Music Assistant

Use gestures to shape the music being played, communicating desired tempo, phrasing, tone, color, pitch, volume, and other performance aspects.

Transcribe musical compositions and melodic lines to adapt them to a particular group, or to create a particular musical style.

Perform administrative tasks such as applying for grants, developing budgets, negotiating contracts, and designing and printing programs and other promotional materials.

Meet with soloists and concertmasters to discuss and prepare for performances.

Collaborate with music librarians to ensure availability of scores.

Plan and implement fundraising and promotional activities.

Audition and select performers for musical presentations.

Position members within groups to obtain balance among instrumental or vocal sections.

Direct groups at rehearsals and live or recorded performances to achieve desired effects such as tonal and harmonic balance dynamics, rhythm, and tempo.

Plan and schedule rehearsals and performances, and arrange details such as locations, accompanists, and instrumentalists.

Conduct guest soloists in addition to ensemble members.

Study scores to learn the music in detail, and to develop interpretations.

Confer with clergy to select music for church services.

Meet with composers to discuss interpretations of their work.

Engage services of composers to write scores.

Consider such factors as ensemble size and abilities, availability of scores, and the need for musical variety, to select music to be performed.

Assign and review staff work in such areas as scoring, arranging, and copying music, and vocal coaching.

Coordinate and organize tours, or hire touring companies to arrange concert dates, venues, accommodations, and transportation for longer tours.