Occupation information for Music Directors and Composers New York

See Job Listings (12) Find Businesses

Typical education needed for entry: Bachelor's degree

Typical work experience needed for a job in this occupation: Less than 5 years work experience

Typical on-the-job training once you have a job in this occupation: No on-the-job training

Find Training

• 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.
• Consider such factors as ensemble size and abilities, availability of scores, and the need for musical variety, to select music to be performed.
• Apply elements of music theory to create musical and tonal structures, including harmonies and melodies.
• 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.

Tools:

• Guitars
• Musical instrument digital interface MIDI interfaces
• Musical instrument effects unit
• Musical organs
• Pianos

Technology:

• Data base user interface and query software
• Desktop publishing software
• Electronic mail software
• Music or sound editing software
• Presentation software

Explore Careers

Salary Info

Resumes + Applications

Employer Research