Conductors, composers and arrangers

About this job

This group includes those who conduct bands and orchestras, compose musical works and arrange instrumental and vocal compositions.

People in this occupational group:

work for symphony and chamber orchestras, bands, choirs, sound recording companies, orchestras for ballet and opera performances
may be self-employed

Common job titles

arranger / music arranger
artistic director - music / orchestra
band conductor / director / master

chansonnier
choir director
composer
conductor, band / choral / orchestra
lyricist

maestro
music adapter / arranger / orchestrator
music copyist

music director - movies, radio, stage, TV
singer-songwriter-composer
songwriter
writer-composer-performer

arranger / music arranger
artistic director - music / orchestra
band conductor / director / master
chansonnier
choir director
composer

conductor, band / choral / orchestra
lyricist
maestro
music adapter / arranger / orchestrator
music copyist
music director - movies, radio, stage, TV
singer-songwriter-composer
songwriter
writer-composer-performer

Earnings

Annual provincial median salary

$20,255

Source: 2011 National Household Survey (Full-time full-year median employment income)

Provincial hourly rate

High
Median
Low

N/A - Data not available

Source: 2017 Job Bank Wage Report

B.C. Labour Market Outlook (2018-2028)

Provincial outlook

Forecasted average employment growth rate

2018 - 2023
2023 - 2028

Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook

Job openings

10 year expected job openings: 240

2018
2023
2028

Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook

Composition of job openings

New jobs due to economic growth:
45.8%
110 openings

Replacement of retiring workers:
54.2%
130 openings

Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook

Regional outlook

Cariboo

Employment in 2018:

N/A

Average annual employment growth:

N/A

Expected number of job openings:

N/A

Kootenay

Employment in 2018:

N/A

Average annual employment growth:

N/A

Expected number of job openings:

N/A

Mainland / Southwest

Employment in 2018:

500

Average annual employment growth:

1.4%

Expected number of job openings:

170

North Coast & Nechako

Employment in 2018:

N/A

Average annual employment growth:

N/A

Expected number of job openings:

N/A

Northeast

Employment in 2018:

N/A

Average annual employment growth:

N/A

Expected number of job openings:

N/A

Thompson-Okanagan

Employment in 2018:

N/A

Average annual employment growth:

N/A

Expected number of job openings:

N/A

Vancouver Island / Coast

Employment in 2018:

110

Average annual employment growth:

2.2%

Expected number of job openings:

60

N/A - Data not available

Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook

Duties

Conductors:

select and interpret musical works
lead bands, orchestras and choirs during rehearsals and performances

Composers:

create musical compositions such as television and film scores, theme music, songs, symphonies and music for interactive products such as video games

Arrangers:

adapt and modify musical compositions to convey desired themes and to suit particular instrumental and vocal performances

Special duties

Conductors, composers and arrangers usually specialize in a particular type of music such as classical, country, jazz or popular.

Work environment

Key aspects of the work in this occupation:

Work usually takes place in an indoor setting, but can also takes place outdoors in varied weather conditions.
Workers may be exposed to sounds loud enough to affect hearing.

Workforce and employment statistics

Workforce characteristics

500 workers are employed

39% of workers are working mostly full time

Source: 2016 Census

Employment by gender

Men

Women

Source: 2016 Census

Employment by age group

15 - 24 years

25 - 44 years

45 - 64 years

65+ years

Source: 2016 Census

Labour force by industry

Information, Culture and Recreation:

67%

Repair, Personal and Non-Profit Services:

17%

Educational Services:

10%

Manufacturing:

2%

Retail Trade:

2%

View more industry data

Source: 2016 Census

Employment by region

% employment of this occupation

% employment of all occupations

Cariboo

Kootenay

Mainland / Southwest

North Coast & Nechako

Northeast

Thompson-Okanagan

Vancouver Island / Coast

N/A - Data not available

Source: 2016 Census

Job requirements

Education, training & qualifications

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.
Experience as a musician is required.
Musical and creative talent and ability, as demonstrated by a portfolio of work, are important hiring criteria.

Skills

General Learning Ability
Motor Coordination
Detail-Oriented
Social
Verbal & Written Comprehension

View skills definitions

Education programs in B.C.

The following program areas are related to this occupation:

Music Related

For more information about programs offered specifically for this career, visit EducationPlannerBC.

Related careers

Career paths and resources

Career paths

Composers often work as arrangers.

Additional resources

Additional resources are not currently available for this career.

Conductors, composers and arrangers (NOC 5132)

About this job

Earnings

Annual provincial median salary

Provincial hourly rate

B.C. Labour Market Outlook (2018-2028)

Provincial outlook

Forecasted average employment growth rate

Job openings

Composition of job openings

Regional outlook

Duties

Special duties

Work environment

Workforce and employment statistics

Workforce characteristics

Employment by gender

Employment by age group

Labour force by industry

Employment by region

Job requirements

Education, training & qualifications

Skills

Education programs in B.C.

Related careers

Career paths and resources