Composer
Also known as: theatre music composer, sound track composer, singer-songwriter, music producer, music composer and producer, film music composer
About this occupation
Composers create new music pieces in a variety of styles. They usually note down the created music in musical notation. Composers may work independently or as part of a group or ensemble. Many create pieces to support film, television, games or live performances.
Essential skills and knowledge
- create musical structures
- select elements for a composition
- create musical forms
- read musical score
- transpose music
- evaluate musical ideas
- complete final musical scores
- develop musical ideas
- study music
- rewrite musical scores
- work out orchestral sketches
- transcribe ideas into musical notation
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Music Directors and Composers (O*NET 27-2041.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- 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.
- Typical education (US)
- Master's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Artistic, Enterprising, Social
Top skills: Active Listening, Speaking, Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Judgment and Decision Making, Writing
US median pay: US$73,710 a year (2025), 12,540 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Fine Art or Music or Drama and TheatreO*NET: Fine ArtsExtremely important (4.7)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.8)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.4)
- Divinity or PhilosophyO*NET: Philosophy and TheologyImportant (3.1)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Master's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Musicians and Singers
- Choreographers
- Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
- Producers and Directors
- Talent Directors
- Music Therapists
- Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
- Art Directors
- Media Programming Directors
- Film and Video Editors
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.