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Band director vs choral director

The differences between band directors and choral directors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a band director and a choral director. Additionally, a choral director has an average salary of $54,709, which is higher than the $52,443 average annual salary of a band director.

The top three skills for a band director include classroom management, band program and concert band. The most important skills for a choral director are classroom management, fine arts, and music education.

Band director vs choral director overview

Band DirectorChoral Director
Yearly salary$52,443$54,709
Hourly rate$25.21$26.30
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs5,3784,783
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 75%Bachelor's Degree, 72%
Average age4444
Years of experience66

Band director vs choral director salary

Band directors and choral directors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Band DirectorChoral Director
Average salary$52,443$54,709
Salary rangeBetween $28,000 And $96,000Between $29,000 And $100,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYNew York, NY
Highest paying stateAlaskaAlaska
Best paying companyColumbia Grammar & Preparatory SchoolDePauw University
Best paying industryEducationEducation

Differences between band director and choral director education

There are a few differences between a band director and a choral director in terms of educational background:

Band DirectorChoral Director
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 75%Bachelor's Degree, 72%
Most common majorGeneral Education, Specific AreasMusic
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Band director vs choral director demographics

Here are the differences between band directors' and choral directors' demographics:

Band DirectorChoral Director
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 71.4% Female, 28.6%Male, 47.1% Female, 52.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 5.6% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 9.5% Asian, 5.3% White, 74.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%Black or African American, 5.6% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 9.5% Asian, 5.3% White, 74.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage30%30%

Differences between band director and choral director duties and responsibilities

Band director example responsibilities.

  • Resolve misconducts and social issues which lead to greater leadership skills and perfect orchestrate performances.
  • Work with others to manage DJs and volunteers, as well as plan on campus events.
  • Lead and direct the Orff instrument ensemble
  • Help students audition for college and all-state.
  • Plan and post content for Facebook page.
  • Develop curriculum for and teach speech and drama classes.
  • Show more

Choral director example responsibilities.

  • Manage entire music program, schedule ministers, concerts, and prayer services.
  • Produce and direct a full Broadway Jr. production of Annie.
  • Continue to serve as a UIL choral adjudicator across the state.
  • Collaborate with drama teacher to compose music/libretto for musical theater setting of Cinderella.
  • Accompany all the choirs on the piano and organ for services, concerts, and special events.
  • Produce and direct a full Broadway Jr. production of Annie.

Band director vs choral director skills

Common band director skills
  • Classroom Management, 15%
  • Band Program, 10%
  • Concert Band, 7%
  • Music Theory, 6%
  • PEP Band, 6%
  • Football Games, 5%
Common choral director skills
  • Classroom Management, 18%
  • Fine Arts, 9%
  • Music Education, 9%
  • Music Theory, 8%
  • Choral Music, 7%
  • Student Learning, 6%

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