Music Director
How To Become a Music Director
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Career Description
The main job of a radio station’s Music Director is to find the right music for the station, but it’s more complicated than just picking quality music.
J.B. King, the Music Director/Program Director at 98.5 KLUC in Las Vegas says, “What my job entails is making sure of the music that’s available to us, that we’re finding the right music our audience wants to hear, which generates the best ratings, which in turn helps our sales department sell airtime.”
Many Music Directors also work as Radio DJs, and depending on the size of the station, the position may or may not be combined with that of the Program Director. If both positions are not held by one person, the MD and PD will work closely together. The Music Director will also work in some capacity with the station’s Promotions Staff or Sales Staffm and Video Jockey.
Are music directors in demand?
The demand for music directors is expected to remain relatively stable over the next decade. According to employment projections, the field of music directors and composers is not anticipated to experience any significant growth from 2022 to 2032. This stability in employment levels suggests that while the industry may not be expanding rapidly, it is also not contracting.
Various factors, such as technological advancements and changes in entertainment consumption patterns, could influence these projections. Nonetheless, the need for skilled music directors persists in various settings, including educational institutions, religious organizations, and performing arts companies.
Despite the limited growth in the number of positions, there will still be about 5,100 openings for music directors and composers annually, according to estimates from MyFuture. These opportunities arise primarily due to the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or retire. This steady stream of openings indicates that while new job creation may be limited, there is a consistent demand for qualified professionals to fill existing roles.
Salary
The average annual salary for Music Directors is approximately $43,100. The salary range for Music Directors runs from $24,000 to $55,000.
The role of Music Director is a salaried position. Annual earnings can vary greatly depending on the size of the station, the size of the market the station is in, public or for-profit station status and the MD’s own professional experience.
What is a Music Director’s salary?
The average annual salary for Music Directors is about $43,100 and range from from $24,000 to $55,000. It’s almost always a salaried position.
Annual earnings for a Music Director can vary greatly depending on the size of the station, the size of the market the station is in, public or for-profit station status and the MD’s own professional experience.
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Career Outlook
In spite of having regular set office hours at the station, this is not a simple 9-5 job. The MD spends a lot of off-the-clock time researching new music and keeping up with the trends, as well as building relationships with music industry figures at social events and concerts, which he or she will frequently attend. This can lead to some late nights.
What is the single biggest suggestion you would give to someone wanting to get into this career?
“Have a passion for radio and find a job at any music station they can.”
What’s the #1 mistake people make when trying to get into this career?
“Listening to the radio station and thinking they know exactly what it takes to be a Music Director or DJ. Not knowing what it actually takes, having a preconceived notion.”
What is the question people should ask about this career but rarely do?
“If they’re willing to spend the time to work hard to get the position they desire. Very few individuals walk into a station and get the job they want, especially if they don’t have experience.”
Career Path
Most Music Directors usually start their career path by working in several entry-level positions at a radio station, gaining experience through employment as a DJ, Promotions Staffer, or Assistant Music Director. Advancement in this role could mean taking on the position of Program Director or Station Manager or getting hired to work at a bigger station in a major market.
To get on the career path to landing a job as a Music Director, get a foot in the door by applying to any available entry-level position. King advises aspiring radio professionals “wherever they are to try to get involved through an internship, through college, find a part-time job working on a street team within a promo department. Sometimes they’re looking for assistants.”
- “Have a passion for music.
- Contact a radio station you like and see if there’s an opening for a part-time job in any department to get in the building. [People who do this] express an interest and are given a chance.”
How do you become a Music Director?
In order to become a Music Director, you need to work multiple entry-level positions at a radio station(s). Literally any position or internship will do ‒ it’s just about getting in the door. Over time, you’ll gain experience, learn from the DJs, promotions staff personnel, and even the current Assistant Music Director or Music Director. The more knowledge and experience you get of the radio broadcast industry, the faster you can get new positions that could lead to a Music Director role.
Here’s where you can start: Contact your local radio stations and ask if they have any openings for entry-level positions or internships, or if you could shadow somebody who works there.
Experience & Skills
Broadcast industry work experience is necessary for anyone who wants to become a Music Director. When searching for that first gig in radio, the position doesn’t really matter as much as making the connection and proving your dedication.
King says it’s important to “just find a job in radio so that you can get into the building. There are usually many people who would love to teach you what you want to learn.”
This experience can only be gained through hands-on training through work at a station, and competition for open positions can be strong. Once you’ve landed an entry-level job, however, King says, “We can teach anyone who wants to learn. What we use [in radio] is not the day-to-day music programs people use at home.”
He also states the importance of understanding the business side of the broadcasting industry in addition to being a music lover. “Have a passion for music and radio: those are two different things. What we do in radio is generating ratings to generate revenue. Some people love music and just want to play music.” A successful Music Director will need to combine that appreciation for music with solid business sense.
To be successful, the MD must be the type of person who is always up on musical trends and always exploring.
King says, “Nowadays music and new music is constantly available. Ten to fifteen years ago, music was available only when record companies decided to release it.”
The proliferation of home studios and the popularity of YouTube means people can get signed quicker and their music can be more immediately accessible. Therefore, the MD has to have a strong sense of what will be popular among the station’s audience.
“We do get music from record labels, but we’re also looking at social media; if there’s something trending that goes from 500 views to 5 million in a week. We look at everything we can to find music,” he adds.
What skills does a Music Director need?
To become a Music Director, you need broadcast industry experience, meaning you need to have worked at a radio station. Simply getting a position at a radio station is a great first step, regardless of your responsibilities. Often, people who work at radio stations are willing to teach you what they know.
To climb your way to the position of Music Director, you need to be a music lover and always be aware of what music is hot and trending. It’s also very important you know the business side of broadcasting.
Education & Training
Although a degree is not a requirement for the job, King advises “at least experience college because it gives you the option of finding out what you want to do.” College experience can also give the aspiring radio professional access to opportunities like for-credit internships at local stations, or student jobs at campus radio stations.
How long does it take to become a music director?
Becoming a music director typically requires a significant investment of time and dedication–especially when it comes to education. Many positions in this field often require candidates to hold a master’s degree. To attain a master’s degree, individuals typically need to complete a bachelor’s degree first, which usually takes around four years. Subsequently, pursuing a master’s degree in music, which is the standard requirement for many music director roles, can take an additional two to three years of study. Aspiring music directors can expect to spend a total of six to seven years in higher education to acquire the necessary qualifications for their desired career path.
Beyond formal education, gaining practical experience through internships, conducting opportunities, and performance engagements can also be crucial for aspiring music directors. These experiences not only enhance a person’s individual musical skills, but also provide valuable networking opportunities within the industry. Also, continuing education and professional development are often ongoing processes for music directors, as they seek to refine their craft, and many people go on to secure more degrees throughout their lives.
Additional Resources
Several professional networking and support organizations exist for radio professionals, with the National Association of Broadcasters being one of the most well-known. These groups provide valuable opportunities for radio professionals; however joining immediately might not make sense for someone just starting to build a career.
King advises students to first focus on building their work experience.
If you could describe in one word what makes you successful, what would it be?
“Passion. Plain and simple. Passion.”
What is the difference between a music director and a music producer?
The main difference between a music director and a music producer lies in their roles and responsibilities within the music industry. A music director typically oversees live performances, such as those of orchestras, choirs, or musical theater productions. They are responsible for interpreting musical scores, conducting rehearsals, and leading performances to ensure cohesion and artistic expression among the ensemble members. Music directors often focus on bringing out the best in the performers and shaping the overall musical experience for the audience in a live setting.
On the other hand, a music producer primarily works in the studio environment, handling all aspects of the the recording, mixing, and production of music tracks. Music producers collaborate closely with artists to develop and refine their sound, offering creative input on elements such as instrumentation, arrangement, and sonic quality. They are involved in every stage of the recording process, from pre-production planning to post-production editing, with the goal of creating high-quality recordings that resonate with listeners.
FAQ
What is another name for a music director?
Another name for a music director is “conductor.” In orchestral and choral settings, the conductor is responsible for leading the ensemble, interpreting the musical score, and guiding musicians through rehearsals and performances. This role involves not only a deep understanding of the music, but also the ability to communicate effectively with the ensemble to achieve a cohesive and expressive performance. The conductor–or music director–uses hand gestures and a baton to indicate tempo, dynamics, and expression, ensuring that all musicians are synchronized and conveying the intended emotional and artistic qualities of the piece.
In other contexts, particularly in the musical theater industry or in more popular music, a music director might also be referred to as a “bandleader” or “choir director.” These titles are specific to the type of ensemble being led.
A bandleader typically oversees a smaller group, such as a jazz band or rock group, coordinating rehearsals, arranging music, and often performing as a musician within the group. Similarly, a choir director focuses on vocal ensembles, selecting repertoire, teaching vocal techniques, and conducting performances.
Sources
J.B. King
J.B. King is an On-Air Personality, as well as Program Director and Music Director at KLUC in Las Vegas.
His radio career began in Sacramento, with stints in San Francisco and Phoenix. He has been the recipient of several awards, including an EMA Award for “Best Show in Las Vegas,” a “Most Promising Programmer” nod from FMQB, plus multiple “Music Director of the Year” honors from S.I.N. Magazine, Billboard, the Gavin Report and Hitmakers Magazine.
King has been featured in Inside Radio, Talkers, Radio Ink, and All Access.
References
- 1Multiple. "Music Director Salaries in United States". Glassdoor. published: Dec 11, 2019. retrieved on: Dec 17, 2019
