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Music Composers and Arrangers

Description

Write and transcribe musical scores.

Job Zone

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Most of these occupations require a four - year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

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

Fine Arts	Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

Skills

Complex Problem Solving	Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Writing	Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Tasks

Write music for commercial mediums, including advertising jingles or film soundtracks.
Accept commissions to create music for special occasions.
Study films or scripts to determine how musical scores can be used to create desired effects or moods.
Apply elements of music theory to create musical and tonal structures, including harmonies and melodies.
Arrange music composed by others, changing the music to achieve desired effects.
Collaborate with other colleagues, such as copyists, to complete final scores.
Create original musical forms, or write within circumscribed musical forms such as sonatas, symphonies, or operas.
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.
Explore and develop musical ideas based on sources such as imagination or sounds in the environment.
Fill in details of orchestral sketches, such as adding vocal parts to scores.
Rewrite original musical scores in different musical styles by changing rhythms, harmonies, or tempos.
Score compositions so that they are consistent with instrumental and vocal capabilities such as ranges and keys, using knowledge of music theory.
Transcribe ideas for musical compositions into musical notation, using instruments, pen and paper, or computers.
Transpose music from one voice or instrument to another to accommodate particular musicians.

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.

Music Theory and CompositionA program that focuses on the study of the principles of sound manipulation as applied to the creation of music, and the techniques of creating and arranging music. Includes instruction in aural theory, melody, counterpoint, complex harmony, modulation, chromatics, improvisation, progressions, musical writing, instrumentation, orchestration, electronic and computer applications, studies of specific musical styles, and development of original creative ability.

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

Related Occupations

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h:	v:	ActorsPlay parts in stage, television, radio, video, or motion picture productions for entertainment, information, or instruction. Interpret serious or comic role by speech, gesture, and body movement to entertain or inform audience. May dance and sing.
h:	v:	Talent DirectorsAudition and interview performers to select most appropriate talent for parts in stage, television, radio, or motion picture productions.
h:	v:	Music DirectorsDirect and conduct instrumental or vocal performances by musical groups, such as orchestras or choirs.
h:	v:	SingersSing songs on stage, radio, television, or motion pictures.
h:	v:	Poets, Lyricists and Creative WritersCreate original written works, such as scripts, essays, prose, poetry or song lyrics, for publication or performance.
h:	v:	Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Motion PictureOperate television, video, or motion picture camera to photograph images or scenes for various purposes, such as TV broadcasts, advertising, video production, or motion pictures.
h:	v:	Film and Video EditorsEdit motion picture soundtracks, film, and video.
h:	v:	Musical Instrument Repairers and TunersRepair percussion, stringed, reed, or wind instruments. May specialize in one area, such as piano tuning.

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This occupation is a High Priority Occupation.

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