For Educators: Military Resources
Military Music Directors
Median Salary
80,893
Workforce Count
1,083
Overview
What are the responsibilities of this role?
Military music directors direct and conduct instrumental and vocal performances by musical groups, such as orchestras, bands, or choirs. They ensure that musicians play with one coherent sound, balancing the melody, timing, rhythm, and volume. They usually work in offices and band halls but may work outdoors when conducting or practicing for parades.
What is the work environment like?
Music directors usually work in offices and band halls. They may work outdoors when conducting or practicing for parades.
How many people have this role in the Military?
1,083
Compensation
Understanding How Military Pay is More Than Just a Salary
Base pay is the standard income you’ll earn as a service member, providing a stable foundation to start achieving your financial goals.
- Always fixed based on rank and service time.
- Distributed monthly.
What is the typical salary range?
Salary by Years of Service
$108,117
2 Years
$80,218
6 Years
$108,117
10+ Years
Median Salary
Military Details
What Service Branches offer this role?
Is this a staff or leadership role?
Officers are service members who plan, direct operations and manage enlisted personnel, developing a broad range of leadership-related skills.
Learn More About Enlisted and Officer PathsWhat does the training for this role entail?
Military music directors come to the job with knowledge of organization, mission, and capabilities of military bands, as well as a mastery of music theory. Job training for music directors primarily consists of classroom instruction and on-the-job learning in various training environments. Like other officers, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development. Job-specific training may include:
- Band arranging and conducting
- Concert and marching band styles and techniques
- Band administration and management
Education
What level of education do professionals in this role have?
Which college majors best prepare you for this role?
- Musical Theatre
- Music Performance, General
- Music, Other
- Religious/Sacred Music
- Voice and Opera
- Music Technology
- Music Theory and Composition
- Music Management
- Worship Ministry
- Musicology and Ethnomusicology
- Conducting
- Sound Arts
Learn About How Military Can Pay for 100% of your College Degree
The Military has several programs that cover college costs — so you can pursue your education with little to no debt.
Learn More About Paying For CollegeSkills and Interest
What knowledge is essential to bring to the table?
- Fine Arts
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Computers and Electronics
- Administrative
What personality traits help people thrive in this role?
Artistic
You love creating things and expressing yourself through art, writing and music.
Enterprising
You love taking risks in business or personal projects — and have the leadership skills to back it up.
RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.
Take the RIASEC Test