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Music composer vs director of instrumental music

The differences between music composers and directors of instrumental music can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a music composer and a director of instrumental music. Additionally, a music composer has an average salary of $54,646, which is higher than the $51,722 average annual salary of a director of instrumental music.

The top three skills for a music composer include audio engineering, video games and music theory. The most important skills for a director of instrumental music are music theory, jazz ensemble, and music program.

Music composer vs director of instrumental music overview

Music ComposerDirector Of Instrumental Music
Yearly salary$54,646$51,722
Hourly rate$26.27$24.87
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs3,7887,388
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Average age4444
Years of experience66

Music composer vs director of instrumental music salary

Music composers and directors of instrumental music have different pay scales, as shown below.

Music ComposerDirector Of Instrumental Music
Average salary$54,646$51,722
Salary rangeBetween $28,000 And $106,000Between $28,000 And $93,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NY-
Highest paying stateAlaska-
Best paying companyMicrosoft-
Best paying industryMedia-

Differences between music composer and director of instrumental music education

There are a few differences between a music composer and a director of instrumental music in terms of educational background:

Music ComposerDirector Of Instrumental Music
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Most common majorMusicMusic
Most common collegeStanford UniversityUniversity of Pennsylvania

Music composer vs director of instrumental music demographics

Here are the differences between music composers' and directors of instrumental music' demographics:

Music ComposerDirector Of Instrumental Music
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 86.8% Female, 13.2%Male, 79.5% Female, 20.5%
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 music composer and director of instrumental music duties and responsibilities

Music composer example responsibilities.

  • Work with others to manage DJs and volunteers, as well as plan on campus events.
  • Compose music for film, television, trailers, documentaries, commercials, internet media, and games.
  • Create original compositions and content for documentaries and local television commercials.
  • Collaborate with parish staff and liturgy committee about events and fundraiser

Director of instrumental music example responsibilities.

  • Achieve staff competence with 4 staff members, encouraging the growth and development of one staff member into a leadership position.
  • Provide expert instruction to brass instrumentalists on musicianship and marching techniques.
  • Develop and implement leadership training and discipleship program for student leaders.

Music composer vs director of instrumental music skills

Common music composer skills
  • Audio Engineering, 23%
  • Video Games, 15%
  • Music Theory, 14%
  • Sound Design, 10%
  • Pro Tools, 7%
  • Sound Effects, 7%
Common director of instrumental music skills
  • Music Theory, 17%
  • Jazz Ensemble, 15%
  • Music Program, 9%
  • General Music, 8%
  • Music Curriculum, 8%
  • Concert Band, 6%

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