Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Music Director
What music directors actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a music director?
Study a score. From there, the day usually includes select music, run rehearsals, and conduct performances. Evening and weekend rehearsals and performances.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a music director working full time.
- Study a score.
- Arrange a piece.
- Meet the church staff.
- Compose for a game.
- Rehearse the choir.
- Rehearse the orchestra.
- Mark parts.
Where music directors work
Music directors work in concert halls, churches, schools, theaters and studios.
Hours and schedule
Evening and weekend rehearsals and performances.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Select music
- Run rehearsals
- Conduct performances
- Audition musicians
- Compose and arrange
- Plan seasons
- Work with producers
Tools you’ll use every day
- Scores
- Notation software
- Digital audio workstations
- Pianos
- Batons
- Recording gear
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Make music for a living
- Creative leadership
- Varied work
- Community impact
What’s hard
- Competitive
- Irregular income
- Evening and weekend work
- Many part-time roles
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I love music
- I can lead musicians
- I hear details
- I like composing
- I don’t mind evenings
- I can handle irregular income
Not sure? Take the free Music Director fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Protect hearing
- Prevent repetitive strain
- Maintain safe stages
- Manage vocal health