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Composer, Librettist, Lyricist, Writer
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:
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 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
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.
Songwriters write songs for particular events, artists or media, such as musical theatre, radio advertising, film or television. In addition to composing the music, they may also be lyricists or librettists:
Songwriting is a very personal process. There are as many ways to write a song as there are people who write them. Some songwriters write the lyrics first and the melody later. Others compose the melody first and add the words later. Either way, they typically rework both the lyrics and the melody many times to produce a finished product.
Songwriters may record demos on home sound-recording systems or in professional studios. Many songwriters are musicians and singers themselves, and record their own demos by accompanying themselves on the piano or guitar. They may hire side musicians or singers to perform as well.
To market their work, songwriters may:
The ultimate goal for many songwriters is to have their songs chosen by record companies, music publishers or recording artists, and have them turn it into a hit single.
Songwriters often work alone, although they sometimes work with others as collaborators. Their hours of work and working environments vary considerably. Those who write advertising jingles for radio and television commercials must be able to work under the pressure of tight deadlines.
Songwriters need:
Songwriters should enjoy the creative process and the self-expression involved in their craft.
Although no formal training is required, songwriters need an excellent working knowledge of the language they compose lyrics in, and the ability to create original works using typical song structures. It is helpful to have:
The Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN) offers songwriting workshops and seminars periodically in larger centres across Canada.
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 search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
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.
Many people can write songs, but relatively few can write songs with commercial value. For some, writing advertising jingles is a stepping stone to becoming a lyricist or songwriter. These positions may work under contract with advertising agencies or radio and television stations.
Most songwriters send copies of their demos to:
Publishers, singers and producers are always on the lookout for good material. They listen to hundreds of new songs each year. However, they often are overwhelmed with requests to listen to new material. This means novice songwriters need to develop contacts to get their music heard.
Many songwriters post their demos on social media, in an effort to independently attract a following who appreciate their work. Often, gathering a large enough following online is sufficient to get a songwriter noticed by industry publishers, producers or artists.
Songwriters 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:
Songwriters are paid royalties for performances of their work. In Canada, performance rights royalties are collected and distributed by the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada. Therefore, to receive royalties, songwriters must be members of SOCAN and register their work.
Songwriters earn royalties from:
Songwriters who do not assign their works to publishers are entitled to all of the royalties for performances of their work. Those who assign their works to publishers usually receive 50%. Some songwriters own and operate their own publishing companies. However, those who are new to the field usually earn more if they have a contract with an established publishing company.
Songwriters 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.
Alberta Music Industry Association website: www.albertamusic.org
Cultural Human Resources Council website: www.culturalhrc.ca
Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada website: www.socan.ca
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.