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Military Music Directors

Military Career

General Information

Description

Military music directors direct and conduct instrumental and vocal performances by musical groups, such as orchestras, bands, or choirs. They ensure that musicians play with one coherent sound, balancing the melody, timing, rhythm, and volume. They usually work in offices and band halls but may work outdoors when conducting or practicing for parades.

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Work Environment

Music directors usually work in offices and band halls. They may work outdoors when conducting or practicing for parades.

Workplace at a Glance

What you can expect to experience while on the job

  • Responsibility
  • Exposure to job hazards
  • Physical activity
  • Decision making
  • Repetitiveness
  • Level of competition
  • Time pressure

Comparable Industries

  • Arts, Audio/Video Technology & Communications

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

  • Officer
    • Managerial/professional
    • College degree required

Military Workforce

Music Directors in the Military

135

No Information for this section

Salary

Salary Information

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

$109,740

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

$51,242 - $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

Most Common Education Levels

People in this career achieve this level of education.

  • Master's degree 28%
  • Bachelor's degree 24%
  • Doctoral degree 20%
  • Associate's degree 7%
  • Some college 6%
  • Less than high school 5%
  • High school 3%
  • Post baccalaureate 2%
  • Post-master's certificate 1%
  • Post-doctoral training 0%
  • First professional degree 0%
  • Post-secondary certificate 0%

Military training

Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree; enlisted service members can transition to officer positions through a variety of pathways and earn a degree while serving. Military music directors come to the job with knowledge of organization, mission, and capabilities of military bands, as well as a mastery of music theory. Job training for music directors primarily consists of classroom instruction and on-the-job learning in various training environments. Like other officers, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development. Job-specific training content may include: Band arranging and conductingConcert and marching band styles and techniquesBand administration and management

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Military training

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Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree; enlisted service members can transition to officer positions through a variety of pathways and earn a degree while serving. Military music directors come to the job with knowledge of organization, mission, and capabilities of military bands, as well as a mastery of music theory. Job training for music directors primarily consists of classroom instruction and on-the-job learning in various training environments. Like other officers, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development. Job-specific training content may include:

  • Band arranging and conducting
  • Concert and marching band styles and techniques
  • Band administration and management

Skills at a Glance

Skills helpful in this career

  • Verbal skills
  • Critical thinking & problem solving
  • Equipment operation & maintenance
  • Math & science skills
  • Technology design & control
  • Leadership

Related College Majors

Select major to see colleges that offer it

Knowledge

  • Fine Arts
  • English Language
  • Education and Training
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Administrative

Gain insights into your knowledge by using the ASVAB Career Exploration Program

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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.