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.

$63,670
Median Annual Pay
Jobs growth:
0% projected 2024–2034
Bachelor's degree
Typical Entry-Level Education

What They Do

Music directors and composers bring musical performances to life through leadership and creative vision. Music directors work directly with performers, selecting pieces for concerts or recordings, planning rehearsals, and conducting groups ranging from orchestras to choirs. During rehearsals, they listen critically, stop and restart sections, and provide feedback to help musicians understand phrasing, tempo, and emotional interpretation. They shape how each piece sounds by making decisions about dynamics, balance between instruments or voices, and overall artistic approach.

Programs That Prepare You

College programs linked to this occupation, ranked by graduate earnings

Music(masters)Central Washington University, WA
$71,579
Music(masters)Messiah University, PA
$66,109
Music(doctoral)University of Maryland-College Park, MD
$65,466
Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management(masters)CUNY Bernard M Baruch College, NY
$64,102
Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management(masters)University of Rochester, NY
$61,346
Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management(masters)Daemen University, NY
$61,346
Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management(masters)Wagner College, NY
$61,346
Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management(masters)Long Island University, NY
$61,346
Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management(masters)Pratt Institute-Main, NY
$61,346
Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management(masters)Fashion Institute of Technology, NY
$61,346
Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management(masters)New York Institute of Technology, NY
$61,346
Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management(masters)Sotheby's Institute of Art-NY, NY
$61,346
Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management(masters)Le Moyne College, NY
$61,346
Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management(masters)University at Buffalo, NY
$61,346
Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management(masters)SUNY at Purchase College, NY
$61,346
Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management(masters)Syracuse University, NY
$61,346
Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management(masters)The New School, NY
$61,346
Music(bachelors)Sam Houston State University, TX
$59,926
Music(bachelors)The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, TX
$56,373
Music(bachelors)Texas A&M University-Kingsville, TX
$56,072
Music(bachelors)The University of Texas at El Paso, TX
$56,062
Music(masters)Colorado State University-Fort Collins, CO
$54,680
Music(masters)Montclair State University, NJ
$54,350
Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management(masters)Teachers College at Columbia University, NY
$54,207
Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management(masters)Savannah College of Art and Design, GA
$53,254

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