O*NET-SOC 27-2041.00

Music Directors and Composers

Conduct, direct, plan, and lead instrumental or vocal performances by musical artists or groups, such as orchestras, bands, choirs, and glee clubs; or create original works of music.

Preparation

ItemValue
Preparation zoneZone 4 – Considerable preparation needed
What O*NET says the zone requiresConsiderable skill, knowledge, or experience is needed
Broad occupation in O*NETTrue (Yes)
Skills listed for this occupation6
Abilities listed for this occupation6
Tasks listed for this occupation5
Interest scores given for this occupation6

Skills

The 6 skills with the highest importance values in this occupation's records.

SkillO*NET elementImportanceDate
Active Listening2.A.1.b3.8808/2022
Speaking2.A.1.d3.6208/2022
Critical Thinking2.A.2.a3.508/2022
Judgment and Decision Making2.B.4.e3.508/2022
Reading Comprehension2.A.1.a3.508/2022
Active Learning2.A.2.b3.3808/2022

The importance value is what each record itself carries on O*NET's importance scale; the date is the date in each record.

Abilities

The 6 abilities with the highest importance values in this occupation's records.

AbilityO*NET elementImportanceDate
Hearing Sensitivity1.A.4.b.14.2508/2022
Fluency of Ideas1.A.1.b.13.7508/2022
Information Ordering1.A.1.b.63.7508/2022
Originality1.A.1.b.23.7508/2022
Written Comprehension1.A.1.a.23.7508/2022
Auditory Attention1.A.4.b.23.6208/2022

The importance value is what each record itself carries on O*NET's importance scale; the date is the date in each record.

Tasks

The tasks O*NET records for this occupation, with the type, respondent count and date each record carries.

TaskTypeIncumbents respondingDate
Use gestures to shape the music being played, communicating desired tempo, phrasing, tone, color, pitch, volume, and other performance aspects.Core7808/2022
Direct groups at rehearsals and live or recorded performances to achieve desired effects such as tonal and harmonic balance dynamics, rhythm, and tempo.Core7808/2022
Study scores to learn the music in detail, and to develop interpretations.Core7708/2022
Apply elements of music theory to create musical and tonal structures, including harmonies and melodies.Core8208/2022
Consider such factors as ensemble size and abilities, availability of scores, and the need for musical variety, to select music to be performed.Core7808/2022

Work interests

The interest scores O*NET gives this occupation, on the six interest types.

InterestScoreDate
Artistic7.011/2023
Enterprising4.7711/2023
Social3.0611/2023
Conventional2.5911/2023
Investigative2.2811/2023
Realistic2.0411/2023

More occupations in preparation zone 4

Source: O*NET 29.1 Database (Occupation Data, Job Zones, Skills, Abilities, Task Statements, Interests), U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Data fetched 2026-10-31. See about and sources.