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ESCO occupation

music director

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Music directors lead musical groups such as orchestras and bands during live performances or recording sessions. They organise the music and composition, coordinate the playing musicians and record the performance. Music directors are professionals working in diverse places such as the film industry, music videos, radio stations, musical ensembles or schools.

2652.2 ISCO 2652 ESCO source
Competences
36
Groups
4
Essential
21
Optional
15

Competences and skills

36 ESCO relations
Essential knowledge 3 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

2 competences
musical instruments

The different musical instruments, their ranges, timbre, and possible combinations.

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musical theory

The body of interrelated concepts that constitutes the theoretical background of music.

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Cross-sector

1 competence
musical genres

Different musical styles and genres such as blues, jazz, reggae, rock, or indie.

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Essential skills and competences 18 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

18 competences
attend music recording sessions

Attend recording sessions in order to make changes or adaptations to the musical score.

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coordinate music components of the work

Select sequences of a musical work, and put them into a structure. Create transitions and/or modulations. Assess the organisation of the sequences. Rearrange them according to strong points and adjust them according to the desired structure.

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coordinate music with scenes

Coordinate the selection of music and sounds so they match the mood of the scene.

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develop musical ideas

Explore and develop musical concepts based on sources such as imagination or environmental sounds.

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evaluate musical ideas

Experiment with different sound sources, use synthesizers and computer software, permanently explore and evaluate musical ideas and concepts.

digital
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guide analysis of a recorded performance

Analyse a preformance video recording by using experts as a model.

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manage musical staff

Assign and manage staff tasks in areas such as scoring, arranging, copying music and vocal coaching.

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orchestrate music

Assign lines of music to different musical instruments and/or voices to be played together.

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organise compositions

Arrange and adapt existing musical compositions, add variations to existing melodies or compositions manually or with the use of computer software. Redistribute instrumental parts.

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organise musical events

Set the date, the agenda, gather the required resources, and coordinate events around music such as concerts, competitions or exams.

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plan musical performances

Schedule rehearsals and music performances, arrange details such as locations, select accompanists and instrumentalists.

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position musicians

Position qualified musicians within musical groups, orchestras or ensembles, to obtain a correct balance among instrumental or vocal sections.

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read musical score

Read the musical score during rehearsal and live performance.

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rewrite musical scores

Rewrite original musical scores in different musical genres and styles; change rhythm, harmony tempo or instrumentation.

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strive for excellence in musical performance

Continually commit to perfecting your instrumental or vocal performance.

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supervise music groups

Direct music groups, individual musicians or complete orchestras at rehearsals and during live or studio performances, in order to improve the overall tonal and harmonic balance, dynamics, rhythm, and tempo.

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transcribe ideas into musical notation

Transcribe/translate musical ideas into musical notation, using instruments, pen and paper, or computers.

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work out orchestral sketches

Make up and work out details for orchestral sketches, such as adding extra vocal parts to scores.

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Cross-sector

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Optional knowledge 3 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

2 competences
film music techniques

The techniques and forms of film music and its desired effects or moods.

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film production process

The various development stages of making a film, such as scriptwriting, financing, shooting, editing, and distribution.

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Cross-sector

1 competence
musical notation

The systems used to visually represent music through the use of written symbols, including ancient or modern musical symbols.

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Optional skills and competences 12 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

11 competences
compose music

Compose original pieces music such as songs, symphonies or sonatas.

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connect music fragments

Connect fragments of or whole songs together in a smooth manner.

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create musical forms

Create original musical forms, or write within existing musical formats like operas or symphonies.

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demand excellence from performers

Make sure that you follow closely one or several performers when necessary. Suggest additional work sessions.

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improvise music

Improvise music during live performances.

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participate in music studio recordings

Take part in recording sessions in music studios.

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promote music

Promote music; participate in media interviews and other promotional activities.

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record music

Record a sound or musical performance in a studio or live environment. Use the appropriate equipment and your professional judgment to capture the sounds with optimal fidelity.

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set up basic recording

Set up a basic stereo audio recording system.

digital
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study music

Study original pieces of music to get well acquainted with music theory and history.

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write musical scores

Write musical scores for orchestras, ensembles or individual instrumentalists using knowledge of music theory and history. Apply instrumental and vocal capabilities.

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Cross-sector

1 competence
conduct musical ensembles

Lead the way in melodic, vocal or instrument sequences.

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