Music Directors and Composers – Creative Careers Studio

Music directors and composers spend their days creating and arranging musical compositions, leading rehearsals, and guiding performers to bring their musical vision to life. They often collaborate with other musicians, producers, and directors, balancing creative work with practical aspects such as scoring, recording, and revising their compositions to meet specific project needs.

Quiz Matches

What kind of personality tends to excel in this career?

Ideas

Creations

How much this role requires you to be outspoken and in the spotlight.

Independent

Collaborative

How often you’ll have to work with others

Introvert

Extrovert

How often you’ll be coming up with big ideas versus making ideas reality.

Routine

Variety

How much your tasks change day by day

Screen Time

How much of your day is spent working at a desk on a computer.

Average Salary in SC

$63,870

Education Level

4 year degree recommended

Alternate Titles

Arranger
Choir Director
Composer
Conductor
Music Composer
Music Director
Music Producer
Orchestra Director
Songwriter

More Details

Skills

Active Listening
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Judgment and Decision Making
Reading Comprehension

Activities

Thinking Creatively
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
Getting Information
Communicating with Colleagues
Scheduling Work and Activities

Work Styles

Dependability
Integrity
Attention to Detail
Initiative
Cooperation

Professional Associations

American Choral Directors Association
American Guild of Organists
American Society of Music Arrangers and Composers
American String Teachers Association
Association of Lutheran Church Musicians

Related High School Courses

Music Theory and Composition Courses
Music Theory
Advanced Music Theory
Composition

Performance Courses
Choir or Band
Piano or Keyboard
Instrumental Lessons

Technology and Production Courses
Music Technology
Digital Media

Art and Design Courses
Visual Arts
Drama/Theater

Analytical and Communication Courses
English Literature
Public Speaking

College Majors to Consider

Conducting
Film Scoring
Jazz Studies
Music
Music Composition
Music Education
Music Performance
Music Technology
Music Theory
Musicology
Orchestration
Performance Studies
Sound Design

Jobs, Internships, Apprenticeships

Jobs
Music Assistant
Freelance Composer
Music Instructor or Tutor
Sound Technician

Internships
Music Production Internship
Orchestra or Band Internship
Film or TV Music Internship
Music Publishing Internship

Apprenticeships
Music Director’s Apprenticeship
Composer’s Apprenticeship
Arranging Apprenticeship
Film or Game Scoring Apprenticeship

Other Learning Opportunities
Online Music Courses
Join School or Community Music Groups
Create a Personal Portfolio
Attend Music Workshops and Seminars

Profile of the SC Graduate

Express Ideas
Lead Teams
Build Networks

Learn more about the Profile of the SC Graduate here.

Explore creative careers