Composer (Music)

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Work Tasks

COMPOSERS (MUSIC) write compositions for musical instruments and performers. Composers create original music such as symphonies, operas, sonatas, musicals, or popular songs. They transcribe ideas into musical notation using their knowledge of harmony, rhythm, melody, tonal structure, and other elements of music theory. Successful composers receive commissions to write for specific occasions, ensembles, soloists, or institutions.

Salary, Size & Growth

• $56,000 average per year ($27.00 per hour)
• A small occupation (20,600 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow moderately (1.0% per year)

Entry Requirements

COMPOSERS (MUSIC) should have musical talent and creative ability. They need training in musical theory, music interpretation, composition, conducting, and performance. Composers need considerable related work experience or advanced training in these subjects. A bachelor's degree may be sufficient to teach basic courses. A master's or doctoral degree is usually required to teach advanced courses in music in colleges and universities.