What does a Composer (Musical Theater) do?

Musical theater is a blanket term for theatrical performances that feature music as a central element, but it's often used as shorthand for American musical theater—a unique performance tradition which might be described as a partially scored play in which characters sometimes burst into song. Similarly, while many musical theater composers work on musicals that fit right into the American musical theater canon, others create shows that incorporate disparate influences like opera, experimental theater, circus, cabaret, and other musical performance traditions. Additionally, while all musical theater composers have access to a potentially unlimited variety of musical styles, Broadway composers tend to share a common musical influence from the lineage of American musical theater.
 
At a basic level, musical theater composers are responsible solely for a show's music. However, many take on additional duties during or after the writing process. Most musical theater composers work with a team including a book writer and lyricist, who are collectively responsible for conceiving the show's story, writing the script, and connecting the story with the music via lyrics. However, some multidisciplinary composer-playwrights—like Lin-Manuel Miranda or Jonathan Larson—take the creative process a step further, overseeing every aspect of a new musical from start to finish: book, lyrics, and music. Additionally, in the final stage of a new show—production—the composer may work with the singers, music director, and orchestrator to ensure that the music is the best it can be. The composer might even make adjustments to the score based on the abilities of the singers, the physical demands of blocking or dance choreography, or the capabilities of the pit orchestra. 
 
When it comes to the process of writing music, there's just as much variation. For some musical theater composers, a completed song might consist of just a piano sketch with chords, melody, harmony, and rhythm—leaving more elaborate instrumentation to the show's orchestrator. For others, a completed song might be a fully realized score for a specific and intentional set of instruments and voices. Additionally, musical theater composers create music for a wide variety of purposes. Instrumental compositions, for example, might serve to underscore dialogue-heavy scenes, cover up scene changes, highlight an onstage event like a vase shattering, or support ensemble dance numbers. Vocal songs, on the other hand, often aim to advance plot, develop themes, and blow up characters' emotions, struggles, and inner lives for the audience to hear.

At a Glance

Career Path

Most musical theater composers are experienced, educated musicians with a deep understanding of compositional technique and practice. It's never too early to begin creating or scoring work alongside a book writer or lyricist, but debuting on the professional stage can take time. Before getting their big break, musical theater composers might work as professional songwriters, pit orchestra musicians, theatrical music directors, orchestrators, copyists, arrangers, or assistants to established composers.

Those whose songs and stories capture audiences' imaginations can become household names with a huge following and tremendous impact on the medium. There's also the booming field of musical theater adaptation, containing numerous opportunities for skilled and flexible composers. Musical theater composers might also work on film, television, or video game scores, write for opera or concert, or contribute to advertisements, businesses, or products as a freelance composer.

Finding Work

The theater industry, famously small and tightly knit, runs on networking—a practice which is doubly important for musical theater composers, who need to connect with collaborators like librettists and lyricists as well as career-enablers like producers, directors, and artistic directors if they want to succeed. In addition, prestigious festivals and companies often have opportunities for residencies, and may offer commissions.

Finally, aspiring musical theater composers should be aware of a wealth of opportunities in a parallel field: composing incidental music and songs for traditional plays. While in many ways it is an entirely different profession and art form, composing for plays can be an opportunity for musical theater composers to grow their professional networks, practice storytelling-oriented composition, and gain experience in a collaborative process.

Professional Skills
  • Songwriting (melody, harmony, and structure)
  • Music composition (overtures, underscore, and short musical cues)
  • Developing musical themes and character leitmotifs
  • Ability to write music that advances plot, reveals character, and underscores themes
  • Music notation (and relevant software)
  • Experience with theater
  • General knowledge of instruments
  • Lyric writing
  • Orchestration
  • Stylistic versatility
  • Collaboration
  • Networking
Interpersonal Skills

Musical theater composers are in many ways defined by their collaborative, adaptable, and interdisciplinary approach to writing music. They're invested in the process of working with other creatives to construct a multifaceted theatrical experience, and understand the creative give-and-take necessary to accomplish this. Musical theater composers enjoy working within the constraints of a story, and excel at writing music that enhances character and narrative. Catchy songwriting is often seen as the trait most necessary for mainstream success.

Work Life

New York City and London are the two hotbed locations for this industry. However, there are book writers, lyricists, and small theater companies willing to produce original musicals all over the United States. Musical theater composers typically begin their work after receiving an outline or completed book from a book writer, or after receiving a commission from a producing party. They proceed to develop songs and instrumental music, collaborating with the book writer and a lyricist, if necessary. Following this, the musical might enter an intensive workshopping process wherein the script, music, and lyrics are thoroughly critiqued and revised. Finally, if picked up by a theater company or festival, the show enters production.

The Berklee Boost

Employers look for skills learned in the following Berklee programs.