Music Directors and Composers in Colorado
Want to work as a Music Directors and Composers in Colorado? Below are the key facts. 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.
What do Music Directors and Composers Make in Colorado?
The music directors and composers working in Colorado, the median annual wage is $69,160 per year (or about $33.25/hour).Annual wages span from $34,030 at the 10th percentile to $141,420 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $34,030 | $16.36 |
| 25th percentile | $43,320 | $20.83 |
| Median (50th) | $69,160 | $33.25 |
| 75th percentile | $115,400 | $55.48 |
| 90th percentile | $141,420 | $67.99 |
The location quotient — a measure of how concentrated this occupation is in Colorado compared to the national average — is 0.48, indicating fewer music directors and composers per worker than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, music directors and composers earn a median of $66,915 per year ($32.17/hour), exceeding the Colorado median.
Employment Outlook
National employment for 170,107 music directors and composers across the United States. In Colorado alone, about 110 people work in this role. That’s fewer than the typical state, which employs around 150 music directors and composers.
Top Colorado Metros for Music Directors and Composers
These are the Colorado metros with the most music directors and composers in Colorado.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO | 40 | $62,670 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | 30 | $86,740 |
Top States for Music Directors and Composers Employment
View the states that employ the most music directors and composers work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| California | 2,410 |
| New York | 1,610 |
| Florida | 670 |
| Texas | 650 |
| Tennessee | 640 |
| Illinois | 540 |
| Oregon | 470 |
| Pennsylvania | 450 |
| Washington | 390 |
| Ohio | 380 |
| New Jersey | 380 |
| Virginia | 340 |
| Michigan | 260 |
| Massachusetts | 260 |
| Indiana | 250 |
| North Carolina | 200 |
| Iowa | 170 |
| Rhode Island | 160 |
| Wisconsin | 150 |
| Connecticut | 150 |
Highest-Paying States for Music Directors and Composers
These states pay the most for music directors and composers.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Connecticut | $91,810 |
| New York | $80,230 |
| Utah | $78,010 |
| Washington | $77,840 |
| Hawaii | $77,440 |
| California | $74,760 |
| Wisconsin | $73,580 |
| Massachusetts | $72,760 |
| Indiana | $71,640 |
| Colorado | $69,160 |
Skills
Key music directors and composers skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Core knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
Key abilities for music directors and composers, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Music Directors and Composers typically:
- Use gestures to shape the music being played, communicating desired tempo, phrasing, tone, color, pitch, volume, and other performance aspects.
- Direct groups at rehearsals and live or recorded performances to achieve desired effects such as tonal and harmonic balance dynamics, rhythm, and tempo.
- Study scores to learn the music in detail, and to develop interpretations.
- Apply elements of music theory to create musical and tonal structures, including harmonies and melodies.
- Consider such factors as ensemble size and abilities, availability of scores, and the need for musical variety, to select music to be performed.
- 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.
- Transcribe ideas for musical compositions into musical notation, using instruments, pen and paper, or computers.
- Audition and select performers for musical presentations.
- Plan and schedule rehearsals and performances, and arrange details such as locations, accompanists, and instrumentalists.
- Write musical scores for orchestras, bands, choral groups, or individual instrumentalists or vocalists, using knowledge of music theory and of instrumental and vocal capabilities.
- Position members within groups to obtain balance among instrumental or vocal sections.
Work Activities
- Thinking Creatively
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
- Getting Information
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Scheduling Work and Activities
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
- Communicating with People Outside the Organization
- Working with Computers
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Tools & Technology
Technologies frequently used: Hot technologies: Microsoft Excel
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Programs that train for this career include:
- Music
- Arts & Media Management
- Drama & Theater Arts
- Sacred Music
Featured schools near , edit
Related Careers
Careers similar to music directors and composers include:
- Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes
- Directors, Religious Activities and Education
- Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
- Art Directors
- Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators
- Actors
Also Known As
Arranger, Artistic Director, Band Director, Band Leader, Band Master, Children's Choir Director, Choir Director, Choir Leader, Choirmaster, Choral Activities Director, Choral Director, Chorus Master, Composer, Conceptor, Conductor.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 27-2041.00
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