CareerZone Pennsylvania

Music Directors

Description

Direct and conduct instrumental or vocal performances by musical groups, such as orchestras or choirs.

Job Zone

Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed

A bachelor's degree is the minimum formal education required for these occupations. However, many also require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Education Requirements

Work experience plus degree - A bachelor’s degree or higher plus experience gained through hands-on experience.

Interests

Artistic: Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

Knowledge

Administration and Management	Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Personnel and Human Resources	Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Fine Arts	Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

Skills

Social Perceptiveness	Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Complex Problem Solving	Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Active Learning	Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Operations Analysis	Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Judgment and Decision Making	Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Reading Comprehension	Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Learning Strategies	Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Time Management	Managing one's own time and the time of others.
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.

Tasks

• Audition and select performers for musical presentations.
• Conduct guest soloists in addition to ensemble members.
• Consider such factors as ensemble size and abilities, availability of scores, and the need for musical variety, in order to select music to be performed.
• Direct groups at rehearsals and live or recorded performances in order 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.
• Position members within groups to obtain balance among instrumental or vocal sections.
• Study scores to learn the music in detail, and to develop interpretations.
• Use gestures to shape the music being played, communicating desired tempo, phrasing, tone, color, pitch, volume, and other performance aspects.
• Assign and review staff work in such areas as scoring, arranging, and copying music, and vocal coaching.
• Collaborate with music librarians to ensure availability of scores.
• Engage services of composers to write scores.
• Meet with composers to discuss interpretations of their work.
• Perform administrative tasks such as applying for grants, developing budgets, negotiating contracts, and designing and printing programs and other promotional materials.
• Transcribe musical compositions and melodic lines to adapt them to a particular group, or to create a particular musical style.

Wages

In 2006, the Pennsylvania average annual wage was $34,170.00. The entry-level wage was $12,910.00 while an experienced worker made $44,810.00.

Outlook

During 2004, there were approximately 2,530 people employed in this field in Pennsylvania. It is projected that there will be 2,790 employed in 2014. This occupation will have about 26 openings due to growth and about 53 replacement openings for approximately 79 total annual openings. This occupation experienced significant growth.

Colleges and Training

Below are college programs that are generally associated with this occupation. To view colleges that offer these programs, click on the titles below.

• ConductingA program that prepares individuals to master the art of leading bands, choirs, orchestras and other ensembles in performance, and related music leadership. Includes instruction in score analysis and arranging, rehearsal and performance leadership, music coaching, arrangement and performance planning, ensemble operations management, and applications to specific school or professional ensembles.

For additional college information and related training about this career path, please visit:

AES EducationPlanner, PA Dept of Labor, PA Career Link, college.gov, and College Navigator

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