Conductor Job Description
Musical conductors direct and lead musicians and vocalists in choirs and orchestras. The U.S. employed 53,600 conductors and directors in 2008, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
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Audition Duties
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Musical conductors hold auditions to select professionals whose talents match the needs of the performance series or piece.
Rehearsal Duties
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Conductors organize practice rehearsals leading up to the actual performance. Rehearsals focus on fine tuning proper tone, tempo, rhythm and harmony among all performers.
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Performance Duties
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Conductors lead all public performances to ensure musicians achieve proper timing and style elements throughout the piece. Conductors may also coordinate location and lodging details, if travel for performances is required.
Training and Salary
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Conductors hold at least a bachelor's degree in a field related to music. Graduate studies in conducting, music theory and performance give professionals in this occupation an advantage in the job market. The average salary of an orchestra conductor was $41,000 as of January 2010, according to SimplyHired.com.
Career Outlook and Considerations
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The BLS predicts that jobs in this occupation will increase by 10 percent through 2018. Conductors often take job opportunities related to special projects, performances or compositions that last only a few weeks or months.
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