Job Description of a Music Conductor
Also known as music directors, music conductors lead and help synchronize the music played by orchestras, concert and Broadway show bands, ballets, church choirs and glee clubs. These professionals are well known for their visible arm and hand gestures, which control the direction of the performance and allow musicians to follow the same rhythm. Although these may appear spontaneous to the common observer, the arm and hand movements of conductors visually illustrate the musical arrangement of the ensemble work.
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Function
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Music conductors observe and select musicians, singers, dancers and other musical performers during auditions for performances. It is the music conductor's job to choose music that matches the feel, look and style of the performance, as well as the of talents and skills of the actual performers. Other duties of a music conductor include overseeing rehearsals and ensuring that performances are balanced, coordinated and harmonized across music, dance and voice elements. Some music conductors and directors reproduce compositions, book tours and coordinate logistics for performances.
Education
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Music conductors usually hold a college degree in music or a similar discipline. Courses that help prepare for a music conductor position include music theory, conducting, voice performance and music interpretation. It is common for these professionals to train under an experienced musician or conductor to acquire proficiency in musical aspects such as tempo, phrasing and dynamics. During their internships, conductors also learn how to play instruments typically used in a classical orchestra. Continuing education is available for music conductors who wish to advance and stay abreast of the latest developments in their profession.
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Skills
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It is essential that music conductors have an ear for musical elements such as tempo, rhythm, harmony, range, dynamics and shading. In addition, these professionals should have a solid knowledge of music theory and be versed in performing a wide range of instruments. Leadership, organizational and coordination skills are key in this position, as music conductors often direct groups comprised of multiple performers and musical instruments.
Salary
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The average salary for music conductors in the United States was $43,000 according to a June 2010 report published by Indeed.com. However, annual wages differ across geographic regions. For example, a music conductor in New York earns an average salary of $51,000. Music directors and composers earned a median salary of $41,270 according to the May 2008 Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) "Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition."
Potential
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Job prospects for music conductors are favorable during the 2008 to 2018 decade, according to the BLS. Music director positions are expected to grow 10 percent through 2018 due to the high turnover rate in the music industry. In addition, the BLS predicts that musicians and other related professionals will experience the most growth in churches and other religious organizations.
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References
- Photo Credit oboe image by rosa zaragoza from Fotolia.com
