51121 - Conductors, Composers and Arrangers
Broad Occupation Category
5 - Occupations in art, culture, recreation and sport.
TEER
1 - Occupations usually require a university degree.
Major Group
51 - Professional occupations in art and culture.
Sub-major Group
511 - Professional occupations in art and culture.
Minor Group
5112 - Creative and performing artists.
Main Job Duties
Conductors, composers, and arrangers create, adapt, and lead musical productions:
- Select and interpret musical compositions for performance
- Lead orchestras, bands, and choirs during rehearsals and live performances
- Guide musicians to achieve artistic excellence and cohesion
- Compose original music for films, television, games, and live performances
- Create symphonies, songs, and thematic compositions
- Develop musical scores for multimedia and interactive productions
- Arrange and adapt musical works for different instruments or performance styles
- Modify compositions to achieve desired artistic or commercial outcomes
- Collaborate with directors, producers, and performers on music projects
- Oversee rehearsals and coordinate performance execution
- Record, edit, and produce music in studio environments
- Maintain a portfolio of original compositions and arrangements
Employment Requirements
These are the typical employment requirements and qualifications for this occupation in Canada:
- A university degree in music or completion of a program at a conservatory or music academy is usually required.
- Specialized training in conducting, composition, or arrangement is typically required.
- Extensive experience as a musician or performer is required.
- A portfolio demonstrating musical and creative ability is essential.
- Strong knowledge of music theory, composition, and orchestration is required.
- Experience with digital music production tools and recording software is an asset.
- Collaboration and communication skills are important for working with creative teams.
- Foreign-trained professionals may require an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
- Eligibility for immigration pathways depends on education, experience, and language proficiency.
Music Professional Salary Prospects
Community/Area
Low ($/hour)
Median ($/hour)
High ($/hour)
Community/AreaCanada
Low ($/hour)14.27
Median ($/hour)18.76
High ($/hour)45.75
Community/AreaBritish Columbia
Low ($/hour)18.50
Median ($/hour)18.50
High ($/hour)54.39
Community/AreaOntario
Low ($/hour)18.36
Median ($/hour)20.47
High ($/hour)48.95
