, or individual instrumentalists or vocalists, using knowledge of music theory and of instrumental and vocal capabilities.
• Write music for commercial mediums, including advertising jingles or film soundtracks.
• Rewrite original musical scores in different musical styles by changing rhythms, harmonies, or tempos.
• Study films or scripts to determine how musical scores can be used to create desired effects or moods.
• Create original musical forms, or write within circumscribed musical forms such as sonatas, symphonies, or operas.

Workplace & working conditions

Work happens indoors in a climate-controlled setting.

There's a regular, moderate amount of time pressure, and you're expected to exercise significant independent judgment day to day. Precision and accuracy are essential to the work, and the work is highly structured, following set procedures.

Education necessary or common

Bachelor's degree

Common college majors

Career path

Related fields

Courses to take

• AP Music Theory — the professional language; take it as early as possible
• Band, Orchestra, or Choir all four years — ensemble experience is non-negotiable
• Piano or keyboard skills courses — every composer and director works from a keyboard
• AP English Literature — text setting and dramatic pacing come from deep reading
• Music Technology if offered — notation and DAW software fluency

Clubs, activities & competitions

• All-State and honor ensembles — audition every year
• Compose or arrange for your school's ensembles and get real performances
• Student-conduct a piece — ask your director for a slot
• Pit orchestra, jazz band, and church or community music work

First steps you can take now

• Write a short piece this month for instruments your friends actually play, and get it performed
• Learn a notation program (MuseScore is free) and engrave your piece properly
• Ask your band or choir director to teach you basic conducting patterns and let you run a warm-up
• Study one score deeply — follow along with a recording until you can hear the page

Related videos

Music Directors and Composers Career VideoCareerOneStop