How do they match: 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.

  • Perform administrative tasks such as applying for grants, developing budgets, negotiating contracts, and designing and printing programs and other promotional materials.
  • Apply elements of music theory to create musical and tonal structures, including harmonies and melodies.
  • Audition and select performers for musical presentations.
  • Consider such factors as ensemble size and abilities, availability of scores, and the need for musical variety, to select music to be performed.
  • Copy parts from scores for individual performers.
  • Direct groups at rehearsals and live or recorded performances to achieve desired effects such as tonal and harmonic balance dynamics, rhythm, and tempo.
  • Meet with soloists and concertmasters to discuss and prepare for performances.
  • Plan and schedule rehearsals and performances, and arrange details such as locations, accompanists, and instrumentalists.
  • Use gestures to shape the music being played, communicating desired tempo, phrasing, tone, color, pitch, volume, and other performance aspects.
  • Write musical scores for orchestras, bands, choral groups, or individual instrumentalists or vocalists, using knowledge of music theory and of instrumental and vocal capabilities.

  • Audition or interview potential performers or staff members.
  • Collaborate with others to prepare or perform artistic productions.
  • Coordinate musical rehearsals or performances.
  • Select staff, team members, or performers.