Conductors, Composers, and Arrangers
(NOC 5132)
in All Arts, Culture, Recreation and SportConductors, composers and arrangers include 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. Conductors, composers and arrangers usually specialize in a particular type of music such as classical, country, jazz or popular.
Job Outlook
Undetermined
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Compared to: All Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport
This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Conductors, Composers, and Arrangers may either be working full-time or part-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs are typically temporary positions (such as a term, contract, or casual work).
The median employment income for 30% of Conductors, Composers, and Arrangers who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
N/A
MinimumN/A
MedianN/A
MaximumAnnual Pay
N/A
Minimum$16,959
MedianN/A
MaximumCompared to: All Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport
Hourly Pay
$11.55
Minimum$16.00
Median$31.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$945
Minimum$11,712
Median$60,447
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Conductors, composers and arrangers include 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. Conductors, composers and arrangers usually specialize in a particular type of music such as classical, country, jazz or popular.
Job duties
The following is a summary of the main duties for some jobs in this group:
- Conductors select and interpret musical works and lead bands, orchestras and choirs during rehearsals and performances.
- Composers and songwriters create musical compositions such as television and film scores, theme music, songs, symphonies and music for interactive products such as video games.
- Music arrangers adapt and modify musical compositions to convey desired themes and to suit particular instrumental and vocal performances.
Sample job titles
- composer
- conductor
- lyricist
- music adapter
- music arranger
- music director
- music writer
- singer-songwriter-composer
- songwriter
- writer-composer-performer
Skills
To work in these fields, you should be dedicated, motivated, and willing to accept constructive criticism. Talent, creativity, and technical skills are essential. You must be comfortable working with others. Self- discipline and a good business sense are also helpful.
Job 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.
Other considerations
Many factors can affect an individual's earnings in these jobs. Therefore, incomes will likely vary greatly throughout the year and from one year to the next. Many people find it necessary to work at other jobs to supplement their income. Experience as a musician is required. Composers often work as arrangers. Musical and creative talent and ability, as demonstrated by a portfolio of work, are important hiring criteria.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Southern
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Information, Culture & Recreation
Other Services
Educational Services
Health Care and Social Assistance
What is the age of Employment?
55-64
65+
Compared to: All Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport
35-44
45-54
25-34
55-64
65+
Top levels of education
Doctorate
N/AHigh school
$33,810 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$44,503 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$35,136 median annual incomeUniversity advanced certificate or diploma
N/ACompared to: All Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport
Bachelor's degree
$19,705 median annual incomeHigh school
$7,127 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$20,158 median annual incomeLess than high school
$2,298 median annual incomeMaster's degree
N/AEducation & training
Jazz/jazz studies
This program is typically offered at the college or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to study and master the performance and composition of jazz. These programs include courses in the history of Jazz and related musical styles such as the Blues, Jazz composition and theory, improvisation, Jazz instrument and ensemble performance, and related topics.
Institutions providing this program
PO Box 5000
Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5
(902) 867-2219
Music - General
This program may be offered at the college, trades, or university level.This instructional program class includes any general program that focuses on the introductory study and appreciation of music and the performing arts. These programs include courses in music, dance, and other performing arts media.
Institutions providing this program
Office of the Registrar
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
(902) 494-2450
6350 Coburg Road
Halifax, NS B3H 2A1
(902) 422-1271
PO Box 5000
Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5
(902) 867-2219
PO Box 5300 1250 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6L2
(888) 959-9995
80 Mawiomi Place
Dartmouth, NS B2Y 0A5
(902) 491-1100
Music management and merchandising
This program is typically offered at the college or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to organize and manage music organizations, operations, facilities, and personnel. These programs include courses in business and financial management; marketing and fundraising; personnel management and labour relations; event promotion and management; music products merchandising; artist agency and promotion; music law; and applications to specific activities such as managing theatres, recording studios and companies, bands and other ensembles, individual artists, and music organizations.
Musicology and ethnomusicology
This program may be offered at the college, trades, or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that focuses on the systematic study of the forms and methods of music art, and the functions of music, in Western and non-Western societies and cultures. These programs include courses in music theory, musicological research methods, and studies of specific cultural styles such as jazz, folk music, rock, ethnic musical traditions, and the music of non-Western cultures.
Institutions providing this program
Office of the Registrar
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
(902) 494-2450
6350 Coburg Road
Halifax, NS B3H 2A1
(902) 422-1271
PO Box 5300 1250 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6L2
(888) 959-9995
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.
Job postings
There are currently no job postings for this occupation.