musician/references/tasks.md

Tasks & work activities — musician

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 27-2041.00 (Music Directors and Composers) — manual nearest-occupation mapping via ISCO group 2652; the official ESCO crosswalk has no entry for this ESCO occupation.

Task statements

• [Core] Use gestures to shape the music being played, communicating desired tempo, phrasing, tone, color, pitch, volume, and other performance aspects.
• [Core] Direct groups at rehearsals and live or recorded performances to achieve desired effects such as tonal and harmonic balance dynamics, rhythm, and tempo.
• [Core] Study scores to learn the music in detail, and to develop interpretations.
• [Core] Apply elements of music theory to create musical and tonal structures, including harmonies and melodies.
• [Core] Consider such factors as ensemble size and abilities, availability of scores, and the need for musical variety, to select music to be performed.
• [Core] Determine voices, instruments, harmonic structures, rhythms, tempos, and tone balances required to achieve the effects desired in a musical composition.
• [Core] Experiment with different sounds, and types and pieces of music, using synthesizers and computers as necessary to test and evaluate ideas.
• [Core] Transcribe ideas for musical compositions into musical notation, using instruments, pen and paper, or computers.
• [Core] Audition and select performers for musical presentations.
• [Core] Plan and schedule rehearsals and performances, and arrange details such as locations, accompanists, and instrumentalists.
• [Core] Write musical scores for orchestras, bands, choral groups, or individual instrumentalists or vocalists, using knowledge of music theory and of instrumental and vocal capabilities.
• [Core] Position members within groups to obtain balance among instrumental or vocal sections.
• [Core] Perform administrative tasks such as applying for grants, developing budgets, negotiating contracts, and designing and printing programs and other promotional materials.
• [Core] Confer with producers and directors to define the nature and placement of film or television music.
• [Core] Meet with soloists and concertmasters to discuss and prepare for performances.
• [Core] Fill in details of orchestral sketches, such as adding vocal parts to scores.
• [Core] Explore and develop musical ideas based on sources such as imagination or sounds in the environment.
• [Core] Write music for commercial mediums, including advertising jingles or film soundtracks.
• [Core] Transpose music from one voice or instrument to another to accommodate particular musicians.
• [Core] Rewrite original musical scores in different musical styles by changing rhythms, harmonies, or tempos.
• [Core] Arrange music composed by others, changing the music to achieve desired effects.
• [Core] Assign and review staff work in such areas as scoring, arranging, and copying music, and vocal coaching.
• [Core] Study films or scripts to determine how musical scores can be used to create desired effects or moods.
• [Core] Transcribe musical compositions and melodic lines to adapt them to a particular group, or to create a particular musical style.
• [Core] Create original musical forms, or write within circumscribed musical forms such as sonatas, symphonies, or operas.
• [Core] Collaborate with other colleagues, such as copyists, to complete final scores.
• [Core] Copy parts from scores for individual performers.
• [Supplemental] Coordinate and organize tours, or hire touring companies to arrange concert dates, venues, accommodations, and transportation for longer tours.
• [nan] Produce recordings of music.
• [nan] Stay abreast of the latest trends in music and music technology.

Detailed work activities

• Audition or interview potential performers or staff members.
• Collaborate with others to determine technical details of productions.
• Collaborate with others to prepare or perform artistic productions.
• Coordinate artistic activities.
• Coordinate logistics for productions or events.
• Coordinate musical rehearsals or performances.
• Create musical compositions, arrangements or scores.
• Design layout of art or product exhibits, displays, or promotional materials.
• Determine presentation subjects or content.
• Direct fundraising or financing activities.
• Negotiate for services.
• Operate audio recording equipment.
• Select staff, team members, or performers.
• Stay informed about current developments in field of specialization.
• Study details of musical compositions.
• Study scripts to determine project requirements.