Music Directors and Composers
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.Salary by State
| State Name | Employment | Annual Salary | Hourly Salary | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 50 | $37,010 | $17.79 | |
| California | 1,620 | $65,840 | $31.66 | |
| Colorado | 60 | $55,780 | $26.82 | |
| Connecticut | 110 | $76,280 | $36.67 | |
| District of Columbia | 140 | $104,220 | $50.11 | |
| Florida | 650 | $69,980 | $33.64 | |
| Georgia | 40 | $76,960 | $37.00 | |
| Hawaii | 70 | $101,760 | $48.92 | |
| Illinois | 610 | $49,280 | $23.69 | |
| Indiana | 160 | $56,700 | $27.26 | |
| Iowa | 30 | $54,960 | $26.42 | |
| Maryland | 150 | $54,880 | $26.39 | |
| Massachusetts | 160 | $77,770 | $37.39 | |
| Michigan | 320 | $49,320 | $23.71 | |
| Minnesota | 230 | $62,590 | $30.09 | |
| Mississippi | 50 | $55,600 | $26.73 | |
| Montana | 90 | $38,350 | $18.44 | |
| New Jersey | 210 | $100,910 | $48.52 | |
| New Mexico | $25,980 | $12.49 | ||
| New York | 1,190 | $68,860 | $33.10 | |
| North Carolina | 100 | $52,550 | $25.27 | |
| Ohio | 440 | $67,280 | $32.35 | |
| Oklahoma | 80 | $37,810 | $18.18 | |
| Oregon | 480 | $46,790 | $22.50 | |
| Pennsylvania | 650 | $57,700 | $27.74 | |
| South Carolina | 100 | $54,020 | $25.97 | |
| South Dakota | 40 | $37,530 | $18.04 | |
| Texas | 380 | $73,440 | $35.31 | |
| Utah | 40 | $49,060 | $23.59 | |
| Virginia | 200 | $73,560 | $35.37 | |
| Washington | 120 | $75,290 | $36.20 | |
| Wisconsin | 100 | $51,100 | $24.57 |
Education
The programs listed below are typically the education paths that can land you this kind of job.
A program that focuses on the history, theory, composition, and performance of music for religious or sacred purposes, and that prepares individuals for religious musical vocations such as choir directors, cantors, organists, and chanters.
A program of study that focuses on the use of musical and theatrical arts in Christian worship. Includes instruction in digital media, electronic hardware design and installation, music, theater, and worship theology.
A program that focuses on the principles and techniques for integrating theatre, music, and dance into a unified production. Includes instruction in acting, dance, voice, technical theater, musical genres, piano, and history of musical theater.
A program that generally prepares individuals to master musical instruments and performing art as solo and/or ensemble performers. Includes instruction on one or more specific instruments from various instrumental groupings.
A program that focuses on the study of the principles of sound manipulation as applied to the creation of music, and the techniques of creating and arranging music. Includes instruction in aural theory, melody, counterpoint, complex harmony, modulation, chromatics, improvisation, progressions, musical writing, instrumentation, orchestration, electronic and computer applications, studies of specific musical styles, and development of original creative ability.
A program that focuses on the systematic study of the forms and methods of music art, and the functions of music, in Western and non-Western societies and cultures. Includes instruction in music theory, musicological research methods, and studies of specific cultural styles such as jazz, folk music, rock, ethnic musical traditions, and the music of non-Western cultures.
A program that prepares individuals to master the art of leading bands, choirs, orchestras and other ensembles in performance, and related music leadership. Includes instruction in score analysis and arranging, rehearsal and performance leadership, music coaching, arrangement and performance planning, ensemble operations management, and applications to specific school or professional ensembles.
A program that prepares individuals to master the human voice and performing art as solo and/or ensemble performers in concert, choir, opera, or other forms of singing. Includes instruction in voice pedagogy, diction, vocal physiology and exercise, expressive movement, repertoire, recital, and personal style development.
A program that focuses on the creative aspects of the blending of music and technology; and that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to the composition, recording, synthesis, and performance of music; audio-visual production; scoring for film and multimedia; and software and multimedia development. Includes instruction in music theory, music history, composition, acoustics, recording technology, computer composition, electronic music synthesis, technology-based performance, 3D sound and spatial audio, and music business and law.
A program that focuses on sound as a form of cultural expression, and its relationship to other disciplines such as computer programming, performance, and video. Includes instruction in acoustics; arranging, composing, and editing music; music theory; musicology; orchestration and scoring; and sound design.
Any instructional program in music not listed above.
A program that prepares individuals to organize and manage music organizations, operations, facilities, and personnel. Includes instruction in business and financial management; marketing and fundraising; personnel management and labor relations; event promotion and management; music products merchandising; artist agency and promotion; music law; and applications to specific activities such as managing theaters, recording studios and companies, bands and other ensembles, individual artists, and music organizations.
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$65,080 per yearNational average salaryModerateJob growth rate
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Bachelor's degreeTypical education requirement
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Less than 5 yearsTypical experience requirement
Educational Attainment
The following chart shows the highest education level completed by those working as music directors and composers.
- Less than high school 1%
- High school graduate 8%
- College dropout 15%
- Associate’s degree 4%
- Bachelor’s degree 41%
- Master’s degree 25%
- Doctorate degree 5%
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