Music Directors
Background
Bands have a long tradition in the armed services. Military bands all over the world provide music for marching and parade activities, concerts, and stage presentations. Music directors conduct band performances during concerts and parades. Music directors plan, develop, and direct the activities of military bands.
What They Do
Music directors in the military perform some or all of the following duties:
- Determine funding needs for bands and choirs
- Lead bands and choirs in performances
- Plan musical programs
- Plan purchases of instruments, equipment, and facilities
- Provide commanders with ideas for musical programs and ceremonies
- Supervise training and rehearsal of musicians and choirs
Physical Demands
A "good ear" for musical notes is required.
Special Requirements
A four-year college degree in music or music education is required to enter this career.
Helpful Attributes
Helpful attributes include:
- Appreciation for many types of music, including marches, classics, pop, and jazz
- Interest in music theory
- Interest in planning and organizing the work of others
Helpful School Subjects
No information available.
Helpful Fields of Study
No information available.
Work Environment
Music directors usually work in offices and band halls. They may work outdoors when conducting or practicing for parades.
Services offering this career:
- Air Force
- Army
- Coast Guard
- Marine Corps
- Navy
Hiring Practices
To serve in the military, a person must be at least 17; the maximum age for enlistment varies. To enlist, a person must pass a physical exam and an aptitude test. An enlistee must also meet military standards of discipline and be a US citizen or permanent resident alien.
This position is for officers.
Wages
The military is competitive with the civilian world when it comes to pay and benefits. All branches offer the same basic pay and benefits.
Pay depends mainly on rank or grade as well as length of service. Bonuses and the situation in which the person is serving (for example: flight duty, sea duty, hazardous duty) also affect pay.
Cost-of-living increases usually occur every year, based on inflation. The military also pays allowances for food, clothing, and housing. All these factors combined are called Regular Military Compensation (RMC). They should all be considered when comparing military pay to civilian pay.
There are two main parts to RMC: basic pay and allowances. There are also additional incentives for special abilities, training, or hazardous duty.
Check out the RMC Calculator to calculate your RMC based on your inputs.
Training Provided
Job training consists of 20 to 40 weeks of classroom instruction. Training length varies depending on specialty.
Course content typically includes:
- Band administration and management
- Band arranging and conducting
- Concert and marching band styles and techniques
Civilian Counterparts
Many civilian music directors work for college and high school music departments or civic and community orchestras. Others work in the motion picture, television, and studio recording industries. Civilian music directors perform duties similar to those performed in the military. They may also be called band directors, band leaders, orchestra leaders, or conductors.
Related Civilian Careers
Employment and Outlook
In peace time the services have about 100 music directors. In times of military action the number may be different, depending on the type of specialties required. Each year the services need new directors due to changes in personnel and the demands of the field. After job training, music directors are assigned to military band units, where they plan and direct musical programs. With experience, they may assume command of larger military bands or direct the activities of several bands.