Band Leader Overview

Required Education and Training To Become a Band Leader

Best Schools to become a Band Leader in U.S. 2024

Berklee College of Music

Boston, MA

In-State Tuition:$46,950
Out-of-State Tuition:$46,950
Admission Rate:54%
Graduation Rate:69%
Total Enrollment:8,282

Indiana University-Bloomington

Bloomington, IN

In-State Tuition:$10,012
Out-of-State Tuition:$37,685
Admission Rate:82%
Graduation Rate:81%
Total Enrollment:47,005

Belmont University

Nashville, TN

In-State Tuition:$38,000
Out-of-State Tuition:$38,000
Admission Rate:96%
Graduation Rate:72%
Total Enrollment:8,910

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD

In-State Tuition:$60,480
Out-of-State Tuition:$60,480
Admission Rate:7%
Graduation Rate:94%
Total Enrollment:31,275

University of Rochester

Rochester, NY

In-State Tuition:$60,550
Out-of-State Tuition:$60,550
Admission Rate:39%
Graduation Rate:90%
Total Enrollment:12,197

Los Angeles Film School

Hollywood, CA

In-State Tuition:$N/A
Out-of-State Tuition:$N/A
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:46%
Total Enrollment:5,588
Band Leader Job Description:
  • Conduct, direct, plan, and lead instrumental or vocal performances by musical artists or groups, such as orchestras, bands, choirs, and glee clubs; or create original works of music.

Required Skills and Competencies To Become a Band Leader

Job Duties for Band Leaders

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

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

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

Technologies and Skills Used by Band Leaders

Music or sound editing software

  • Audacity
  • ZynAddSubFX

Presentation software

  • MediaShout
  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel

Basic Skills

  • Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
  • Talking to others

People and Technology Systems

  • Measuring how well a system is working and how to improve it
  • Thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one

Problem Solving

  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Current Job Market and Opportunites for a Band Leader

Additional Resources To Help You Become a Band Leader

FAQs About Becoming a Band Leader