27-2041.00 · Task explorer
Music Directors and Composers: reported tasks and exploration worksheet
Conduct, direct, plan, and lead instrumental or vocal performances by musical artists or groups, such as orchestras, bands, choirs, and glee clubs; or create original works of music.
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This source lists 30 tasks, including 27 marked Core and 1 marked Supplemental. Labels and dates are retained below. Employers can combine or divide these responsibilities differently; explore the task itself before assuming it belongs in every version of the role.
Task source dates: 08/2022, 11/2020.
30 tasks shown
Core · Task 22544 · 08/2022 · Incumbent
Use gestures to shape the music being played, communicating desired tempo, phrasing, tone, color, pitch, volume, and other performance aspects.
Core · Task 22545 · 08/2022 · Incumbent
Direct groups at rehearsals and live or recorded performances to achieve desired effects such as tonal and harmonic balance dynamics, rhythm, and tempo.
Core · Task 22546 · 08/2022 · Incumbent
Study scores to learn the music in detail, and to develop interpretations.
Core · Task 22547 · 08/2022 · Incumbent
Apply elements of music theory to create musical and tonal structures, including harmonies and melodies.
Core · Task 22548 · 08/2022 · Incumbent
Consider such factors as ensemble size and abilities, availability of scores, and the need for musical variety, to select music to be performed.
Core · Task 22549 · 08/2022 · Incumbent
Determine voices, instruments, harmonic structures, rhythms, tempos, and tone balances required to achieve the effects desired in a musical composition.
Core · Task 22550 · 08/2022 · Incumbent
Experiment with different sounds, and types and pieces of music, using synthesizers and computers as necessary to test and evaluate ideas.
Core · Task 22551 · 08/2022 · Incumbent
Transcribe ideas for musical compositions into musical notation, using instruments, pen and paper, or computers.
Core · Task 22552 · 08/2022 · Incumbent
Audition and select performers for musical presentations.
Core · Task 22553 · 08/2022 · Incumbent
Plan and schedule rehearsals and performances, and arrange details such as locations, accompanists, and instrumentalists.
Core · Task 22554 · 08/2022 · Incumbent
Write musical scores for orchestras, bands, choral groups, or individual instrumentalists or vocalists, using knowledge of music theory and of instrumental and vocal capabilities.
Core · Task 22555 · 08/2022 · Incumbent
Position members within groups to obtain balance among instrumental or vocal sections.
Core · Task 22556 · 08/2022 · Incumbent
Perform administrative tasks such as applying for grants, developing budgets, negotiating contracts, and designing and printing programs and other promotional materials.
Core · Task 22557 · 08/2022 · Incumbent
Confer with producers and directors to define the nature and placement of film or television music.
Core · Task 22558 · 08/2022 · Incumbent
Meet with soloists and concertmasters to discuss and prepare for performances.
Core · Task 22559 · 08/2022 · Incumbent
Fill in details of orchestral sketches, such as adding vocal parts to scores.
Core · Task 22560 · 08/2022 · Incumbent
Explore and develop musical ideas based on sources such as imagination or sounds in the environment.
Core · Task 22561 · 08/2022 · Incumbent
Write music for commercial mediums, including advertising jingles or film soundtracks.
Core · Task 22562 · 08/2022 · Incumbent
Transpose music from one voice or instrument to another to accommodate particular musicians.
Core · Task 22563 · 08/2022 · Incumbent
Rewrite original musical scores in different musical styles by changing rhythms, harmonies, or tempos.
Core · Task 22564 · 08/2022 · Incumbent
Arrange music composed by others, changing the music to achieve desired effects.
Core · Task 22565 · 08/2022 · Incumbent
Assign and review staff work in such areas as scoring, arranging, and copying music, and vocal coaching.
Core · Task 22566 · 08/2022 · Incumbent
Study films or scripts to determine how musical scores can be used to create desired effects or moods.
Core · Task 22567 · 08/2022 · Incumbent
Transcribe musical compositions and melodic lines to adapt them to a particular group, or to create a particular musical style.
Core · Task 22568 · 08/2022 · Incumbent
Create original musical forms, or write within circumscribed musical forms such as sonatas, symphonies, or operas.
Core · Task 22569 · 08/2022 · Incumbent
Collaborate with other colleagues, such as copyists, to complete final scores.
Core · Task 22570 · 08/2022 · Incumbent
Copy parts from scores for individual performers.
Supplemental · Task 22571 · 08/2022 · Incumbent
Coordinate and organize tours, or hire touring companies to arrange concert dates, venues, accommodations, and transportation for longer tours.
Unspecified · Task 22572 · 11/2020 · Analyst
Produce recordings of music.
Unspecified · Task 22573 · 11/2020 · Analyst
Stay abreast of the latest trends in music and music technology.
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Source and practice material
Occupational context uses the O*NET® 31.0 Database from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. View the occupation.
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