By: Tim Ho

Composers are those who write

music in their own creativity and
originality, carrying out their ideas and
emotions into their music.
Arrangers use the composed music to
arrange the instruments and vocals
needed (using orchestras, bands,
choirs, and/or individual artists).
Some composers/arrangers write their music on paper, but some others use
computer to do so. Both of these careers tied in with each other; both of the careers
depend on each other to spread their music to the audience, and in a successful way.

The education needed for this career
includes a vocational school, experience,
and an associates degree. Some required
a bachelors degree. But, according to
http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/27
-2041.04, the level of requirement for
education doesnt exceed 50%, so the
education is not a highly required area
(but still a requirement), although it would
be beneficial if you get a stable education.

UNT College of Music
Denton, Texas
Berklee College of Music
Boston, Massachusetts
Los Angeles College of
Music
Pasadena, California

The average salary for this job is $40,000. The salary
can vary; it can be as high as $111,000 for the
top 10 percent, and as low as $16,000 for the
lowest 10%. In addition, here are the salaries for
the specific areas of this career (according to
http://www.elearnportal.com/careers/art-and-
design/music-composers-and-arrangers):
Religious Organizations - $41,490
Performing Arts Companies - $62,080
Elementary and Secondary Schools - $48,080
Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers -
N/A
Motion Picture and Video Industries - $70,940

New York Philharmonic
Avery Fisher Hall, 10 Lincoln
Center Plaza #132, New York,
NY 10023
Boston Symphony
Orchestra
301 Massachusetts
Ave, Boston, MA 02115

Chicago Symphony Orchestra
220 S Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL
Typical duties for this job include:

Use what youve learn about music (i.e. music theory) to create
musical and tonal structures (such as harmonies or melodies).
Utilize the computer and synthesizers to write and arrange the
music (with vocals, orchestras, bands, choirs, etc.).
Be able to decide on the components of a musical composition (i.e.
voices, instruments, rhythms, tempos, tone balances, etc.) to make
the best effect out of the music.
Have the ability to adapt to new sounds and different types of
music, and be able to wisely evaluate the music.
Use paper or computer software to write and edit the composition.
Compose music scores for singers, orchestras, bands, choirs, etc.
using music theory.
Reading Comprehension
(be able to understand a
written composition)

Writing (Utilize writing wisely
to communicate)

Time Management
(managing time wisely)

Active Listening (Listen carefully, give full
attention, be able to understand what
theyre listening, and ask questions at an
appropriate time)

Critical Thinking (Use logic to solve
problems)

Decision Making (Considering many
alternatives and choose the best one)

The outlook for this career is below
average, which specifies from 3% to
7%. This shows that this career is not
going to rise soon, for the opposite
showing that the job is declining.
Theres not any chance of this jobs
outlook rising in the next six years
(2014 2020).
1. If you are really
passionate and love
this job, youll do
well.
2. You have the choice
to work at home.
3. There are no specific
educations
requirements
needed, or doesnt
have a high
importance.

1. You can damage
your hearing ability
after exposed to loud
music for a long time.
2. The job can be
competitive, partly
because of the
ascending popularity
music industry.
3. You can be relocated
to entertainment
cities, like Los
Angeles.

I chose this job because I really love
music; it brought peace and relaxes my
mind. More importantly, the skills
needed for this job can help me a lot in
real life, making good choices, and
wisely working. Although that the
outlook for this job is not big, but
because Im too passionate for this job, I
am going to do it.

References
Research:
http://www.myplan.com/careers/music-composers-
and-arrangers/summary-27-2041.04.html
http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/27-2041.04
http://occupations.careers.org/27-2041.04/music-
composers-and-arrangers
https://connection.naviance.com/family-
connection/careers/index/view/section/1/oid/27-
2041.04
http://music.unt.edu/
http://www.berklee.edu/
http://www.elearnportal.com/careers/art-and-
design/music-composers-and-arrangers
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Five_(orchestras)

References (cont.)
Pictures:
http://bogardpress.org/oldvbs/vbs2009/clipart2/music%20bar.jpg
http://www.womenonrecord.com/wp-
content/uploads/2011/08/anthonygon-2nd-from-left.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_North_Texas_College_of
_Music#mediaviewer/File:UNT_Performing_Arts_Center.jpg
http://img1.findthebest.com/sites/default/files/2691/media/images/t
2/Los_Angeles_Music_Academy_1416760.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Philharmonic#mediaviewer/
File:New_york_philarmonic_logo.png
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Symphony_Orchestra#mediav
iewer/File:BSOColophonJL.png
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago_Symphony_Orchestra#media
viewer/File:Chicago_Symphony_Orchestra_2005.jpg
http://img.ehowcdn.com/article-new-
thumbnail/ehow/images/a06/07/id/music-composer-job-
description-800x800.jpg
http://www.verbat.com/images/developing_skill_img.jpg