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Music Composer

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A Music Composer creates music for performances, events, productions, or recordings, collaborating with musicians and production teams.

  • This role has a low level of AI exposure. Core skills such as adaptability, social intelligence, and complex physical tasks remain beyond the capabilities of current AI.
AI exposure data adapted from Felten, Raj & Seamans (2021). Shortage data sourced from Jobs and Skills Australia (2024).

How do I become a music composer

Get qualified to work as a music composer with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.

Common questions

In Australia, a full time Music Composer generally earns $1,680 per week ($87,360 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.

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Music Composers have experienced stable employment growth over the last five years. It is a profession that hires a small amount of people though and there are currently 310 people employed as a Music Composer in Australia. Music Composers may find work in all regions of Australia, particularly larger towns and cities.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights

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A Diploma of Music Industry is a great qualification if you’re thinking of becoming a Music Composer. This course will help you develop techniques for composing, arranging, recording, mixing and performing music. You could also consider an Advanced Diploma of Music Industry or a Certificate IV in Music Industry.

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Further reading

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Music Composer careers

A Music Composer creates pieces of music to be performed by a musician or an instrumental group. You might be composing music for a special event, a particular production or a specific recording. Music Composers may specialise in a particular type of music or they might create pieces across all genres. You might be following direction about what type of music is required or you may be able to develop your own compositions.

Music Composers should be able to collaborate with musicians and production crews and need to be able to communicate plans for their musical pieces. You should have a strong understanding of the music genre you’re writing for and the musicians or singers who will be performing your compositions. Music Composers should be talented in their field and have an understanding of the recording or performing process.