Composers

Job description

These individuals compose music for various productions. They write songs and symphonies for events or concerts. They make instrumental and vocal arrangements. They are self-employed or work for:

Production companies
Film studios
Television or radio stations
Music schools
Cultural centres
Performance venues

Environment

Controlled ambient temperature
Noise

Main tasks

Evoke specific emotions through the creation of a piece of music.
Adapt melodies to evoke specific themes.
Compose music to accompany interactive products (e.g. video games).
Teach musical composition techniques to music school students.

Advancement and mobility

These individuals may specialize in one style of music (classical, country, jazz, etc.).
Composers often work as arrangers.

Training and requirements

Formation

Also required

Experience as a musician.

Sometimes required

Specialized training in musical composition is usually required.
An audition demonstrating musical talent and artistic ability is required.
A portfolio demonstrating creative skills is usually required.
Membership in the Guilde des musiciens et musiciennes du Québec (GMMQ [Quebec Musicians' Guild]) (professional union) is sometimes required.

Main skills and characteristics

Skills

Technological design
Quality control analysis
System analysis
Operation analysis
Result evaluation

Data collection
Operations and control
Teaching
Programing
Coordination
Judgment and decision-making
Systems evaluation
Material resource management
Negotiation
Solving complex problems
Human resource management
Time management
Active learning
Information processing
Monitoring operations
Equipment maintenance
Financial resource management
Social perception
Oral expression
Critical thought
Service oriented
Reading comprehension
Active listening
Equipment selection
Troubleshooting
Mathematics

More Less skills

Abilities

Auditory attention
Hearing sensitivity
Originality
Idea generation
Control accuracy

Selective attention
Visualization
Information organization
Sound origin identification
Memorization
Information processing speed
Time sharing
Perception speed
Classification
Mathematical reasoning
Speech recognition
Deductive reasoning
Inductive reasoning
Verbal skills
Spatial orientation
Reaction time
Awareness of issues
Oral comprehension
Speech clarity
Overall coordination of the body
Written expression
Near vision
Speed control
Depth perception
Basic numeracy
Response orientation
Peripheral vision
Written comprehension
Processing flexibility

More Less abilities

Knowledge and attributes

Autonomy
Spoken and written bilingualism (French and English)
Versatility
Rigour
Attention to detail
Knowledge of computer science, digital and electronics
Tolerance to stress
Creativity
Commitment to quality
Knowledge of the arts
Knowledge of communication and media

Interests

Direct, organize, and manage
Draft, communicate, and inform
Work in the arts, culture, music, or leisure
Create, design
Work in computer science or information and communication technologies (ICT)
Carry out research
Self-employment

Personality profiles (RIASEC)

Artistic: People with this profile prefer to express their emotions and thoughts through various art forms. They like to use their imagination.
Investigative: People with this profile prefer relying on theoretical knowledge before acting. They like observation, analysis and problem solving.
Enterprising: People with this profile prefer having responsibilities, influencing others and responding to challenges.

Additional information

Appellation d’emploi liée (à traduire)

Conductors, composers and arrangers (CNP 51121)

Skill type

Art, culture, recreation and sport