Music directors and composers held about 55,800 jobs in 2021. The largest employers of music directors and composers were as follows:
| Religious, grantmaking, civic, professional, and similar organizations | 60% |
| Self-employed workers | 28 |
| Performing arts companies | 6 |
| Elementary and secondary schools; state, local, and private | 2 |
Music directors commonly work in concert halls and recording studios, and they may spend a lot of time traveling to different performances. Composers can work in offices, recording studios, or their own homes.
Jobs for music directors and composers are found all over the country. However, many jobs are located in cities in which entertainment activities are concentrated, such as New York, Los Angeles, Nashville, and Chicago.
Work Schedules
Rehearsals and recording sessions are commonly held during business hours, but performances take place most often on nights and weekends. Because music writing is done primarily independently, composers may be able to set their own schedules.
Educational and training requirements for music directors and composers vary, although most positions require related work experience. A conductor for a symphony orchestra typically needs a master’s degree; a choir director may need a bachelor’s degree. There are no formal educational requirements for those interested in writing popular music.
Education
For positions as a conductor or classical composer, employers generally prefer to hire candidates who have a master’s degree in music theory, music composition, or conducting.
Applicants to postsecondary programs in music typically are required to submit recordings, audition in person, or both. These programs teach students about music history and styles, along with instruction in composing and conducting techniques. Information on degree programs is available from the National Association of Schools of Music.
Choir directors typically need a bachelor’s degree. Common fields of degree include fine and performing arts and education. Those who work in public schools may need a teaching license or certification. For more information, see the profiles on teachers.
There are no specific educational requirements for those interested in writing popular music. These composers usually find employment by submitting recordings of their compositions to bands, singers, record companies, and movie studios. Composers may promote themselves through personal websites, social media, or online video or audio of their musical work.
Training
Music directors and composers typically begin their musical training at a young age by learning to play an instrument or singing, and perhaps performing as a musician or singer. Music directors and composers who are interested in classical music may seek additional training through music camps and fellowships. These programs provide participants with classes, lessons, and performance opportunities.
Work Experience in a Related Occupation
Music directors and composers often work as musicians or singers in a group, a choir, or an orchestra before they take on a leadership role. They use this time to master their instrument and gain an understanding of how the group functions. For more information, see the profile on musicians and singers.
Music directors and composers typically have an interest in the Creating, Helping and Persuading interest areas, according to the Holland Code framework. The Creating interest area indicates a focus on being original and imaginative, and working with artistic media. The Helping interest area indicates a focus on assisting, serving, counseling, or teaching other people. The Persuading interest area indicates a focus on influencing, motivating, and selling to other people.
If you are not sure whether you have a Creating or Helping or Persuading interest which might fit with a career as a music director and composer, you can take a career test to measure your interests.
Music directors and composers should also possess the following specific qualities:
Discipline. Talent is not enough for most music directors and composers to find employment in this field. They must constantly practice and seek to improve their technique and style.
Interpersonal skills. Music directors and composers need to work with agents, musicians, and recording studios. Being friendly, respectful, open to criticism as well as praise, and enjoying being with others can help music directors and composers work well with a variety of people.
Leadership. Music directors and composers must guide musicians and singers by preparing musical arrangements and helping them achieve the best possible sound.
Musical talent. To become a music director or composer, one must have musical talent.
Perseverance. Attending auditions and submitting compositions can be frustrating because it may take many different auditions and submissions to find a job. Music directors and composers need determination and perseverance to continue attending auditions and submitting work after receiving many rejections.
Promotional skills. Music directors and composers need to promote their performances through local communities, word of mouth, and social media platforms. Good self-promotional skills are helpful in building a fan base and getting more work opportunities.
The median annual wage for music directors and composers was $49,130 in May 2021. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $24,440, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $123,800.
In May 2021, the median annual wages for music directors and composers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
| Elementary and secondary schools; state, local, and private | $61,950 |
| Performing arts companies | 50,150 |
| Religious, grantmaking, civic, professional, and similar organizations | 48,420 |
Rehearsals and recording sessions are commonly held during business hours, but performances take place most often on nights and weekends. Because music writing is done primarily independently, composers may be able to set their own schedules.
Employment of music directors and composers is projected to grow 5 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 5,800 openings for music directors and composers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Employment
Music directors will be needed to lead orchestras for concerts and musical theater performances. They also will conduct the music that accompanies ballet troupes and opera companies.
In addition, there will likely be a need for composers to write original music and arrange known works for performances. Composers will be needed as well to write film scores and music for television and commercials.
However, orchestras, opera companies, and other musical groups can have difficulty getting funds. Some music groups are nonprofit organizations that rely on donations and corporate sponsorships, in addition to ticket sales, to fund their work. These organizations often have difficulty finding enough money to cover their expenses. In addition, growth may be limited for music directors in schools due to struggles with school funding, and music programs may be cut.
For more information about music degree programs, visit
National Association of Schools of Music
For more information about careers in music, visit