How to become a conductor, composer or arranger
Official title: Conductors, composers and arrangers
Also called: Arranger, Composer, Conductor, Band conductor, Music arranger, Choral conductor, Orchestral conductor, Orchestrator-arranger, Author-composer-performer, Writer-composer-performer, Singer-songwriter-composer, Maestro
Conductors, composers and arrangers conduct bands and orchestras, compose musical works and arrange instrumental and vocal compositions. They are employed by symphony and chamber orchestras, bands, choirs, sound recording companies, and orchestras for ballet and opera performances, or they may be self-employed.
Main tasks
- Conductors
- Select and interpret musical works and lead bands, orchestras and choirs during rehearsals and performances
- Composers
- Create musical compositions such as television and film scores, theme music, songs, symphonies and music for interactive products such as video games
- Arrangers
- Adapt and modify musical compositions to convey desired themes and to suit particular instrumental and vocal performances
- Conductors, composers and arrangers usually specialize in a particular genre of music such as classical, country, jazz or popular music
How to become one
A university degree in music or completion of a program at a music academy, conservatory or school of music is usually required. A period of specialized study related to conducting, composing or arranging is usually required. Experience as a musician is required. Musical and creative talent and ability, as demonstrated by a portfolio of work, are important hiring criteria.
Ways in
- University: Creative Arts & Design degrees, Offered by 18 universities in Canada
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $36,000 a year The middle half earn $13,100 to $65,500.
- About 3,500 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 4,000 are projected by 2033. (+14.3%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a conductor, composer or arranger?
A university degree in music or completion of a program at a music academy, conservatory or school of music is usually required. A period of specialized study related to conducting, composing or arranging is usually required. Experience as a musician is required. Musical and creative talent and ability, as demonstrated by a portfolio of work, are important hiring criteria.
How much does a conductor, composer or arranger earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $36,000 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $13,100 to $65,500.
Is a conductor, composer or arranger a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 14% by 2033, from about 3,500 to about 4,000 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a conductor, composer or arranger?
Not always. 56% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Creative Arts & Design degrees.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03