Music Composers and Arrangers

Apply elements of music theory to create musical and tonal structures, including harmonies and melodies.

Use computers and synthesizers to compose, orchestrate, and arrange music.

Determine voices, instruments, harmonic structures, rhythms, tempos, and tone balances required to achieve the effects desired in a musical composition.

Experiment with different sounds, and types and pieces of music, using synthesizers and computers as necessary to test and evaluate ideas.

Write changes directly into compositions, or use computer software to make changes.

Transcribe ideas for musical compositions into musical notation, using instruments, pen and paper, or computers.

Guide musicians during rehearsals, performances, or recording sessions.

Score compositions so that they are consistent with instrumental and vocal capabilities such as ranges and keys, using knowledge of music theory.

Write musical scores for orchestras, bands, choral groups, or individual instrumentalists or vocalists, using knowledge of music theory and of instrumental and vocal capabilities.

Confer with producers and directors to define the nature and placement of film or television music.

Fill in details of orchestral sketches, such as adding vocal parts to scores.

Explore and develop musical ideas based on sources such as imagination or sounds in the environment.

Write music for commercial mediums, including advertising jingles or film soundtracks.

Transpose music from one voice or instrument to another to accommodate particular musicians.

Rewrite original musical scores in different musical styles by changing rhythms, harmonies, or tempos.

Study original pieces of music to become familiar with them prior to making any changes.

Arrange music composed by others, changing the music to achieve desired effects.

Accept commissions to create music for special occasions.

Study films or scripts to determine how musical scores can be used to create desired effects or moods.

Create original musical forms, or write within circumscribed musical forms such as sonatas, symphonies, or operas.

Collaborate with other colleagues, such as copyists, to complete final scores.

Copy parts from scores for individual performers.