There are a variety of music director jobs available to individuals with the appropriate credentials and experience, a passion for music and a knack for organization. Music directors in general often work in a church, school, or with a group of performing artists. Each of these jobs has similar basic duties but also unique demands that differ from one another. The job requires a thorough knowledge of the music being played, the instrumentation, and the business sense that helps keep each group active.
Music is a major part of many religious services, and there are many church music director jobs that help provide this accompaniment. This role requires the director to have a thorough knowledge of religious music in order to plan the songs to accompany a weekly and sometimes more frequent service schedule. The music director job at a church requires the knowledge of playing a piano or organ and being able to sing; smaller churches frequently have the director act as the main performer. Larger churches often utilize multiple musicians and choirs, so this job requires an ability to evaluate talent, schedule rehearsals, and prepare musicians and singers.
Private and public schools with music programs also offer opportunities for music director jobs. School directors might have to teach music classes as part of the job duties, which might also require a teaching certificate. The major responsibility of a music director in a school is to coordinate the music program by organizing performances, rehearsals, and tryouts for vocal and instrumental groups. Fundraising is frequently a major part of the job due to budgetary constraints; putting on charitable performances and concerts are often required in order to build an operating budget.
Music director jobs with performing groups requires a wide array of talents to maintain the group's viability. Choirs and other groups, such as symphony orchestra or chamber ensembles, employ the skills of a music director so the performers can focus on their individual skills. Music director jobs with groups begin by choosing the music that is appropriate for the group and securing the sheet music for a performance. Auditioning and rehearsing with the group is important; this is especially true with volunteer musical groups because members have other jobs and the turnover rate can be high. Administrative duties ranging from scheduling performances, making travel arrangements, and monitoring the budget are all common and often necessary elements of the music director job.