Music Directors and Composers
Music directors and composers conduct instrumental or vocal performances and create original musical works. They lead orchestras, bands, choirs, and other musical groups in rehearsals and performances. These professionals work in concert halls, schools, recording studios, churches, and other venues where music is performed.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against music directors and composers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A music director might spend mornings planning rehearsal schedules and reviewing sheet music, afternoons conducting a band or orchestra through practice sessions, and evenings attending performances. A composer could spend days writing and arranging new pieces, meeting with performers to discuss interpretations, and revising scores based on feedback. Work often includes administrative tasks like budgeting, scheduling musicians, and coordinating with venue managers.
Who this work suits
Holland code AES. Artistic work is creating and designing, with room for self-expression. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely enjoy this work if you're drawn to artistic expression and building creative projects. You tend to combine vision with leadership—you want to shape how music sounds and can direct others to execute that vision. You're comfortable with both the creative and business sides of music.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a master’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $99,410 | $122,750 | $171,070 | 210 |
| California | $66,810 | $93,090 | $126,430 | 2,510 |
| Colorado | $59,890 | $88,460 | $116,670 | 160 |
| District of Columbia | $77,740 | $84,040 | $131,260 | 140 |
| New York | $56,890 | $82,930 | $140,230 | 2,370 |
| Utah | $79,050 | $82,570 | $82,570 | 150 |
| Tennessee | $18,600 | $79,640 | $99,900 | 400 |
| Wisconsin | $56,850 | $78,690 | $105,860 | 200 |
| Massachusetts | $63,800 | $78,620 | $114,150 | 340 |
| Indiana | $51,150 | $77,270 | $123,790 | 200 |
| Connecticut | $56,180 | $77,070 | $119,990 | 120 |
| Washington | $61,320 | $75,060 | $104,090 | 260 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Avid Certified Professional: Media Composer — Avid Technology, Inc.
- Avid Certified User: Media Composer — Avid Technology, Inc.
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against music directors and composers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 27-2041.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.