Direct and conduct instrumental or vocal performances by musical groups, such as orchestras or choirs.

Artistic - Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. Confer with clergy to select music for church services.

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

9. Audition and select performers for musical presentations.

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

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

Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Instructing - Teaching others how to do something.

Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

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.

Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Learning Strategies - Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Fine Arts - Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

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.

English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Psychology - Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.

Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

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.

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Education: Most of these occupations require a four - year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Training: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

The college search results are undergraduate programs associated with Music Directors. Further education may also be required to pursue this career.

The training search results include both short and long-term programs associated with Music Directors, and may be more appropriate for adult and non-traditional students. Further training may also be required to pursue this career.

In US the average wage for this occupation was:

$18,920 for entry level workers, and $69,290 for experienced workers.

Based on the total number of annual openings and its growth rate, the employment prospects for this occupation are described as Favorable.

During 2006, there were approximately 4,390 Music Directors employed in NY.

We estimate that in 2016 there will be 4,830  employed in NY. This represents an increase of 40 job(s) each year, and a total of 90 job openings each year.

Musicians, singers, and related workers - Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.

Music Directors - Visit this link for information on this career in the military.

Art Directors - Formulate design concepts and presentation approaches, and direct workers engaged in art work, layout design, and copy writing for visual communications media, such as magazines, books, newspapers, and packaging.

Actors - Play parts in stage, television, radio, video, or motion picture productions for entertainment, information, or instruction. Interpret serious or comic role by speech, gesture, and body movement to entertain or inform audience. May dance and sing.

Talent Directors - Audition and interview performers to select most appropriate talent for parts in stage, television, radio, or motion picture productions.

Music Composers and Arrangers - Write and transcribe musical scores.

Singers - Sing songs on stage, radio, television, or motion pictures.

Musicians, Instrumental - Play one or more musical instruments in recital, in accompaniment, or as members of an orchestra, band, or other musical group.

Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers - Create original written works, such as scripts, essays, prose, poetry or song lyrics, for publication or performance.

Costume Attendants - Select, fit, and take care of costumes for cast members, and aid entertainers.