Music Directors and Composers in West Virginia
Considering working as a Music Directors and Composers in West Virginia? Here’s what the data says. 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.
What do Music Directors and Composers Make in West Virginia?
We don’t have state-specific wage data for this career in West Virginia. See national-level wages below.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, music directors and composers earn a median of $66,915 per year ($32.17/hour).
Employment Outlook
There are roughly 170,107 music directors and composers nationwide. In West Virginia alone, approximately 30 people work in this role. That’s fewer than the typical state, which employs around 150 music directors and composers.
Top States for Music Directors and Composers Employment
View the states that employ the most music directors and composers work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| California | 2,410 |
| New York | 1,610 |
| Florida | 670 |
| Texas | 650 |
| Tennessee | 640 |
| Illinois | 540 |
| Oregon | 470 |
| Pennsylvania | 450 |
| Washington | 390 |
| Ohio | 380 |
| New Jersey | 380 |
| Virginia | 340 |
| Michigan | 260 |
| Massachusetts | 260 |
| Indiana | 250 |
| North Carolina | 200 |
| Iowa | 170 |
| Rhode Island | 160 |
| Wisconsin | 150 |
| Connecticut | 150 |
Highest-Paying States for Music Directors and Composers
The highest-paying states for music directors and composers.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Connecticut | $91,810 |
| New York | $80,230 |
| Utah | $78,010 |
| Washington | $77,840 |
| Hawaii | $77,440 |
| California | $74,760 |
| Wisconsin | $73,580 |
| Massachusetts | $72,760 |
| Indiana | $71,640 |
| Colorado | $69,160 |
Skills
Key music directors and composers skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Key knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
Key abilities for music directors and composers, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Music Directors and Composers typically:
- Use gestures to shape the music being played, communicating desired tempo, phrasing, tone, color, pitch, volume, and other performance aspects.
- Direct groups at rehearsals and live or recorded performances to achieve desired effects such as tonal and harmonic balance dynamics, rhythm, and tempo.
- Study scores to learn the music in detail, and to develop interpretations.
- Apply elements of music theory to create musical and tonal structures, including harmonies and melodies.
- Consider such factors as ensemble size and abilities, availability of scores, and the need for musical variety, to select music to be performed.
- Determine voices, instruments, harmonic structures, rhythms, tempos, and tone balances required to achieve the effects desired in a musical composition.
- Experiment with different sounds, and types and pieces of music, using synthesizers and computers as necessary to test and evaluate ideas.
- Transcribe ideas for musical compositions into musical notation, using instruments, pen and paper, or computers.
- Audition and select performers for musical presentations.
- Plan and schedule rehearsals and performances, and arrange details such as locations, accompanists, and instrumentalists.
- Write musical scores for orchestras, bands, choral groups, or individual instrumentalists or vocalists, using knowledge of music theory and of instrumental and vocal capabilities.
- Position members within groups to obtain balance among instrumental or vocal sections.
Work Activities
- Thinking Creatively
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
- Getting Information
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Scheduling Work and Activities
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
- Communicating with People Outside the Organization
- Working with Computers
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Tools & Technology
Software and systems commonly involved: Hot technologies: Microsoft Excel
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Related college programs include:
- Music
- Arts & Media Management
- Drama & Theater Arts
- Sacred Music
Featured schools near , edit
Related Careers
Other careers like music directors and composers include:
- Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes
- Directors, Religious Activities and Education
- Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
- Art Directors
- Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators
- Actors
Also Known As
Arranger, Artistic Director, Band Director, Band Leader, Band Master, Children's Choir Director, Choir Director, Choir Leader, Choirmaster, Choral Activities Director, Choral Director, Chorus Master, Composer, Conceptor, Conductor.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 27-2041.00
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