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Conductors, Composers and Arrangers (5132)

Job titles

Nature of work

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, orchestras for ballet and opera performances or they may be self-employed.

Fields of interest

  • Working in the arts, culture, music, and recreation

Main duties

  • The following is a summary of the main duties for some occupations in this unit group:
  • - 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.
  • - Arrangers 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 type of music such as classical, country, jazz or popular.

Main characteristics of the occupation

These headings are provided for the following occupation(s) :

Employment requirements

  • * A university degree in music or completion of a program at a music academy, conservatory or school of music is usually required.
  • * A period of specialized study related to conducting, composing or arranging is usually required.
  • * Experience as a musician is required.
  • * Musical and creative talent and ability, as demonstrated by a portfolio of work, are important hiring criteria.

Skill type

  • Occupations in art, culture, recreation and sport

Skill level

  • Professional

More information

  • * Composers often work as arrangers.

Job titles - Classified elsewhere

Professional associations