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Conductor, Music Director
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
In general, orchestra and band conductors:
They also may:
Conductors usually schedule rehearsals, allowing sufficient time to prepare new works while reviewing the standard repertoire. The principal conductor or guest conductor meets separately with each soloist well in advance of a performance. They also work closely with concertmasters (principal solo violinists) in preparing for rehearsals.
A conductor’s reputation is based largely on presenting 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.
Some conductors hold the additional role of music director of an orchestra or musical group. Music directors make artistic decisions for the group, including choosing the repertoire and guest artists for the upcoming season.
Symphony orchestras often have a general manager who works closely with the music director or conductor to handle financial matters. Overseeing the activities of the music director and general manager is a board of directors.
In larger organizations, the management team also includes an artistic administrator. This person works closely with the conductor or music director and management and is usually a member of negotiating teams.
Guest conducting often involves a considerable amount of travelling. It may include conducting singers as well as players. Sometimes, orchestra conductors conduct several hundred performers at one time, including instrumentalists, choirs and soloists.
Conductors may work in indoor and outdoor settings, such as concert halls and city parks. Their working hours vary based on the nature of the task. For example, rehearsals and recording sessions are typically held during business hours, while performances mostly take place in the evenings and on weekends.
Orchestra and band conductors often must stand for long periods. They also must use repetitive motions with their arms and 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.
To find out how well this occupation fits your work personality types, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
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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.
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.
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Numbers and Patterns includes 10 abilities related to math, memorizing, and multitasking. It also includes how we perceive patterns, shapes, and distances.
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Physical Activity includes 9 abilities related to strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and endurance.
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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.
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Senses includes 12 abilities related to seeing, hearing, and speaking.
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Orchestra and band conductors need:
They should enjoy taking charge and controlling situations, and developing innovative approaches.
Orchestra and band conductors must have a thorough knowledge of music, beginning with the study of an instrument (usually the piano). In general, they need:
Conductors also may have:
Formal academic training for conductors often starts with a 4-year bachelor’s degree in music (for example, a BA, BFA, or B. Mus.). Most conductors continue their music education with a master’s degree or even a doctoral degree in music, or they study at a music conservatory. Admission to a graduate program generally requires an acceptable average in a related bachelor’s degree program.
Those wishing to teach music and conduct groups in schools may take any of the following education routes:
Aspiring conductors should observe well-known conductors in action. Some established conductors will allow conducting students to attend and observe working rehearsals. It may be possible for a student interested in conducting to assist a teacher or principal conductor with a youth orchestra or school band.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
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
There are many more conductors than orchestras and bands in Canada. Young conductors may start out by working with community and youth orchestras, as repetiteurs (a type of tutor) for opera ensembles or in staff, rehearsal or conductor-in-residence positions.
Conductors may work with:
School band or orchestra conductors may be expected to teach music classes as well as direct the school band or orchestra.
Conductors may gain recognition and visibility by:
Many conductors must work in other music-related areas to make a living while they study and gain experience. This may include performing, teaching, composing or arranging.
Orchestra and band conductors 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:
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.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. 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 school band conductors who have a degree and a teaching certificate are based on the individual’s qualifications and experience (for more information, see the Secondary School Teacher occupational profile). Community orchestras may pay conductors minimal salaries or token honorariums.
Fees and salaries for orchestra conductors generally are negotiated separately for each contract. In smaller orchestras, they can range significantly.
Orchestra/band conductors are part of the larger 2016 National Occupational Classification 5132: Conductors, composers and arrangers.
According to the 2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Conductors, composers and arrangers occupational group earned on average up to $37.80 an hour. The overall average was $29.84 an hour. For more information, see the Conductors, composers and arrangers wage profile.
Cultural Human Resources Council website: www.culturalhrc.ca
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Updated Mar 31, 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.