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Band Conductor, Choir Director, Conductor, Music Director, Orchestra Conductor
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.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Music conductors direct performers in musical groups, whether choral, instrumental, or both. They use conducting techniques to communicate their musical intentions. These include tempo, phrasing, tone, colour, pitch, volume, and desired quality. They use gestures to shape the music and keep performers in time.
Music conductors develop their own interpretation of musical scores. They study musical scores to learn the music in detail. They may contact music composers to discuss their interpretations.
When choosing music, conductors consider:
The size of the ensemble
The interests, abilities, and strengths of ensemble members
Providing variety and challenge to both audience and performers
The suitability of the music for different performance situations
The availability and skill level of performers, including guest performers
Budget limitations
The availability of musical scores
They may work with music librarians to ensure musical scores are available.
Music conductors direct rehearsals and performances. Their preparation and enthusiasm contributes greatly to the success of rehearsals and to the quality of the final performance. They plan for enough time to prepare new works while reviewing the standard repertoire. Music conductors plan rehearsals to fit with scheduled performances.
Music conductors recruit and educate the performers in their ensembles. For auditioned groups, they hold auditions to choose performers to join the group. Music conductors meet separately with soloists well in advance of a performance. Soloists may sometimes be guest performers who join the ensemble temporarily.
Music conductors may also perform administrative tasks. They:
Schedule rehearsals and performances, including coordinating with other choral, symphonic, and operatic engagements
Organize tours or hire touring companies to arrange concert dates, venues, accommodation, and transportation
Apply for grants
Establish budgets
Arrange recordings and negotiate contracts for them
Produce promotional materials to advertise the ensemble
In addition to the duties above, different types of music conductors may have other duties.
Choral conductors may be responsible for other administrative duties if the ensemble does not have a manager or administrative assistant. They may ask choir members to help with administrative functions. As part of their administrative duties, choral conductors may:
Plan and implement fundraising activities
Book rehearsal and performance venues
Order musical scores
Set up the seating of the performers
Encourage regular attendance and commitment from members
Organize and enforce uniforms
Work with clergy to choose music for church services
Coordinate parent and other support groups
Once the regular performance season is over, some choral ensembles tour locally, nationally, or internationally.
The reputation of an orchestra or band conductor is based largely on conveying a strong, dynamic presence as a leader. This comes from exceptional talent (most conductors are outstanding performers themselves), a unique style, and an ability to communicate with musicians individually and collectively.
Orchestra or band conductors might contact and meet with composers to discuss interpretations of their work. They work closely with concertmasters (principal solo violinists) in preparing for rehearsals.
In some organizations, music conductors may hold the additional role of music director. Music directors make artistic decisions for the group. This includes choosing the repertoire and guest artists for the upcoming season.
Larger groups such as symphony orchestras usually have a management team. They handle the tasks not directly related to musical performance.
When preparing scores and performing administrative tasks, music conductors work alone. On some tasks, they work with performers and others. Orchestra conductors may conduct several hundred performers at one time. This can include instrumentalists, choirs, and soloists.
They often work long hours to rehearse and to prepare new musical works for the group.
Their working hours vary based on the task. For example, rehearsals and recording sessions usually happen during business hours. Performances mostly take place in the evenings and on weekends.
Conductors may work in indoor and outdoor settings, such as concert halls and city parks.
Guest conductors travel often.
Music conductors often stand for long periods. They also use repetitive motions with their arms. As a result, they may experience repetitive strain injuries.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Many NOC groups include 1 or more related occupations. The labour market data shown is for the whole group, not for a specific occupation. For examples, see Note.
To find out how well this occupation fits your work personality types, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
Click or tap a personality type for its description.
Find other alis occupations that match this occupation’s work personalities.
To identify or change your work personalities, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Many NOC groups include 1 or more related occupations. The labour market data shown is for the whole group, not for a specific occupation. For examples, see Note.
Conductors
2023 OaSIS: 51121.01
The graph below shows how well your scores match the overall abilities for this occupation.
The closer your ability scores are to the center, the more they match this occupation’s. The further away they are, the less they match this occupation’s.
The lower your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the more challenging the occupation will likely be for you. The higher your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the less challenging the occupation will likely be for you.
To find out how well this occupation fits your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
The 49 abilities are grouped into 5 abilities sets: Critical Thinking, Numbers and Patterns, Physical Activity, Mind-Body Coordination, and Senses.
Some abilities are more relevant to an occupation than other abilities. Individual abilities that are not relevant to an occupation are greyed out.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
Critical Thinking includes 9 abilities related to identifying and solving problems, thinking of ideas, and communication, such as speaking and writing.
This is how well your scores match the set of Critical Thinking abilities for this occupation:
Numbers and Patterns includes 10 abilities related to math, memorizing, and multitasking. It also includes how we perceive patterns, shapes, and distances.
This is how well your scores match the set of Numbers and Patterns abilities for this occupation:
Physical Activity includes 9 abilities related to strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and endurance.
This is how well your scores match the set of Physical Activity abilities for this occupation:
Mind-Body Coordination includes 9 abilities related to movement control and how we react to signals. It also includes fine motor skills, such finger and hand dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
This is how well your scores match the set of Mind-Body Coordination abilities for this occupation:
Senses includes 12 abilities related to seeing, hearing, and speaking.
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Music conductors need:
Music conductors should enjoy:
Music conductors need excellent musical ability and a thorough music education. In general, they need:
Music conductors start with performance, whether by singing or playing an instrument. Orchestra or band conductors need to have mastered at least 1 instrument. This is usually the piano.
Over time, they gain in-depth knowledge of composers, including their repertoires, backgrounds, and intentions. This knowledge helps conductors interpret and choose appropriate music for an ensemble.
Requirements for music conductors vary depending on the type of group they direct. For example:
Formal academic training for music conductors often starts with a 4-year bachelor’s degree in music. This could be:
Those wishing to teach music and conduct groups in schools may take any of the following routes:
For choral conductors and other interested individuals, Choir Alberta offers resources, educational opportunities, and professional development programs throughout the province.
Most orchestra or band conductors continue their music education with a master’s degree or a doctoral degree in music. They may study at a music conservatory. Admission to a graduate program generally requires an acceptable average in a related bachelor’s degree program.
Orchestra or band conductors also may:
Aspiring orchestra or band conductors should observe experienced conductors in action. Some established conductors will allow conducting students to observe working rehearsals. A student interested in conducting may be able to assist a teacher or principal conductor with a youth orchestra or school band.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Music conductors work with:
Community, church, or children’s groups
Elementary and secondary school groups
College or university groups
Small professional ensembles (chamber choirs, chamber orchestras, jazz and dance bands, wind ensembles)
Amateur groups
Choral conductors may also work with opera choruses and other groups that specialize in particular periods or styles of music.
Orchestra or band conductors may also work with:
Concert bands
Marching bands
Symphony orchestras
Jazz bands
Orchestras for ballet, musical theatre, and opera performances
There are more music conductors than choirs, orchestras, or bands in Canada. Young conductors may start out by working:
With community and youth groups
As repetiteurs (a type of tutor) for opera ensembles
In staff, rehearsal, or conductor-in-residence positions
A music conductor working in a school often also teaches. Usually they teach music, but in many schools, they teach other subjects as well.
University and college positions are limited in number. Music conductors in these positions have both teaching and conducting responsibilities. These positions usually require a master’s degree in music and often a doctoral degree.
Church music conductors may have other duties. For example, they could also plan the musical parts of worship services or perform during services.
Exceptional music conductors are sometimes hired nationally or internationally as guest conductors for particular performances.
Conductors may gain recognition and visibility by:
Attending conductor training workshops
Working with soloists who are impressed with a conductor’s performance
Working with composers of new works
Winning awards at national and international competitions
Obtaining study grants and scholarships to study abroad
Guest conducting with other orchestras or bands
Judging at festivals
Presenting at conferences
Not many professional music groups in Canada offer full-time employment. Many music conductors hold other jobs to make a living while they study and gain experience. These may be in music-related areas such as performing, teaching, composing, or arranging. They might also work in occupations not related to music.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Conductors, composers and arrangers
2016 NOC: 5132
97.2% of people in this occupational group work in:
Many NOC groups include 1 or more related occupations. The labour market data shown is for the whole group, not for a specific occupation. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the Alberta job market condition, or short-term demand forecast, for this occupation over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
Many NOC groups include 1 or more related occupations. The labour market data shown is for the whole group, not for a specific occupation. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
Many NOC groups include 1 or more related occupations. The labour market data shown is for the whole group, not for a specific occupation. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Salaries for choir conductors vary depending on qualifications and experience. Church conductors may have lower salaries, or they may volunteer. Amateur community groups may pay conductors minimal salaries or token honorariums.
Fees and salaries for orchestra or band conductors generally are negotiated separately for each contract. In smaller orchestras, they can vary significantly.
Salaries for school music conductors with a degree and a teaching certificate vary. It depends on the individual’s qualifications and experience. For more information, see the Secondary School Teacher occupational profile.
Music conductors are part of the larger 2021 National Occupational Classification 51121: Conductors, composers and arrangers.
According to the 2023 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Conductors, composers and arrangers occupational group earned on average from $29.77 to $98.33 an hour. The overall average was $53.29 an hour. For more information, see the Conductors, composers and arrangers wage profile.
Alberta Band Association website: www.albertabands.com
Choir Alberta website: www.choiralberta.ca
Cultural Human Resources Council website: www.culturalhrc.ca
Women Band Directors International website: womenbanddirectors.org
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2024. 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.
