Artist, Music Composer
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
Interest in synthesizing information to invent melodic, harmonic and rhythmic structures in order to express ideas and emotions in musical forms such as symphonies, operas, and film and play scores
Interest in precision working to play instruments to assist in composing, arranging and orchestrating music; and in copying compositions to music paper
Interest in applying knowledge of harmony, counterpoint, orchestration and musical forms to create compositions and scores; may conduct and teach music
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Composers write music pieces that may vary in length and difficulty from symphonies to 30-second radio jingles. They have no other specific duties unless they:
Composers often develop a style of their own but may produce music in other styles when required by clients. For example, they may be commissioned to compose music for a live dance performance, a new symphony, or a film or television soundtrack. They may work closely with arrangers, orchestrators or music copyists to complete final scores, or with performers in rehearsals and recording sessions.
Film and television composers study films and scripts and work with producers and directors to define the nature and placement of the music so that it creates the desired effect.
Increasingly, composers are using computers and synthesizers to produce music scores, to orchestrate and to create new arrangements.
Most of the time, composers work alone. Their working environments and hours of work vary considerably.
Composers need to possess:
They should enjoy playing musical instruments and inventing melodic, harmonic and rhythmic structures to express ideas and emotions.
To succeed, composers must:
The ability to play a musical instrument is a definite asset, as is knowledge of related technologies such as Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) software and music notation programs. Composers of classical music also may need to understand other languages such as Italian, French or German.
Composers of popular music (for example, country and rock) often do not have extensive formal training. They may study alone, at a music conservatory or a college, or with accomplished musicians. For related information, see the Songwriter occupational profile.
For composers of concert music, developing a unique style is crucial. This requires listening to as much music as possible, studying scores from various musical styles, experimenting and gaining experience.
Post-secondary education in music provides excellent training and exposure to different musical styles. Most serious composers pursue further studies at a university or music conservatory. Some apprentice with a recognized, accomplished composer as part of their post-graduate training.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Certification is not required, as there is currently no legislation regulating this occupation.
Few composers earn a living from composition alone. To supplement their incomes, many do related work including:
Composers may be commissioned by a major arts organization or a provincial arts funding source to write a piece of music. There is considerable competition for grants and commissions.
Music publishers may be interested in listing new pieces of original music in their catalogues. However, many Canadian composers have begun publishing their own works to retain control over publishing and distribution. Some composers use a music agent to negotiate contracts and agreements.
Composers are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 5132: Conductors, composers and arrangers. In Alberta, 89% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook (PDF) in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Composers often negotiate their fees directly with employers. Fees vary widely and are not necessarily based on experience.
The Canadian League of Composers pays a flat per-minute rate to composers of commissioned works. The composer's reputation and talent determine the fee for most long commissioned pieces.
Composers are paid royalties from performances of their music. Royalties are collected and distributed by the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN).
Composers are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 5132: Conductors, composers and arrangers.
According to the 2015 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Conductors, composers and arrangers occupational group earned on average from $29.46 to $33.20 an hour. The overall average was $32.85 an hour. More recent data is not available.
Canadian League of Composers website: www.composition.org
Canadian Music Centre website: www.musiccentre.ca
Cultural Human Resources Council website: www.culturalhrc.ca
Screen Composers Guild of Canada website: screencomposers.ca
Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada website: www.socan.ca
For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.
Updated Mar 20, 2017. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.