Orchestras, choirs, and other ensembles are under the direction of music directors. During concerts, plays, and other performances, they frequently arrange and direct musical numbers, as well as direct musicians and vocalists. Schools, churches, orchestra halls, and movie and radio studios are just a few of the places where these professionals work.
The school band, orchestra, choir, and other musical ensembles are usually under the direction of a school music director. The director selects musical pieces for rehearsals and performances and instructs students in musical theory, technique, and expression. This person may also assist in the coordination of marching band drills or dances for choral or musical theater performances at a high school, college, or university.
Music directors are frequently employed by churches of all types and sizes to select songs for church services, plays, and other events. In a small church, the music director frequently doubles as the main musical performer, playing piano or other instruments during worship services. He or she may also lead the church choir or other vocal groups as a conductor and choir director.
One or more musical directors are frequently employed by orchestra halls and other musical theater venues to select, play, and coach musical numbers for performances. Audition and rehearsal assistance may be provided by a music director who works for a theater company. In most cases, he or she is also in charge of overseeing and conducting actual performances.
A music director who works in a movie or radio studio has a very different job than one who focuses on live performances. These directors frequently aid in the acquisition of legal rights to use musical pieces and songs in films and on the radio. They may also assist the sound director in coordinating the overall auditory flow of the movie or radio show by coordinating appearances by musicians and vocalists.
Music directors may also teach private voice or instrument lessons in some cases. Individual musicians and performers who want to improve their overall musical techniques may be students. Private sessions may be included in a director’s salary package, or the director may charge an additional fee for his or her services.
A music director’s main responsibility in any setting is to work with the performers and other members of the management or teaching team to ensure that rehearsals and performances run smoothly. Every company or organization has its own set of expectations for a music director, as well as its own set of responsibilities. In some situations involving large groups of performers, several music directors collaborate to effectively manage the group.