Conductors, composers and arrangers

National Occupation Code (NOC): 5132

This unit group includes those who conduct bands and orchestras, compose musical works and arrange instrumental and vocal compositions. They are employed by symphony and chamber orchestras, bands, choirs, sound recording companies, and orchestras for ballet and opera performances, or they may be self-employed.

Follow This Occupation Share

Job Duties for Conductors, composers and arrangers

Conductors
  • Select and interpret musical works and lead bands, orchestras and choirs during rehearsals and performances.
Composers
  • Create musical compositions such as television and film scores, theme music, songs, symphonies and music for interactive products such as video games.
Arranging
  • Adapt and modify musical compositions to convey desired themes and to suit particular instrumental and vocal performances.
Conductors, composers and arrangers usually specialize in a particular genre of music such as classical, country, jazz or popular.

Working Conditions for Conductors, composers and arrangers

Work is typically performed indoors at concert halls and rehearsal facilities, although some concerts may be performed outdoors. High volumes from instruments may affect hearing.

Alternate Job Titles

  • Arranger
  • Artistic Director - Music
  • Author-composer-performer
  • Band Conductor
  • Band Director
  • Bandmaster
  • Chansonnier
  • Choir Director
  • Choir Leader
  • Choirmaster
  • Choral Conductor
  • Choral Director
  • Chorus Master
  • Composer
  • Conductor
  • Copyist - Music
  • Lyricist
  • Maestro
  • Motion Picture Musical Director
  • Music Adapter
  • Music Arranger
  • Music Copyist
  • Music Director
  • Music Writer
  • Musical Director
  • Orchestra Artistic Director
  • Orchestral Conductor
  • Orchestrator
  • Orchestrator-arranger
  • Singer-songwriter-composer
  • Songwriter
  • Stage Musical Director
  • Television Musical Director
  • Writer-composer-performer
  • Director, Choir