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Military Music Composers and Arrangers

Military Career

General Information

Description

Music composers and arrangers write and transcribe musical scores. They adapt music into customized musical arrangements and create original music for various musical ensembles. Knowledge of music theory, transpositions, capabilities of instruments, and the ability to arrange and compose music using industry standard software are mandatory. Music composers may lead or direct other musicians.

Work Environment

Music composers and arrangers work indoors in theaters, concert halls, and at dances, and outdoors at parades and open-air concerts.  They also travel regularly.

Related Military Careers

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Military Outlook

Service Branches

Jobs in this career field may be available in other service branches. Call or email a particular branch for more info.

Military Status

  • Enlisted
    • Hands-on/specialized
    • High school diploma required

Military Workforce

Music Composers and Arrangers in the Military

1,191

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Salary

Salary Information

Median Military Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.

$74,470

Military Salary Range Salary varies based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location. Learn more about Military benefits.

$26,567 - $194,005

What makes up a Military salary?

Military salaries include a lot more than just base pay.

They also offer:

  • Housing allowances
  • Subsistence allowances
  • Special and incentive pays
  • Cost-of-living allowances
  • Hazardous-duty pay
  • Bonuses

Learn more about what goes into a salary with the compensation estimator

Learn more about military insurance and retirement benefits

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Education

Military training

All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training.  Although musicians must be musically proficient to enter the service, music training is given to new band members. Music composers and arrangers in the Military will gain skills through regular rehearsals, individual practice, and on-the-job experience. Job-specific training content may include: Music theoryGroup instrumental techniquesIndividual instrumental fundamentalsSight-reading musical scoresDance band techniquesPercussion techniques

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Military training

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All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training.  Although musicians must be musically proficient to enter the service, music training is given to new band members. Music composers and arrangers in the Military will gain skills through regular rehearsals, individual practice, and on-the-job experience. Job-specific training content may include:

  • Music theory
  • Group instrumental techniques
  • Individual instrumental fundamentals
  • Sight-reading musical scores
  • Dance band techniques
  • Percussion techniques

No Information for this section

Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.