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Music Arranger
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
After studying an original piece of music, orchestrators and arrangers experiment with it and deconstruct then reassemble the piece using various combinations of instruments and musical variation to produce desired scores. Arrangers also may add vocal parts. The difference between orchestrators and arrangers is the degree to and method by which they change the original music.
Orchestrators distribute a musical composition’s parts among a larger group of instruments, assigning specific elements (passages) of a piece to particular instruments or sections to produce the desired tonal colour (variation of sound). Often, they do not make other changes to the original composition. Then they create each instrumental musical part on score paper. Often the original composer of a piece is also the orchestrator. Alternatively, the composer provides a general orchestral concept, and the orchestrator uses music notation software to prepare all of the instrumental parts in detail.
Arrangers make stylistic changes to the rhythm, genre or tempo of the original piece of music, to accommodate the requirements of a particular medium (band, orchestra, choral group, solo artist, film score, radio jingle). They may work on new arrangements of old hits. For example, they may arrange an old gospel tune in a jazz style. Alternatively, they may arrange new compositions for different media, or in different styles.
Arrangers often use synthesizers and computers to experiment with musical sounds. During recording sessions, arrangers may act as musical directors, selecting songs, scoring charts, rehearsing musicians and conducting the performance.
Orchestrators and arrangers use music notation software to copy their musical interpretations and prepare performance scores and parts for individual musicians or orchestral sections.
Orchestrators and arrangers generally determine their own working environment and working hours. However, they may be required to work long hours to meet tight deadlines.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in selecting instruments and voices to obtain desired style and effect by using knowledge of range, characteristics, limitations, key and talents of individual performers, and in transposing music from one medium to another
Interest in synthesizing effects of combinations of instruments, voices, harmonic structures, rhythms, tempos and musical dynamics to create arrangements
Interest in precision working to play musical instruments to become familiar with compositions to be adapted; and in transcribing compositions and melodic lines to modify them for arrangements
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
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 for this NOC group 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.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Orchestrators and arrangers need:
They should enjoy being creative and using instruments and computers to perform tasks requiring precision.
Arrangers and orchestrators generally begin training in music theory, history and performance at an early age. Most play at least 1 instrument and understand the ranges and techniques of other instruments and the human voice. In general, they must have:
Most post-secondary music programs include courses in orchestration.
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
Orchestrators and arrangers are almost always freelance artists who work on commission, as there are virtually no full-time positions. They are usually are hired by music producers, composers or performers. In large music centres in Canada, they also may work with:
Most orchestrators and arrangers also work part time in related fields such as composition, teaching, producing and performing (for more information, see Composer, Songwriter or Private Music Teacher). Experienced orchestrators and arrangers may move into fields such as music publishing or artist management.
Some orchestrators specialize in 1 type of music, such as choral works or pop music. However, the ability to work in several different media and music styles is a definite asset when looking for work.
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:
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.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta 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: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
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.
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.
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.
The American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM) pay scales for orchestrators vary with the number of lines on a page, the length of the piece and the medium. Most fees are negotiated between the client and the orchestrator. It is not essential for orchestrators and arrangers to belong to the AFM. However, some employers, particularly in film and television, hire only union members.
In some instances, arrangers negotiate royalty agreements for pieces of music they have arranged or recorded in addition to their fee.
Orchestrators/arrangers 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.
American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM) website: www.afm.org
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 (SOCAN) website: www.socan.com
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2021. 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.
