Virginia Career VIEW

Music Composers and Arrangers

Write and transcribe musical scores.

Tasks Include:

  • 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.
  • Write changes directly into compositions, or use computer software to make changes.
  • Transcribe ideas for musical compositions into musical notation, using instruments, pen and paper, or computers.
  • Guide musicians during rehearsals, performances, or recording sessions.
  • Score compositions so that they are consistent with instrumental and vocal capabilities such as ranges and keys, using knowledge of music theory.

    • more »


The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0; US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection.

Projections Quick View:
Virginia: +22.2%

National: +10.2%

 

Education

Some College Courses

Job Zone:

Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Income Range:

Highest ($50,000 and up)

Average Earnings:

 

National

$52,750.00

State

$45,260.00

Regional


 


 

Music Composers and Arrangers

Description


Career Cluster: Arts, Audio/Video Technology & Communications

Write and transcribe musical scores.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.


 

Music Composers and Arrangers

Education


Required Level of Education
  • Some College Courses = 26.20%
  • Bachelor's Degree = 21.78%
  • Less than a High School Diploma = 15.97%
  • Post-Master's Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Master's degree, but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees at the doctoral level = 11.32%
  • Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree) = 11.32%
  • High School Diploma (or GED or High School Equivalence Certificate) = 8.19%
  • Master's Degree = 3.51%
  • Post-Baccalaureate Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Baccalaureate degree, but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of Master = 1.71%

Related Work Experience
  • Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 25.62%
  • Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years = 21.41%
  • Over 6 years, up to and including 8 years = 18.22%
  • Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 11.94%
  • Over 10 years = 8.62%
  • Over 8 years, up to and including 10 years = 7.02%
  • Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 5.62%
  • None = 1.53%

On-Site or In-Plant Training
  • None = 56.53%
  • Up to and including 1 month = 15.08%
  • Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 11.34%
  • Over 4 years, up to and including 10 years = 7.13%
  • Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 4.03%
  • Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 3.65%
  • Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 2.24%

On-the-Job Training
  • Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month = 40.96%
  • None or short demonstration = 19.98%
  • Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 16.32%
  • Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 8.59%
  • Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 7.35%
  • Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 6.80%


The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.


 

Music Composers and Arrangers

Tasks


Core Tasks Include:

  • 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.
  • Write changes directly into compositions, or use computer software to make changes.
  • Transcribe ideas for musical compositions into musical notation, using instruments, pen and paper, or computers.
  • Guide musicians during rehearsals, performances, or recording sessions.
  • Score compositions so that they are consistent with instrumental and vocal capabilities such as ranges and keys, using knowledge of music theory.
  • Write musical scores for orchestras, bands, choral groups, or individual instrumentalists or vocalists, using knowledge of music theory and of instrumental and vocal capabilities.
  • Confer with producers and directors to define the nature and placement of film or television music.
  • Fill in details of orchestral sketches, such as adding vocal parts to scores.
  • Explore and develop musical ideas based on sources such as imagination or sounds in the environment.
  • Write music for commercial mediums, including advertising jingles or film soundtracks.
  • Transpose music from one voice or instrument to another to accommodate particular musicians.
  • Rewrite original musical scores in different musical styles by changing rhythms, harmonies, or tempos.
  • Study original pieces of music to become familiar with them prior to making any changes.
  • Arrange music composed by others, changing the music to achieve desired effects.
  • Accept commissions to create music for special occasions.
  • Study films or scripts to determine how musical scores can be used to create desired effects or moods.
  • Create original musical forms, or write within circumscribed musical forms such as sonatas, symphonies, or operas.
  • Collaborate with other colleagues, such as copyists, to complete final scores.
  • Copy parts from scores for individual performers.


The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.


 
 
 
 
 

Music Composers and Arrangers

Knowledge


% Subject Description
88.50 Fine Arts Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
80.50 Computers and Electronics Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
74.00 Customer and Personal Service Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
60.75 English Language Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
60.25 Communications and Media Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
50.75 Sales and Marketing Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
49.50 Administration and Management Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.


The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.


 

Music Composers and Arrangers

Skills


% Subject Description
65.50 Reading Comprehension Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
65.50 Writing Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
62.50 Critical Thinking Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
62.50 Active Listening Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
59.50 Speaking Talking to others to convey information effectively.
59.50 Time Management Managing one's own time and the time of others.
59.50 Judgment and Decision Making Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
59.50 Coordination Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
53.00 Monitoring Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
53.00 Complex Problem Solving Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
50.00 Active Learning Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.


The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.


 

Music Composers and Arrangers

Abilities


% Subject Description
78.25 Hearing Sensitivity The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
72.00 Originality The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
68.75 Near Vision The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
62.50 Written Comprehension The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
62.50 Speech Recognition The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
62.50 Written Expression The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
62.50 Fluency of Ideas The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
59.50 Oral Comprehension The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
59.50 Information Ordering The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
59.50 Inductive Reasoning The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
59.50 Deductive Reasoning The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
59.50 Oral Expression The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
56.25 Selective Attention The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
56.25 Speech Clarity The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
56.25 Problem Sensitivity The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
53.25 Finger Dexterity The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
53.25 Category Flexibility The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
53.25 Auditory Attention The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
50.00 Flexibility of Closure The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.


The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.


 

Music Composers and Arrangers

Work Activities


% Subject Description
97.00 Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
90.75 Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
83.25 Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
76.75 Communicating with Persons Outside Organization Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
74.75 Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
73.50 Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
71.75 Scheduling Work and Activities Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
70.75 Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
70.00 Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
69.00 Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
69.00 Documenting/Recording Information Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
65.00 Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
61.25 Analyzing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
60.00 Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
58.50 Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
57.50 Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
53.50 Selling or Influencing Others Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
50.75 Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.


The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.


 

Music Composers and Arrangers

Work Styles


% Subject Description
95.50 Dependability Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
95.00 Innovation Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
92.00 Attention to Detail Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
88.25 Achievement/Effort Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
87.50 Persistence Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
85.50 Cooperation Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
84.75 Initiative Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
81.25 Independence Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
78.75 Stress Tolerance Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
77.00 Adaptability/Flexibility Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
77.00 Integrity Job requires being honest and ethical.
74.25 Analytical Thinking Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
73.00 Self Control Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
69.50 Leadership Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
64.00 Concern for Others Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
54.00 Social Orientation Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.


The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.


 

Music Composers and Arrangers

Work Values


% Subject Description
94.50 Achievement Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
77.83 Recognition Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
77.83 Independence Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
58.33 Working Conditions Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.


The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.


 

Music Composers and Arrangers

Work Context


% Subject Description
97.00 Structured versus Unstructured Work To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?
94.60 Electronic Mail How often do you use electronic mail in this job?
94.40 Spend Time Sitting How much does this job require sitting?
94.20 Freedom to Make Decisions How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
90.40 Level of Competition To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?
89.20 Importance of Being Exact or Accurate How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
85.80 Telephone How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
84.60 Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results How do the decisions an employee makes impact the results of co-workers, clients or the company?
84.00 Indoors, Environmentally Controlled How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?
83.40 Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?
80.40 Time Pressure How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
79.20 Importance of Repeating Same Tasks How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job?
79.00 Frequency of Decision Making How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
77.40 Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions How much does this job require making repetitive motions?
72.80 Face-to-Face Discussions How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
69.00 Work With Work Group or Team How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
59.60 Letters and Memos How often does the job require written letters and memos?
59.60 Contact With Others How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
57.40 Coordinate or Lead Others How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job?
51.80 Deal With External Customers How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job?


The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.


 

Music Composers and Arrangers

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed


  • Overall Experience
    • Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
  • Job Training
    • Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
  • Examples
    • These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include food service managers, electricians, agricultural technicians, legal secretaries, interviewers, and insurance sales agents.
  • Education
    • Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.


The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.


 

Music Composers and Arrangers

Earnings Benefits


Region Entry Level Average Experienced
United States $22,190.00 $53,760.00 $85,770.00
Virginia $19,180.00 $45,260.00 $81,560.00
 
Region Entry Level Average Experienced
Bay Consortium No Data No Data No Data
Capital Region Workforce Partnership $21,495.59 $45,557.95 $78,405.76
Central VA/Region2000 No Data No Data No Data
Crater Area $19,669.13 $37,285.66 $49,699.68
Greater Peninsula $23,369.71 $29,143.18 $32,935.02
Hampton Roads $19,720.86 $63,346.88 $97,724.01
New River/Mt. Rogers No Data No Data No Data
Northern Virginia and Alexandria/Arlington $17,795.01 $48,439.11 $87,672.92
Piedmont Workforce $17,992.77 $32,539.51 $55,636.42
Shenandoah Valley $39,515.74 $51,355.76 $77,761.79
South Central $33,780.81 $46,203.96 $59,399.87
Southwestern Virginia No Data No Data No Data
West Piedmont No Data No Data No Data
Western Virginia $21,347.53 $39,614.11 $56,143.49


The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection.


 

Music Composers and Arrangers

Employment Projections


National 2010 2020 % Change
United States 93,200 102,800 + 10.2%
 
State 2008 2018 % Change
Virginia 535 654 + 22.2%
 
Region 2008 2018 % Change
Bay Consortium 0 0 + 0.0%
Capital Region Workforce Partnership 0 0 + 0.0%
Central VA/Region2000 0 0 + 0.0%
Crater Area 15 20 + 33.3%
Greater Peninsula 0 0 + 0.0%
Hampton Roads 97 119 + 22.7%
New River/Mt. Rogers 0 0 + 0.0%
Northern Virginia and Alexandria/Arlington 88 104 + 18.2%
Piedmont Workforce 25 32 + 28.0%
Shenandoah Valley 40 50 + 25.0%
South Central 0 0 + 0.0%
Southwestern Virginia 0 0 + 0.0%
West Piedmont 0 0 + 0.0%
Western Virginia 0 0 + 0.0%


The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Workforce Connection.


 

Music Composers and Arrangers

Related Occupations


Related Occupations

 

Careers in Performing Arts Pathway:

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.


 

Music Composers and Arrangers

View Videos


The following videos are available for this occupation:



The data sources for the information displayed here include: New York State Department of Labor; New Jersey Department of Labor; California Occupational Information Coordinating Committee.


 

Music Composers and Arrangers

Military Training


The following military job classifications are available for this occupation:

  • Morale and Welfare
  • Musicians, General
  • Not Occupationally Qualified, General
  • Students



The data sources for the information displayed here include: Defense Manpower Data Center.


 

Music Composers and Arrangers

Proficiency Ratings


These proficiencies are scored on a scale from 1 to 5 with 1 being not
important to the job and 5 being extremely important to the job.

Proficiency Rating
Thinking Creatively 5.0
Interacting With Computers 4.5
Getting Information 4.5
Communicating with Persons Outside Organization 4.0
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships 4.0
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work 4.0
Scheduling Work and Activities 4.0
Making Decisions and Solving Problems 4.0
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates 4.0
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge 4.0
Documenting/Recording Information 4.0
Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People 3.5
Analyzing Data or Information 3.5
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events 3.5
Processing Information 3.5
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others 3.5
Selling or Influencing Others 3.0
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public 3.0
Developing Objectives and Strategies 3.0
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others 3.0
Monitoring and Controlling Resources 3.0
Developing and Building Teams 2.5
Coaching and Developing Others 2.5
Performing Administrative Activities 2.5
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information 2.5
Provide Consultation and Advice to Others 2.5
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others 2.5
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material 2.5
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards 2.5
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates 2.5
Controlling Machines and Processes 2.5
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment 2.5
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment 2.5
Training and Teaching Others 2.5
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings 2.0
Handling and Moving Objects 2.0
Assisting and Caring for Others 2.0
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment 1.5
Staffing Organizational Units 1.5
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment 1.5
Performing General Physical Activities 1.5


The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.


 

Music Composers and Arrangers

Titles

  • Arranger
  • Composer
  • Copyist
  • Creative Director
  • Film Composer
  • Jingle Writer
  • Music Adapter
  • Music Arranger
  • Music Composer
  • Music Orchestrator
  • Music Producer
  • Music Writer
  • Musician
  • Record Producer
  • Song Writer
  • Songwriter


The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.


 
 

Music Composers and Arrangers

Related Schools

  • Christopher Newport University
  • Emory and Henry College
  • George Mason University
  • Hampton University
  • James Madison University
  • Liberty University
  • Norfolk State University
  • Old Dominion University
  • Randolph College
  • Shenandoah University
  • Virginia Commonwealth University
  • Virginia State University
  • Virginia Union University