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Creative Industries

Music Director / Composer

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.

Annual openings

102

Median wage

$88,460

Typical education

No education beyond what is needed for entry-level Creative Industries jobs is expected.

Growth 2026–2032

+7%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

No education beyond what is needed for entry-level Creative Industries jobs is expected.

Credential requirement

No certification is required or expected for this job.

Work experience

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. Leadership experience is also highly valued.

Work-based learning

No information available

Many productions have a Production Assistant and/or an Intern on the team, providing a way to break into the industry.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenNo
  • On a computerYes
  • OutdoorsNo
  • With your handsYes

Interests it draws on

  • Arts, Design, and Entertainment
  • Music and Performance

Automation exposure

Low exposure

Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.

A typical day

  1. Determine voices, instruments, harmonic structures, rhythms, tempos, and tone balances required to achieve the effects desired in a musical composition.
  2. Write musical scores for orchestras, bands, choral groups, or individual instrumentalists or vocalists, using knowledge of music theory and of instrumental and vocal capabilities.
  3. Write music for commercial mediums, including advertising jingles or film soundtracks.
  4. Rewrite original musical scores in different musical styles by changing rhythms, harmonies, or tempos.
  5. Study films or scripts to determine how musical scores can be used to create desired effects or moods.
  6. Create original musical forms, or write within circumscribed musical forms such as sonatas, symphonies, or operas.
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