What Is a Music Director?
Among all music directors that are currently in the fine arts – symphony orchestra, ballet, opera or choir – the frequent pattern among them all is that they generally have obtained a Master of Fine Arts and doctorate degrees in music programs. For those that have achieved a bachelor’s degree, these individuals typically find themselves teaching music at a primary or secondary school, and in some cases, a church.
A music director works as a musical conductor, baton and all, taking on the role of the company’s artistic trailblazer and visionary. Music directors for a choir, opera or ballet have similar responsibilities. A symphony’s music director normally is responsible for many tasks – making a season’s performance schedule, hiring musicians and any necessary guest conductors. They may also be looked to help fundraising functions as the orchestra’s public symbol. In the case of a school music director, they would teach music to students one-on-one or in a group – such as rehearsing with a school band.
How to Become a Music Director
It is not uncharacteristic for a music director in the performing arts to have earned a master’s and Ph.D. in musical programs similar to conducting, music theory, music composition, or in a specific instrument. This education can elevate an aspiring director to greater heights and bring on almost a philosophy to the music they then are able to produce.
If you are looking to become a music director for a school then you would be required to have at least a bachelor’s degree in a music-related field and a teaching credential from the state that school is located in. Now a fine arts music director ought to have experience in orchestras. It essential to have had previous conducting experience and a lot of music directors used to be featured or principal soloists. In the case of becoming a teacher, a skill that is not initially required of most music directors but is essential would be strong communication skills.
Music Director Career Outlook & Salary
As of the summer of 2007, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that composers’ and music directors’ average yearly salaries were $41,490 at religious organizations, $48,080 at elementary and secondary schools, and $62,080 at performing arts companies. The site goes on further to say that job growth should be average through the year 2016.
One obvious way to increase your own opportunity as well as salary is by working on your craft and growing your skills into ones that would be considered remarkable. Numbers do not lie, and because of that you can have general understanding of what your odds are of becoming fairly successful. Still, it is always important to understand that in any high-profile industry, there are always more qualified applicants than open positions. This means that those who stand out from the rest can achieve the security of a higher position. When it comes to being a music director, furthering your education can result in furthering your progress within the field.
