Music Directors and Composers

Does not pass

• Apply elements of music theory to create musical and tonal structures, including harmonies and melodies.

  reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 7.3% of the role's time · $70.7M · waiting on a check

• Experiment with different sounds, and types and pieces of music, using synthesizers and computers as necessary to test and evaluate ideas.

  reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 6.6% of the role's time · $64.7M · waiting on a check

• Use gestures to shape the music being played, communicating desired tempo, phrasing, tone, color, pitch, volume, and other performance aspects.

  physical work, outside the screen · 6.4% of the role's time · $62.3M

• Determine voices, instruments, harmonic structures, rhythms, tempos, and tone balances required to achieve the effects desired in a musical composition.

  reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 6.1% of the role's time · $59.1M · waiting on a check

• Transcribe ideas for musical compositions into musical notation, using instruments, pen and paper, or computers.

  reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 6.0% of the role's time · $58.9M · waiting on a check

• Direct groups at rehearsals and live or recorded performances to achieve desired effects such as tonal and harmonic balance dynamics, rhythm, and tempo.

  physical work, outside the screen · 5.0% of the role's time · $48.5M

• Study scores to learn the music in detail, and to develop interpretations.

  reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 4.7% of the role's time · $45.5M

• Consider such factors as ensemble size and abilities, availability of scores, and the need for musical variety, to select music to be performed.

  reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 4.1% of the role's time · $40.1M

• Fill in details of orchestral sketches, such as adding vocal parts to scores.

  reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 4.0% of the role's time · $39.3M · waiting on a check

• Explore and develop musical ideas based on sources such as imagination or sounds in the environment.

  reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 3.8% of the role's time · $37.0M

• Write musical scores for orchestras, bands, choral groups, or individual instrumentalists or vocalists, using knowledge of music theory and of instrumental and vocal capabilities.

  reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 3.7% of the role's time · $36.2M

• Perform administrative tasks such as applying for grants, developing budgets, negotiating contracts, and designing and printing programs and other promotional materials.

  reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 3.1% of the role's time · $30.3M

• Position members within groups to obtain balance among instrumental or vocal sections.

  physical work, outside the screen · 3.1% of the role's time · $29.9M

• Produce recordings of music.

  physical work, outside the screen · 3.0% of the role's time · $29.2M

• Stay abreast of the latest trends in music and music technology.

  reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 3.0% of the role's time · $29.2M

• Plan and schedule rehearsals and performances, and arrange details such as locations, accompanists, and instrumentalists.

  reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 2.9% of the role's time · $28.5M

• Confer with producers and directors to define the nature and placement of film or television music.

  reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 2.9% of the role's time · $28.4M

• Rewrite original musical scores in different musical styles by changing rhythms, harmonies, or tempos.

  reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 2.9% of the role's time · $28.1M · waiting on a check

• Arrange music composed by others, changing the music to achieve desired effects.

  reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 2.5% of the role's time · $24.4M · waiting on a check

• Write music for commercial mediums, including advertising jingles or film soundtracks.

  reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 2.2% of the role's time · $21.5M

• Create original musical forms, or write within circumscribed musical forms such as sonatas, symphonies, or operas.

  reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 2.1% of the role's time · $20.5M

• Assign and review staff work in such areas as scoring, arranging, and copying music, and vocal coaching.

  an accountable sign-off — stays with a person · 1.8% of the role's time · $17.2M

• Study films or scripts to determine how musical scores can be used to create desired effects or moods.

  reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 1.5% of the role's time · $14.2M

• Collaborate with other colleagues, such as copyists, to complete final scores.

  reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 1.3% of the role's time · $12.3M · waiting on a check

• Meet with soloists and concertmasters to discuss and prepare for performances.

  reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 1.1% of the role's time · $10.7M

• Audition and select performers for musical presentations.

  reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 0.9% of the role's time · $9.0M

• Transcribe musical compositions and melodic lines to adapt them to a particular group, or to create a particular musical style.

  reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 0.9% of the role's time · $9.0M · waiting on a check

• Coordinate and organize tours, or hire touring companies to arrange concert dates, venues, accommodations, and transportation for longer tours.

  reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 0.7% of the role's time · $6.8M