Conductors, Composers, and Arrangers
(NOC 5132)
in All Art, Culture, Recreation and SportConductors, composers, and arrangers include those who conduct bands and orchestras, compose musical works, and arrange instrumental and vocal compositions. They work for 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 music like classical, country, jazz or popular.
Job Outlook
Undetermined
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Compared to: All Art, 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. Also, a fair portion of the workforce is self-employed, so having the option to "work for yourself" may appeal to some individuals’ interests/motivations.
The median employment income for 28% 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 Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
Hourly Pay
$12.55
Minimum$24.73
Median$36.29
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 work for 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 music like classical, country, jazz or popular.
Job duties
Conductors:
- Select and interpret musical works and lead bands, orchestras, and choirs during rehearsals and performances.
Composers and songwriters:
- Create musical compositions like television and film scores, theme music, songs, symphonies, and music for interactive products like video games.
Music arrangers:
- Adapt and modify musical compositions to convey desired themes and to suit 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
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 Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Southern
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Other services (except public administration)
Arts, entertainment and recreation
Educational services
Information and cultural industries
Health care and social assistance
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
55-64
25-34
65+
35-44
15-24
Compared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
15-24
35-44
45-54
25-34
55-64
Top levels of education
Bachelor
N/AHigh school
N/AMaster
N/ACollege Diploma
N/ADoctorate
N/ACompared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
Bachelor
$17,829 median annual incomeHigh school
$7,552 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$22,120 median annual incomeLess than high school
$2,922 median annual incomeMaster
$36,173 median annual incomeEducation & training
Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management
College or University ProgramThese programs prepare students to organize and manage various aspects of the visual arts, performing arts, and entertainment media industries. They include courses in business and financial management, marketing and fund-raising, labour relations for the arts, event promotion and management, product and artist management, and applicable law.
Institutions providing this program
Music
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs focus 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
Wolfville, NS
Sydney, NS
Music Performance
College or University ProgramThese programs prepare students to master musical instruments and performing art as solo and/or ensemble performers. Includes instruction in one or more specific instruments from various instrumental groupings.
Institutions providing this program
Music Theory and Composition
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on the study of the principles of sound manipulation as applied to the creation of music, and the techniques of creating and arranging music. They include courses 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.
Institutions providing this program
Musicology and Ethnomusicology
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs focus 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. They 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
Employment requirements & contacts
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Contacts
Additional resources
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