Radio Music Director Jobs

About This Music Career

Selecting music for specific radio station programs is the main responsibility of the Music Director at each station. To do this, the Music Director works closely with the Program Director – sometimes the Music Director is the Program Director as well. It is also common for the Music Director to have their own show as a Disc Jockey; as a rule, Music Directors begin their careers as Disc Jockeys. As Disc Jockeys, they have a chance to prove they know what types of songs to play and how to put a show on.

Depending on the type of format used by the station, and the duties of the Program Director, the Music Director's duty will vary. These duties might include spending time with the promotions people from the record label, screening tunes for the Program Director to listen to and choose from. The Music Director could also help the Program Director perform market research, determine listening audiences, and more.

Another thing the Music Director does is meet and talk with record store Managers to find out what's new and popular in record releases. Also, the Music Director (with the Program Director) might help in the training of new Disc Jockeys in order to help them get a feel for the station's procedures and guidelines.

The Music Director is answers to the Program Director, and might work long hours. If the station is short of an on-air personnel, the Program Director might be asked to assign the Music Director to taking on an additional shift. Last but not least, the Music Director may make special appearances or take part in station promotions. These special occasions usually take place during a weekend or an night, requiring extended hours.

Salaries
The salary for the Music Director will vary depending on the radio station size, location, popularity, along with the duties of the Music Director and his or her previous experiences. Salaries tend to range between from $25,000 to $95,000 per year, and are usually highest in major markets like New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago.

Employment
Sometimes, the job of the Music Director is combined with that of the Program Director. With that said, employment prospects for the Music Director are fair.

Advancement
From Music Director, one can expect to move on to a role as a Program Director. They can also advance their career by becoming a Music Director at a more prestigious station.

Education and Training

A formal education is not required for a Music Director, but many stations prefer or require the individual to hold a college or music school degree or broadcasting school training. If college is what he or she chooses, the most useful courses include communications, music, journalism, and broadcasting.

To gain additional experience, he or she can work for the radio station of the school they attend. Many radio broadcasting vocational and trade schools are located throughout the country, but be sure to check the school's reputation before enrolling. You can do this by checking the state's Attorney General's office and/or the Department of Consumer Affairs.

Experience, Skills, and Personality
It is very common for Music Directors to begin their careers as Disc Jockeys, either in college or regular radio stations. Of course, Music Directors have an interest in music and thoroughly enjoy listening to music – they also have the knack for knowing what is hot and what is not. Whoever holds a position as Music Director must be a very responsible person who has the ability to supervise others.

Unions and Associations
Music Directors can belong to the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), and depending on the job situation, they might also be members of The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) . It is common for Music Directors to also belong to National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians (NABET).

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