Music Directors

Direct and conduct instrumental or vocal performances by musical groups, such as orchestras or choirs.

Median Annual Wage: $48,180

Education: Bachelor's degree (57%); Associate's degree (13%); Doctoral degree (11%)

Projected Growth: Slower than average (3% to 7%)

Related Job Titles: Artistic Director; Music Director; Conductor; Choir Director; Music Minister; Handbell Choir Director; Music Ministries Director; Worship Arts Director; Chancel Choir Director; Children's Choir Director

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Music Directors.

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  • Direct groups at rehearsals and live or recorded performances to achieve desired effects such as tonal and harmonic balance dynamics, rhythm, and tempo.
  • Plan and schedule rehearsals and performances, and arrange details such as locations, accompanists, and instrumentalists.
  • Consider such factors as ensemble size and abilities, availability of scores, and the need for musical variety, to select music to be performed.
  • Study scores to learn the music in detail, and to develop interpretations.
  • Position members within groups to obtain balance among instrumental or vocal sections.
  • Confer with clergy to select music for church services.
  • Transcribe musical compositions and melodic lines to adapt them to a particular group, or to create a particular musical style.
  • Audition and select performers for musical presentations.
  • Meet with soloists and concertmasters to discuss and prepare for performances.
  • Assign and review staff work in such areas as scoring, arranging, and copying music, and vocal coaching.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Music Directors.

  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Systems Evaluation - Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Music Directors.

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