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NOC 51121: Conductors, composers and arrangers
NOC 51121 is a TEER 1 occupation. It counts as skilled work for Express Entry under FSW and CEC. It is not on any 2026 category list, so candidates compete in general and program rounds.
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Conductors, composers and arrangers conduct bands and orchestras, compose musical works and arrange instrumental and vocal compositions. They are employed by symphony and chamber orchestras, bands, choirs, sound recording companies, and orchestras for ballet and opera performances, or they may be self-employed.
Job titles filed under this code
Official example titles
- arranger
- bandmaster
- choir director
- composer
- conductor
- music adapter
- orchestrator
- singer-songwriter-composer
- songwriter
Also included: artistic director - music; lyricist; musical director
Main duties
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Conductors
- Select and interpret musical works and lead bands, orchestras and choirs during rehearsals and performances.
Composers
- Create musical compositions such as television and film scores, theme music, songs, symphonies and music for interactive products such as video games.
Arrangers
- Adapt and modify musical compositions to convey desired themes and to suit particular instrumental and vocal performances.
Conductors, composers and arrangers usually specialize in a particular genre of music such as classical, country, jazz or popular music.
What this code means for Express Entry
TEER 0–3 work counts toward the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
One year of this work in Canada can qualify for the Canadian Experience Class.
Not in a Federal Skilled Trades group.
CRS points from November 3, 2026
NOC 51121 is not on IRCC's high-wage occupations list. From November 3, 2026, Canadian work in it earns only the work-length points, and a job offer in it adds no CRS points (it can still count for program eligibility).
IRCC high-wage list (list from 2023 to 2025 wage data, read 2026-10-16) · CRS calculator with the new rules
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Employment requirements
- A university degree in music or completion of a program at a music academy, conservatory or school of music is usually required.
- A period of specialized study related to conducting, composing or arranging is usually required.
- Experience as a musician is required.
- Musical and creative talent and ability, as demonstrated by a portfolio of work, are important hiring criteria.
Good to know
- Composers often work as arrangers.