Maybe you've got a voice that would kill on American Idol, or you're sure your rock band will graduate from Nirvana covers soon enough, but let's face it—making it in the music biz is tough. However, you can keep your dream alive and have a steady job by entering a career as a music director (which is sometimes called a conductor). Directors are hired to lead all varieties of music groups at public or private venues—you'll choose the songs, lead rehearsals, and direct the live performances. Your skills may get you work with school music programs, major symphonies, or concert halls. So keep singin' and jammin' on the side, but hone your talents (and help others do the same) as one of these respected music professionals.
The Details
Part of a music director's job might be to handle and preserve antique collections of musical documents—sheet music, for instance—ensuring they are around for years to come.
Here's something about the art of conducting—the beat or tempo of the music is usually indicated by the conductor's right hand.
