What You Need to Know About Music Director
Music Director Example Direct and conduct instrumental or vocal performances by musical groups, such as orchestras or choirs.
Music Director Responsibilities
- Use gestures to shape the music being played, communicating desired tempo, phrasing, tone, color, pitch, volume, and other performance aspects.
- Meet with composers to discuss interpretations of their work.
- Direct groups at rehearsals and live or recorded performances to achieve desired effects such as tonal and harmonic balance dynamics, rhythm, and tempo.
- Transcribe musical compositions and melodic lines to adapt them to a particular group, or to create a particular musical style.
- Consider such factors as ensemble size and abilities, availability of scores, and the need for musical variety, to select music to be performed.
- Audition and select performers for musical presentations.
Qualities of a Music Director
These are the skills Music Directors say are the most useful in their careers:
Instructing: Teaching others how to do something.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
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.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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.
Types of Music Director Jobs
- Music Director
- Orchestra Conductor
- Liturgical Music Director
- Handbell Choir Director
- Music Pastor
Job Outlook for Music Directors
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 74,800 jobs in the United States for Music Director. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 5.7% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 4,300 new jobs for Music Director by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 7,700 job openings in this field each year.
The states with the most job growth for Music Director are Colorado, Utah, and North Carolina. Watch out if you plan on working in Vermont, Kansas, or Wisconsin. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Music Director Salary
The typical yearly salary for Music Directors is somewhere between $21,640 and $112,820.
Music Directors who work in Minnesota, Georgia, or New Jersey, make the highest salaries.
How much do Music Directors make in different U.S. states?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $75,050 |
| Arizona | $57,810 |
| California | $64,600 |
| Colorado | $50,800 |
| Connecticut | $77,550 |
| District of Columbia | $77,220 |
| Florida | $72,420 |
| Georgia | $73,470 |
| Hawaii | $51,230 |
| Illinois | $40,220 |
| Indiana | $66,460 |
| Iowa | $52,430 |
| Kansas | $55,290 |
| Kentucky | $49,610 |
| Louisiana | $53,600 |
| Maryland | $58,570 |
| Massachusetts | $56,200 |
| Michigan | $51,180 |
| Minnesota | $88,570 |
| Mississippi | $53,000 |
| Missouri | $60,590 |
| Montana | $29,100 |
| Nebraska | $46,650 |
| New Jersey | $73,320 |
| New Mexico | $48,440 |
| New York | $66,120 |
| North Carolina | $48,920 |
| Ohio | $44,920 |
| Oklahoma | $38,530 |
| Oregon | $46,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $46,010 |
| Rhode Island | $64,200 |
| South Carolina | $53,700 |
| Texas | $61,210 |
| Utah | $57,780 |
| Vermont | $56,130 |
| Washington | $71,980 |
| Wisconsin | $71,350 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Music Directors
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Music Directors:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Publisher
- Apple Final Cut Pro
- Avid Audio Pro Tools
How to Become a Music Director
What education or degrees do I need to become a Music Director?
How Long Does it Take to Become a Music Director?
Music Directors Sector
The table below shows the approximate number of Music Directors employed by various industries.
Related Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Music Director might also be interested in the following careers:
References:
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