What Does a Musical Director Do? Job Description and Responsibilities

Music directors, sometimes called conductors, prepare musical groups for performances and lead and direct them during the performances. A music director may work with an orchestra or other musical groups, such as choirs and bands.

Have you ever seen a musical theatre production or an opera that moved you emotionally? Do you enjoy spending your free time playing instruments or singing? If you’re considering turning your passion into a career, there are plenty of different opportunities within the music industry, such as the high-level role of the music director.

In This Article:

• What Is a Music Director?
• Which Skills and Characteristics Are Important for a Music Director?
• Where Do Music Directors Work?
• Which Music Degree Do I Need to Become a Music Director?
• Enroll in a Music Program at GCU

What Is a Music Director?

A music director oversees the development, rehearsal and live performance of the musical elements of a show. They may work with bands, choirs, orchestras, or even individual musicians. They are responsible for holding auditions to find the right musical talent, providing musical training and guidance and leading the musicians during the live performance. They also select the music to be performed and sometimes they may compose or modify scores to be performed.

What does a music director do from one day to the next? The specific responsibilities vary depending on the employer and the musical production. In general, however, a music director’s job description may include the following tasks:

• Selecting the compositions and other musical arrangements that the group will perform live or during a recording session
• Auditioning new performers and selecting guest performers and soloists
• Scheduling, coordinating and directing rehearsals, preparing the musical group for the live performance or recording session
• Providing feedback to section leaders and individual musicians, working toward improving the sound, style, rhythm and timing
• Consulting with other professionals, such as the sound designer and stage manager, to ensure the production is executed with a cohesive vision

The overall job of the music director is to conduct and lead the musical group. However, a music director can wear many hats, particularly at smaller companies. Sometimes, music directors may be responsible for meeting with potential donors to the organization. They may attend fundraisers to help encourage donors and the community as a whole to support the organization.

Which Skills and Characteristics Are Important for a Music Director?

Music directors are expected to be experienced and accomplished musicians.¹ Some music directors might be able to play multiple musical instruments. The piano is a good starting instrument for aspiring directors, as music directors may play the piano to accompany rehearsals. 

Other essential skills include the following:¹

• Ability to read music and direct musical groups
• Broad knowledge of music and musical instruments
• Musical composition
• Interpersonal skills
• Leadership skills
• Attention to detail
• Communication skills
• Organization

Where Do Music Directors Work?

Many music directors work as freelancers hired to oversee a particular production for a performing arts company, such as a theatre company, an opera company or even a university. Music recording companies, movie studios and schools are other employers of these professionals.²

Some music directors may work within religious organizations, including churches.² Here, they are typically responsible for overseeing the musical aspects of each service, from coordinating the choir’s rehearsals to conducting a band during service to auditioning new singers. The music director may be called a worship leader or worship director in a church or other worship service setting.

Which Music Degree Do I Need to Become a Music Director?

It’s typical for music directors to have a bachelor’s degree as the minimum requirement. While there are no specific requirements, aspiring music directors should major in music, such as piano, instrumental or voice performance.¹ 

Of course, college should not be your first exposure to music performance. Future music majors are generally expected to demonstrate a robust commitment to music performance in high school. Take advantage of all music-related classes your high school offers and sign up for band, the choir or any other musical groups available. 

When you are ready to apply to universities for an undergraduate degree, you should look for a school with a thriving performing arts department. Try finding one that holds theatrical and musical productions you can participate in regularly. Your experience could add merit to your resume and give you invaluable experience. 

There is no one universally accepted music director degree program. Instead, look for a relevant Bachelor of Arts in Music degree, such as one that specializes in piano performance, instrumental performance, vocal performance or orchestral instruments. If you aspire to lead musical performances within a religious setting, look for a degree program aligned with the worship arts.

The specific classes you’ll take depend on the major you’ve chosen. In general, however, music majors can expect to examine music theory, the history of music and its various genres, specific styles of music, and music performance. Much of your time as an undergraduate music major will be spent in private and/or group instruction, and you should expect to spend a great deal of your free time practicing your chosen instruments. 

After graduating, you will be ready to look for work. Note that the music director is often at the top of the hierarchy within a theater company or opera house. You must first gain work experience at lower-level positions.¹

Consider gaining music experience by auditioning for musicals or joining a choir. For example, you might sing at your church or start or join a band. Any sort of musical experience could prove useful for you, and it can provide opportunities to build a professional network.

During these early years of your career, it is in your best interest to continually seek additional responsibilities above and beyond the typical music director job description. A demonstration of a strong, steadfast work ethic can help you build a positive reputation for reliability and professionalism within the workplace. You will also gain experience that you may be able to use as a springboard to eventually interview for a music director position.

With an undergraduate degree, you may be prepared to pursue opportunities as a choral director, band director or arranger. Alternatively, you might aspire to compose popular music for record companies or movie studios. You may want to consider a degree in commercial music or music production. If you feel inspired to serve Christ and His people, you might instead pursue a career in the worship arts.³ 

Enroll in a Music Program at GCU

Grand Canyon University nurtures a thriving performing arts community on our campus in Phoenix. The College of Arts and Media encourages our students to follow their passion and cultivate creativity within our supportive, close-knit learning community. Here, you can choose from a wide range of fine arts degrees, including multiple music majors and emphases. 

Apply to the Bachelor of Arts in Music with an Emphasis in Instrumental Performance degree, for example, or consider earning a Bachelor of Arts in Music with an Emphasis in Voice Performance degree. Applicants to a music performance degree program or emphasis may be required to undergo an audition prior to acceptance. If accepted, you can expect both private and group instruction in music, along with numerous opportunities to practice your skills in live performances

Fill out the form on this page to request a consultation with a university counselor and begin planning your musical future at GCU!