What does a Music Composer do?
Music composer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real music composer resumes:
- Work with others to manage DJs and volunteers, as well as plan on campus events.
- Compose music for film, television, trailers, documentaries, commercials, internet media, and games.
- Create original compositions and content for documentaries and local television commercials.
- Collaborate with parish staff and liturgy committee about events and fundraiser
Music composer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 23% of Music Composers are proficient in Audio Engineering, Video Games, and Music Theory. They’re also known for soft skills such as Leadership, Musical talent, and Promotional skills.
We break down the percentage of Music Composers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Audio Engineering, 23%
Experienced in audio engineering, putting out a completed quality product for the public and promotion through social media.
- Video Games, 15%
Designed music games and created music assets and MIDI sequences for video games.
- Music Theory, 14%
Teach entry-level music theory at the undergraduate level
- Sound Design, 10%
Coordinated with team members, producers, writers, artists, animators and programmers to develop innovative sound design for projects.
- Pro Tools, 7%
Studied Pro Tools under distinguished musician/bassist Professor Steve Bailey
- Sound Effects, 7%
Composed music, created sound effects, and recorded dialogue for interactive media.
Most music composers use their skills in "audio engineering," "video games," and "music theory" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential music composer responsibilities here:
Leadership. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a music composer to have is leadership. Their role and responsibilities require that "music directors and composers must guide musicians and singers by preparing musical arrangements and helping them achieve the best possible sound." Music composers often use leadership in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "facilitate meetings with church officers and the music ministry leadership team. "
Musical talent. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling music composer duties is musical talent. The role rewards competence in this skill because "to become a music director or composer, one must have musical talent." According to a music composer resume, here's how music composers can utilize musical talent in their job responsibilities: "composed, produced, and mixed various musical cues for the marvel heroes video game. "
Promotional skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of music composers is promotional skills. This skill is critical to many everyday music composer duties, as "music directors and composers need to promote their performances through local communities, word of mouth, and social media platforms." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "facilitated 40 person media team with monthly promotional events. "
Compare different music composers
Music composer vs. Ensemble director
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between music composers and ensemble director. For instance, music composer responsibilities require skills such as "audio engineering," "video games," "r," and "sound design." Whereas a ensemble director is skilled in "music education," "public performances," "symphony orchestra," and "level courses." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Ensemble directors tend to reach higher levels of education than music composers. In fact, ensemble directors are 8.6% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 2.7% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Music composer vs. Director of instrumental music
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, music composer responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "audio engineering," "video games," "r," and "sound design." Meanwhile, a director of instrumental music has duties that require skills in areas such as "jazz ensemble," "music program," "general music," and "music curriculum." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Average education levels between the two professions vary. Directors of instrumental music tend to reach higher levels of education than music composers. In fact, they're 8.1% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 2.7% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Music composer vs. Band leader
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from music composer resumes include skills like "audio engineering," "video games," "r," and "music theory," whereas a band leader is more likely to list skills in "live performances," "event planning," "travel arrangements," and "nyc. "
Most band leaders achieve a lower degree level compared to music composers. For example, they're 7.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.5% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Music composer vs. Choral director
Even though a few skill sets overlap between music composers and choral directors, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a music composer might have more use for skills like "audio engineering," "video games," "r," and "sound design." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of choral directors require skills like "classroom management," "fine arts," "music education," and "choral music. "
Choral directors enjoy the best pay in the education industry, with an average salary of $46,168. For comparison, music composers earn the highest salary in the media industry.The average resume of choral directors showed that they earn higher levels of education compared to music composers. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 8.3% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 0.6%.Types of music composer
Updated January 8, 2025
