Composer

Your Fit

Income

$64K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

1.1%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Composer?

A Composer is a musician who creates original music ranging from symphonies and operas to film scores and popular songs. They often employ a deep understanding of musical theory, creativity, and emotional expression in their compositions.

Sample job titles:

Choir Director, Conductor, Music Composer, Music Director

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Composer.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Composer earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$35K per year	$47K per year	$64K per year	$97K per year	$157K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $14K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Composer do?

Work environment

Composers work in various settings, including home studios, music production companies, film and television studios, or as faculty in academic institutions. Their work environment can be solitary, focusing on composition, or collaborative when working with musicians, producers, or directors. Technology plays a significant role in modern composition work.

Quick task list

Creates and notates original musical compositions.
Collaborates with musicians, conductors, and music producers.
Arranges existing music for new contexts or ensembles.
Tailors music to fit requirements, often within specific guidelines for film, TV, or theater.
Experiments with different musical genres, styles, and technologies.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Film Scoring: Composing music to enhance the emotional impact and storytelling of movies.
Classical Music Composition: Writing symphonies, operas, chamber music, and other forms of classical music.
Popular Music Songwriting: Creating songs for bands, solo artists, or commercial release.
Electronic Music: Using technology and electronic instruments to create music.
Music for Theater: Composing music for plays, musicals, and dance performances.

Description

Composers are the creative minds behind much of the music we hear. Their work involves a blend of artistic expression and technical skill. They must understand how different musical elements work together to convey emotions and tell stories. In the modern music landscape, composers often utilize software and technology to create and record their compositions, making computer skills increasingly important.

The career of a composer can vary widely based on their specialization. Film composers, for example, work closely with filmmakers to create scores that complement the visual narrative, while classical composers might focus on creating works for orchestras or solo performances. Composers in the popular music industry often collaborate with artists and producers to craft hit songs.

Success as a composer requires not just talent and skill in music creation, but also perseverance, networking, and business acumen. The field is highly competitive, with many composers working freelance and relying on a combination of commissioned projects, royalties, and possibly teaching or other music-related jobs for their income.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

The creative fulfillment of bringing original musical ideas to life.
Seeing your music performed or hearing it in various media.
The opportunity to influence and contribute to the cultural landscape.
The joy of collaborating with other talented musicians and artists.

You might make a good Composer if you are...

Deeply passionate about music and have a strong desire to create.
Skilled in music theory, composition, and arrangement.
Comfortable with, or willing to learn, music software and technology.
Persistent, with the ability to handle criticism and rejection.
Good at networking and managing your own career as a freelance artist or entrepreneur.

Pros:

Opportunity to express yourself creatively and emotionally through music.
Potential to work on a variety of projects across different genres.
Flexibility in work environment and hours, especially for freelancers.

Cons:

Highly competitive field with no guarantee of steady income.
Pressure to continually evolve and adapt to changing musical tastes and technologies.
Can involve long, irregular hours, especially when meeting deadlines for projects.

How to become a Composer

Typical education

Many composers hold a bachelor's degree in music composition, music theory, or a related field, which is typically 4 years of post-secondary education. Advanced degrees like a master's or doctorate in music can be beneficial for career advancement, especially in academic or classical music fields.

High school preparation

Courses:

Music classes to develop foundational skills and understand theory.
Technology or Computer classes to learn music production software.
English or Literature to enhance storytelling and emotional expression skills.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in school band, orchestra, or choir.
Composing and arranging music for school performances.
Joining music clubs or groups to collaborate with other musicians.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a bachelor's degree in music composition, theory, or a related field.
Attend workshops, masterclasses, and networking events in the music industry.
Build a portfolio of compositions and recordings.
Seek internships or apprenticeships with established composers or music production companies.
Consider advanced degrees for specialized fields or academic positions.

More resources

American Composers Forum - Provides opportunities and resources for composers.
Society of Composers & Lyricists (SCL) - A professional organization for film, television, video game, and concert music composers and lyricists.
BMI - Offers royalty management and advocacy for composers.
Berklee College of Music Online - Provides online courses and degrees in music composition and production.

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Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.