Music Composer: Career Info and Requirements for Becoming a Professional Composer
Music Composers produce, arrange and create music of all styles, from symphonies to rock to jingles. Today, many universities offer bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs in Music Composition to give students the knowledge they need to chase their dreams of becoming professional Music Composers.
Music Composer Career Definition
Music Composers can do more than just create music for a large audience, as enviable as that sounds. Jobs are available conducting orchestras, composing soundtracks for films, writing songs for commercials, producing records and teaching. Many Music Composers find work in media-centric cities such as New York or Los Angeles; however, Music Composers can find jobs all over the country since most cities (and even small towns) have local music groups and performance venues perfect for people to create and hone their art.
How to Become a Music Composer
Required Education for a Career in Music Composition
Many colleges and universities offer degrees such as a Bachelor of Arts in Music Composition, a Bachelor of Music in Music Composition or a Bachelor of Science in Music Composition. Graduate degree possibilities include a Master of Arts in Music Composition, a Master of Music in Music Composition and a Doctor of Philosophy in Music Composition. In most cases, an audition is required for students interested in pursuing these degrees; many schools also require students to perform their own compositions at a recital. Most bachelor's degree programs in Music Composition are rigorous and take four years or more to complete.
Skills Required for a Career as a Music Composer
Being a naturally talented musician is the first key to unlocking a career as a Music Composer. Proficiency with multiple instruments, singing abilities and an appreciation of music history are all helpful attributes. Patience, persistence and the ability to network and market one's talents are also needed in this daunting profession.
Economic Outlook of Music Composition
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that an estimated 68,000 people worked as music directors or Music Composers in 2006. The median annual earnings for composers and music directors was $39,750. Job growth is expected to be 11% over the next decade, with employment opportunities more likely in music industry strongholds such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Las Vegas and Nashville.
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5 Popular Schools
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
- Florida (1 campus)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Master
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- MA in Music and Worship Studies
- MA in Ethnomusicology
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- Master of Arts in Worship - Ethnomusicology
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Florida (1 campus)
- Nevada (1 campus)
Classroom-Based Programs
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School locations:
- California (5 campuses)
- Colorado (1 campus)
- Florida (1)
- Georgia (1)
- Illinois (2)
- Massachusetts (1)
- Michigan (1)
- Minnesota (1)
- Nevada (1)
- Pennsylvania (1)
- Tennessee (1)
- Texas (3)
- Virginia (1)
- Washington (1)
Classroom-Based Programs
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Bachelor
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- Bachelor in Audio & Media Technology
- Bachelor in Audio Design Technology
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- Bachelor in Audio Production
- Bachelor in Sound & Motion Picture Technical Arts
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Associate
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- Associate in Audio Production
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
School locations:
- Online Learning
Distance Learning Programs
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Non-Degree
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- Career Diploma in Artist: Comprehensive
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Other Schools:
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School locations:
- Michigan (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at University of Michigan include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Post Degree Certificate: Post Master's Certificate, Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Dance
- Design and Applied Arts
- Drama and Theatre Arts
- Fine Arts and Studio Art
- Musical Arts
- Jazz
- Music Composition and Theory
- Music History and Literature
- Music Performing
- Musical Conducting
- Piano and Organ
- Stringed Instruments
- Photography, Film, and Video
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School locations:
- Texas (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Texas Tech University include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Dance
- Design and Applied Arts
- Drama and Theatre Arts
- Fine Arts and Studio Art
- Musical Arts
- Music Composition and Theory
- Music Pedagogy
- Music Performing
- Musical Conducting
- Musicology and Ethnomusicology
- Piano and Organ
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School locations:
- Arizona (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Northern Arizona University include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Design and Applied Arts
- Drama and Theatre Arts
- Fine Arts and Studio Art
- Musical Arts
- Music Composition and Theory
- Music History and Literature
- Music Performing
- Musical Conducting
- Voice and Opera
- Photography, Film, and Video
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School locations:
- Washington (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at University of Washington include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Dance
- Design and Applied Arts
- Drama and Theatre Arts
- Fine Arts and Studio Art
- Musical Arts
- Jazz
- Music Composition and Theory
- Music History and Literature
- Music Merchandising and Management
- Music Performing
- Musical Conducting
- Musicology and Ethnomusicology
- Piano and Organ
- Stringed Instruments
- Voice and Opera
- Photography, Film, and Video
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School locations:
- Ohio (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at University of Cincinnati include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Post Degree Certificate: Post Master's Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Dance
- Design and Applied Arts
- Drama and Theatre Arts
- Fine Arts and Studio Art
- Musical Arts
- Music Composition and Theory
- Music History and Literature
- Music Merchandising and Management
- Music Performing
- Musical Conducting
- Piano and Organ
- Voice and Opera
