Composer job description template
If you are hiring for this role, start here. This free template is our detailed definition of the position, with everything you need to find and hire the right person. Copy it, add your own requirements, and post it.
What is a Composer?
Composers are creative professionals who create original music for songs, television shows, movies, commercials, theaters, video games, and other purposes.
They collaborate with musicians, directors, producers, and other professionals to understand project specifications and make a music piece that fits project requirements.
They use traditional and non-traditional compositional techniques and methods to create appealing and suitable music scores.
They attend rehearsals and studio sessions to provide creative input to musicians and actors and receive feedback from directors and producers.
Composers arrange rhythms, melodies, lyrics, and other music components, train instrument players, and research various music styles and genres to stay updated on the latest trends.
The top Composer skills.
Five things separate a strong hire from a résumé that reads well. Use these as your scorecard criteria.
The job description, ready to post.
Copy it as written, or edit it until it sounds like your company. Both work.
We are looking for an open-minded Composer to join us. In this position, you will write and compose musical scores for various projects, such as television shows, movies, commercials, theater productions, etc. You will collaborate with musicians, actors, producers, and other professionals to understand project specifications and create music suitable for project requirements. You will attend rehearsals and studio sessions to provide creative input and receive feedback.
As a Composer, you should demonstrate artistic abilities to compose music pieces for various purposes that fit specific productions and target audiences. You will guide instrument players, utilize traditional and non-traditional compositional techniques, and arrange rhythms and melodies. Ultimately, you should research various musical styles and genres and stay updated on the latest trends.
To succeed as a Composer, you should have thorough music knowledge, as well as outstanding creativity, communication, attention to detail, and organization.
Duties and responsibilities
- Write and compose musical scores for songs, television shows, commercials, movies, theater productions, video games, etc
- Analyze project specifications and gather information for the composition process
- Attend rehearsals to provide creative input to actors, musicians, and directors
- Utilize music technology to create and arrange music
- Train and guide instrument players
- Collaborate with directors, producers, musicians, and other professionals to receive and incorporate feedback
- Create music appropriate and relevant to a specific production, purpose, and target audience
- Demonstrate the usage of traditional and non-traditional compositional techniques
- Arrange and correct rhythms, melodies, and lyrics
- Research various music styles and genres for different market needs
- Operate and maintain music mixing equipment
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in music, music composition, music theory, or a related field
- Previous working experience in composing and arranging music
- The ability to play at least one instrument
- Familiarity with relevant music technology
- Extensive knowledge of various music styles and genres
- Creative and artistic mindset
- Excellent communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Organization
Take the template with you
Copy it straight into your job board or ATS, or have it emailed to you with the interview questions for this role.
What education this role needs.
Generally, Composers are not required to have a formal education to pursue this career, but only a natural aptitude and talent for music.
However, acquiring a Bachelor’s degree in music composition or music theory can significantly improve their technical skills and knowledge and increase their hiring opportunities.
Formal education helps them gain knowledge in subjects like music theory, music history, counterpoint, harmony, performance, etc.
Other ways of developing skills and gaining practical experience include working with experienced composers through internships or collaborative projects.
Sample interview questions for a Composer.
Once you have gathered the applications, work through these in order. Twelve questions across four areas, enough to tell your shortlist apart.
- Could you tell us about your interest in music?
- What music genres do you personally prefer?
- Are there any artists you would like to collaborate with in the future?
- Could you tell us about your musical education?
- What responsibilities did you undertake as a Composer in your previous jobs?
- Why did you decide to become a Composer in the first place?
- How do you typically manage your time when working on several compositions simultaneously?
- Could you briefly explain your process of composing an original piece?
- How do you adapt your compositions to the specific needs and requirements of a project?
- How would you explain the difference between major and minor keys and their impact on various types of compositions?
- What techniques and strategies do you use to create rhythmic variety in your work?
- How do you think technology can be incorporated as an aid in composition processes?
How much to pay when hiring.
Annual pay by percentile. Where you land depends on the size of the cycle they will own, and the 25th percentile is usually where a first analyst hire sits.
Hourly equivalents run from $10 at the 10th percentile to $57 at the 90th.
Candidates may apply under a different name.
Post the title your industry uses and keep the rest of the description. These three roles overlap enough that the same posting usually reaches all of them.
Three titles, one description.
Search behavior varies by industry, so the same job is advertised under several names. If you are unsure which one your candidates search for, run two titles and see which fills.
Musician
Sound Engineer
Frequently asked questions.
What do Composers do?
Composers use their creativity and music knowledge to create and compose musical scores for various purposes, such as songs, movies, television shows, commercials, etc.
They use a variety of traditional and non-traditional techniques to create appealing music and arrange melodies and rhythms.
They also train and guide instrument players and research various music styles and genres.
What skills do Composers need?
Composers must have a thorough knowledge of music theory as well as exceptional communication, attention to detail, creativity, and organization.
Who do Composers typically work with?
Depending on specific projects, Composers may work with a variety of different professionals, such as musicians, singers, actors, dancers, choreographers, producers, filmmakers, etc.
What education do Composers need?
There are no strict educational requirements for Composers.
However, they usually choose to acquire a Bachelor’s degree in music theory, music composition, or a similar field to demonstrate their technical and practical skills and knowledge.
Other job description templates.
Same format, same free, same median pay data. Browse the full library if the role you are hiring for is not here.