Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz
Music Composers and Arrangers
Music Composers and Arrangers write and transcribe musical scores.
Table of contents
What they do
Music Composers and Arrangers write and transcribe musical scores.
- Apply elements of music theory to create musical and tonal structures, including harmonies and melodies.
- Use computers and synthesizers to compose, orchestrate, and arrange music.
- Determine voices, instruments, harmonic structures, rhythms, tempos, and tone balances required to achieve the effects desired in a musical composition.
- Experiment with different sounds, and types, and pieces of music, using synthesizers and computers as necessary to test and evaluate ideas.
Typical day
On a daily basis, Music Composers and Arrangers determine voices, instruments, harmonic structures, rhythms, tempos, and tone balances required to achieve the effects desired in a musical composition. They use computers and synthesizers to compose, orchestrate, and arrange music.
A typical day for a Music Composer and Arranger will also include:
- Experiment with different sounds, and types, and pieces of music, using synthesizers and computers as necessary to test and evaluate ideas.
- Explore and develop musical ideas based on sources such as imagination or sounds in the environment.
- Apply elements of music theory to create musical and tonal structures, including harmonies and melodies.
- Transcribe ideas for musical compositions into musical notation, using instruments, pen, and paper or computers.
- Score compositions so that they are consistent with instrumental and vocal capabilities such as ranges and keys, using knowledge of music theory.
Other responsibilities
Besides their typical day, Music Composers and Arrangers also accept commissions to create music for special occasions. They may also transpose music from one voice or instrument to another to accommodate particular musicians.
On a weekly to monthly basis, Music Composers and Arrangers guide musicians during rehearsals, performances, or recording sessions. They might also fill in details of orchestral sketches, such as adding vocal parts to scores.
In addition, they study original pieces of music to become familiar with them prior to making any changes.
Although specific duties may vary, many of them write changes directly into compositions or use computer software to make changes.
To some Music Composers and Arrangers, it is also their responsibility to study films or scripts to determine how musical scores can be used to create desired effects or moods.
What is the job like
Job satisfaction
Is this job meaningful
80% said they were satisfied with their job and 88% said they found their job meaningful.
My work as a music composer comes down to my drive and passion for music. My Typical Day A typical day for me starts with an early morning usually around 7am. Studio work varies from around 10-15 hrs throughout the day. I also try to get to bed early so then I achieve everything I … Read More
I am a music composer and arranger. I have worked as a producer and engineer since 2007. Working as a music composer is interesting. Work is constantly a challenge but the challenge can be good or bad. My Typical Day A typical day involves being asked to provide certain music that fits a particular mood, … Read More
Pros
Suitable for people who like to work with designs.
Suitable for people who value achievements and are results-oriented.
This career is perfect for people who love to work indoors.
It is not too difficult to get into this career. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for this career.
Demand for this career is growing.
Cons
Not suitable for people who like to help and teach others.
Long working hours (More than 40 hours per week).
How much do they make
Average salary
Average hourly wage
Entry-level Music Composers and Arrangers with little to no experience can expect to make anywhere between $23,890 to $33,990 per year or $11 to $16 per hour.
Salary by experience | Annual | Hourly |
---|---|---|
Highest (Top 10%) | $124,390 | $60 |
Senior (Top 25%) | $76,000 | $37 |
Median | $52,250 | $25 |
Junior (Bottom 25%) | $33,990 | $16 |
No experience (Bottom 10%) | $23,890 | $11 |
This table shows the top 10 highest paying industries for Music Composers and Arrangers based on their average annual salary.
Salary by industry | Annual | Hourly |
---|---|---|
Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events | $87390 | $42.01 |
Junior Colleges | $83960 | $40.36 |
Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers | $73850 | $35.50 |
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools | $69410 | $33.37 |
Performing Arts Companies | $68240 | $32.81 |
Sound Recording Industries | $63090 | $30.33 |
Social Advocacy Organizations | $62800 | $30.19 |
Religious Organizations | $60860 | $29.26 |
Elementary and Secondary Schools | $59340 | $28.53 |
Other Schools and Instruction | $58360 | $28.06 |
View more salary by industries here.
Where can they work
Where can Music Composers and Arrangers work? Here is a table showing the top 10 largest employers of Music Composers and Arrangers including the average salary in that industry.
Employers | Total Employed | Annual Salary | Hourly Wages |
---|---|---|---|
Religious Organizations | 3690 | $60860 | $29.26 |
Performing Arts Companies | 2360 | $68240 | $32.81 |
Elementary and Secondary Schools | 1390 | $59340 | $28.53 |
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools | 510 | $69410 | $33.37 |
Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers | 230 | $73850 | $35.50 |
Other Schools and Instruction | 170 | $58360 | $28.06 |
Sound Recording Industries | 130 | $63090 | $30.33 |
Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events | 90 | $87390 | $42.01 |
Junior Colleges | 60 | $83960 | $40.36 |
Civic and Social Organizations | 50 | $48020 | $23.09 |
What is the work day like
Working hours
Working schedule
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Telephone
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Group discussions
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Public speaking
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Level of competition
How much competitive pressure is in this job?
What is the work environment like
Office-style environment
Indoors in an environmentally controlled condition
Warehouse-style environment
Indoors in a non-controlled environmental condition such as a warehouse
Outdoors
Outdoors exposed to all weather conditions
Outdoors – Under Cover
Outdoors but under cover (e.g. structure with roof but no walls)
How to become one
Difficulty to become one
Required level of education
What level of education do you need to perform the job?
Relevant majors
Relevant work experience
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On The Job Training
How much on the job training do you need to perform the job?
Should you become one
Best personality type for this career
People with this personality likes to work with designs and patterns. They prefer activities that require self-expression and prefer work that can be done without following a clear set of rules.
People with The Builder personality type likes practical and hands-on work. They prefer working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
People with The Thinker personality likes to work with ideas that require an extensive amount of thinking. They prefer work that requires them to solve problems mentally.
People with The Artist personality likes to work with designs and patterns. They prefer activities that require self-expression and prefer work that can be done without following a clear set of rules.
People with The Helper personality type likes to work with people and in teams. They prefer work that allows them to build relationships with others.
People with The Leader personality likes to start and work on projects. They also like leading people and making many decisions.
People with The Organizer personality type likes to follow set procedures and routines. They prefer working with data and details more than with ideas.
You can read more about these career personality types here.
People who are suitable for this job tend to like working with forms, designs, and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
They also like starting up and carrying out projects. They like leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk-taking and often deal with business.
Take this quiz to see if this is the right career for you.
Work Values
Which values are the most important to a person’s satisfaction for this job?
You are someone who is results oriented. You prefer work that allows you to utilize your skills and abilities while at the same time giving you a sense of accomplishment.
You are someone who values job security, steady employment, and good working conditions. You also prefer work that keeps you busy all the time with something different to do every day.
You are someone who values job advancement and leadership roles. You prefer work that receives recognition for the work you do and jobs that are looked up to by others in the company and your community.
You are someone who likes to provide a service to others. You prefer a work environment where you can work with your co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment.
You are someone who values a company that stands behind their employees. You prefer a work environment where everyone is treated fairly and is being supported by the company.
You are someone who likes to work on your own and make your own decisions. You prefer work that requires little supervision and are allowed to try out your own ideas.
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