Music Directors and Composers

27-2041.00

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.

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

• 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.
• Write musical scores for orchestras, bands, choral groups, or individual instrumentalists or vocalists, using knowledge of music theory and of instrumental and vocal capabilities.
• Position members within groups to obtain balance among instrumental or vocal sections.
• Perform administrative tasks such as applying for grants, developing budgets, negotiating contracts, and designing and printing programs and other promotional materials.
• Confer with producers and directors to define the nature and placement of film or television music.
• Meet with soloists and concertmasters to discuss and prepare for performances.
• Fill in details of orchestral sketches, such as adding vocal parts to scores.
• Explore and develop musical ideas based on sources such as imagination or sounds in the environment.
• Write music for commercial mediums, including advertising jingles or film soundtracks.
• Transpose music from one voice or instrument to another to accommodate particular musicians.
• Rewrite original musical scores in different musical styles by changing rhythms, harmonies, or tempos.
• Arrange music composed by others, changing the music to achieve desired effects.
• Assign and review staff work in such areas as scoring, arranging, and copying music, and vocal coaching.
• Study films or scripts to determine how musical scores can be used to create desired effects or moods.
• Transcribe musical compositions and melodic lines to adapt them to a particular group, or to create a particular musical style.
• Create original musical forms, or write within circumscribed musical forms such as sonatas, symphonies, or operas.
• Collaborate with other colleagues, such as copyists, to complete final scores.
• Copy parts from scores for individual performers.
• Coordinate and organize tours, or hire touring companies to arrange concert dates, venues, accommodations, and transportation for longer tours.
• Produce recordings of music.
• Stay abreast of the latest trends in music and music technology.

Technology Skills

• Data base user interface and query software - Music Director Pro
• Desktop publishing software - Microsoft Publisher
• Electronic mail software - Microsoft Outlook 🔥
• Music or sound editing software - Anvil Studio; 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; MIDI Maestro; MIDI Score Creator; MidiSwing; Mozart Music Software Mozart; MuseScore; 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
• Office suite software - Microsoft Office software 🔥
• Presentation software - MediaShout; Microsoft PowerPoint 🔥
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel 🔥
• Video creation and editing software - Apple Final Cut Pro
• Word processing software - Microsoft Word 🔥

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Detailed Work Activities

• Coordinate musical rehearsals or performances.
• Study details of musical compositions.
• Create musical compositions, arrangements or scores.
• Determine presentation subjects or content.
• Audition or interview potential performers or staff members.
• Select staff, team members, or performers.
• Design layout of art or product exhibits, displays, or promotional materials.
• Negotiate for services.
• Direct fundraising or financing activities.
• Collaborate with others to determine technical details of productions.
• Collaborate with others to prepare or perform artistic productions.
• Coordinate artistic activities.
• Study scripts to determine project requirements.
• Coordinate logistics for productions or events.
• Operate audio recording equipment.
• Stay informed about current developments in field of specialization.