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O*NET-SOC 27-2041.00

Music Directors and Composers

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.

From O*NET 30.3

Tasks

From O*NET 30.3, by importance, as O*NET OnLine lists them

Free · O*NET 30.3
  1. Use gestures to shape the music being played, communicating desired tempo, phrasing, tone, color, pitch, volume, and other performance aspects.Core22544
  2. Direct groups at rehearsals and live or recorded performances to achieve desired effects such as tonal and harmonic balance dynamics, rhythm, and tempo.Core22545
  3. Study scores to learn the music in detail, and to develop interpretations.Core22546
  4. Apply elements of music theory to create musical and tonal structures, including harmonies and melodies.Core22547
  5. Consider such factors as ensemble size and abilities, availability of scores, and the need for musical variety, to select music to be performed.Core22548
  6. Determine voices, instruments, harmonic structures, rhythms, tempos, and tone balances required to achieve the effects desired in a musical composition.Core22549
  7. Experiment with different sounds, and types and pieces of music, using synthesizers and computers as necessary to test and evaluate ideas.Core22550
  8. Transcribe ideas for musical compositions into musical notation, using instruments, pen and paper, or computers.Core22551
  9. Audition and select performers for musical presentations.Core22552
  10. Plan and schedule rehearsals and performances, and arrange details such as locations, accompanists, and instrumentalists.Core22553
  11. Write musical scores for orchestras, bands, choral groups, or individual instrumentalists or vocalists, using knowledge of music theory and of instrumental and vocal capabilities.Core22554
  12. Position members within groups to obtain balance among instrumental or vocal sections.Core22555
  13. Perform administrative tasks such as applying for grants, developing budgets, negotiating contracts, and designing and printing programs and other promotional materials.Core22556
  14. Confer with producers and directors to define the nature and placement of film or television music.Core22557
  15. Meet with soloists and concertmasters to discuss and prepare for performances.Core22558
  16. Fill in details of orchestral sketches, such as adding vocal parts to scores.Core22559
  17. Explore and develop musical ideas based on sources such as imagination or sounds in the environment.Core22560
  18. Write music for commercial mediums, including advertising jingles or film soundtracks.Core22561
  19. Transpose music from one voice or instrument to another to accommodate particular musicians.Core22562
  20. Rewrite original musical scores in different musical styles by changing rhythms, harmonies, or tempos.Core22563
  21. Arrange music composed by others, changing the music to achieve desired effects.Core22564
  22. Assign and review staff work in such areas as scoring, arranging, and copying music, and vocal coaching.Core22565
  23. Coordinate and organize tours, or hire touring companies to arrange concert dates, venues, accommodations, and transportation for longer tours.Supplemental22571
  24. Study films or scripts to determine how musical scores can be used to create desired effects or moods.Core22566
  25. Transcribe musical compositions and melodic lines to adapt them to a particular group, or to create a particular musical style.Core22567
  26. Create original musical forms, or write within circumscribed musical forms such as sonatas, symphonies, or operas.Core22568
  27. Collaborate with other colleagues, such as copyists, to complete final scores.Core22569
  28. Copy parts from scores for individual performers.Core22570
  29. Produce recordings of music.22572
  30. Stay abreast of the latest trends in music and music technology.22573

Technology Skills

From O*NET 30.3, 86 examples in 9 categories, 5 Hot Technology

Free · O*NET 30.3

Music or sound editing software

  • Anvil Studio
  • Apple MainStage
  • Arobas Music Guitar Pro
  • Arpege Music Pizzicato
  • Audacity
  • Audio Chaos Soundscape Generator
  • Audiveris
  • Avid Pro Tools
  • Avid Technology Sibelius
  • Azemus FS
  • Basic Music Composer
  • Cakewalk SONAR
  • Canorus
  • ChordWizard Software Soundtrix Gold
  • Click MusicalKEYS
  • Curto Drum
  • D'accord Music Software iChords
  • Denemo
  • Desktop Piano and Drums
  • DigiPiano
  • Dream Computer Piano
  • Easy Music Composer Free
  • Epinoisis Software Digital Ear
  • FlexiMusic Composer
  • GenieSoft Overture
  • HS Virtual Piano
  • IK Multimedia GrooveMaker
  • Image-Line FL Studio
  • Impro-Visor
  • Jackbeat
  • Javamin Composer
  • Korg EM-1 Editor
  • Lauriso Software Music Publisher
  • Little Piano
  • MadTracker
  • Maestro Music Software MagicScore
  • MAGIX Music Maker
  • MakeMusic Finale
  • Making Waves Audio Making Waves
  • MIDI Maestro
  • MIDI Score Creator
  • MidiSwing
  • Mozart Music Software Mozart
  • MuseScore
  • Musical Palette
  • MusicDevelopments RapidComposer
  • MusicGraph
  • Musilogic HarmonyBuilder
  • Myriad Software Harmony Assistant
  • Notation Software Notation Composer
  • NoteWorthy Software NoteWorthy Composer
  • Open Song Composer
  • PianoFX STUDIO
  • PianoRollComposer
  • Power Tab Editor
  • Proxima Controller
  • Renoise
  • Rhythm Rascal
  • Sonoma Wire Works RiffWorks
  • Storm Music Studio
  • SVArTracker
  • SwarMala
  • TabIt
  • TablEdit
  • Tonality Systems Symoblic Composer
  • Truepianos
  • TuxGuitar
  • Twelve Tone Matrix Calculator
  • Twelve Tone Row Analyzer
  • Underware Design DTAB
  • VBRhapsody
  • Visiv SharpEye
  • Widisoft WIDI Recognition System
  • Wusik Wusikstation VSTi
  • Xitona Software Voice Composer
  • XT Software energyXT
  • ZynAddSubFX

Video creation and editing software

  • Apple Final Cut Pro

Presentation software

  • MediaShout
  • Microsoft PowerPointHot Technology

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft ExcelHot Technology

Office suite software

  • Microsoft Office softwareHot Technology

Electronic mail software

  • Microsoft OutlookHot Technology

Desktop publishing software

  • Microsoft Publisher

Word processing software

  • Microsoft WordHot Technology

Data base user interface and query software

  • Music Director Pro

Detailed Work Activities

From O*NET 30.3, under their work activities; open one for the AI skills Workforce Automation maps to it

Free · O*NET 30.3

Getting Information

  • Study details of musical compositions.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Study scripts to determine project requirements.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Thinking Creatively

  • Design layout of art or product exhibits, displays, or promotional materials.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Determine presentation subjects or content.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Create musical compositions, arrangements or scores.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

  • Stay informed about current developments in field of specialization.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Controlling Machines and Processes

  • Operate audio recording equipment.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

  • Collaborate with others to determine technical details of productions.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others

  • Negotiate for services.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public

  • Collaborate with others to prepare or perform artistic productions.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others

  • Coordinate musical rehearsals or performances.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Coordinate artistic activities.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates

  • Direct fundraising or financing activities.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Coordinate logistics for productions or events.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Staffing Organizational Units

  • Audition or interview potential performers or staff members.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Select staff, team members, or performers.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Job Zone

From O*NET 30.3

Free · O*NET 30.3

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Workforce Automation analysis, not part of the source

WFA coverage: AI skills for this job

WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

Pilot mapping: these skill links come from our seed list and haven’t been reviewed yet. Expect them to change as each one is checked.

DWAs covered by an AI skill0 of 16
Distinct tools0
Level mix
  • No tools yet

Equivalents

NICE work roles, with their DCWF equivalents

Mapped to this job by the ETO-CSET NICE/O*NET crosswalk (2024); roles from NICE Framework Components v2.2.0, DCWF equivalents from DoD DCWF Tool v5.3 (2026-09-25)

Free · NICE Framework Components v2.2.0 and DoD DCWF Tool v5.3 (2026-09-25)

No NICE work role maps to this job.