Music Supervisor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s media-rich era, the role of the music supervisor has taken center stage.
As entertainment industries evolve, there is an increasing demand for skilled individuals who can navigate, enhance, and protect our musical landscapes.
But what exactly does a music supervisor do?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
- A hiring manager envisioning the perfect candidate,
- Or simply curious about the intricacies of music supervision,
You’ve come to the right place.
Today, we present a customizable music supervisor job description template, designed for seamless posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s dive right in.
Music Supervisor Duties and Responsibilities
Music Supervisors play a key role in the selection, coordination and incorporation of music into multimedia formats such as film, television, and video games.
They work with the creative team to enhance the project’s narrative and emotional impact through music.
Their duties and responsibilities include:
- Selecting, licensing, and negotiating rights for music to be used in film or television
- Coordinating with directors, producers, and editors to understand the tone, mood, and storyline of the project
- Sourcing and commissioning original music by liaising with songwriters, bands, and management agencies
- Supervising the recording, mixing and mastering of music tracks
- Managing the music budget and ensuring cost-effective practices
- Maintaining a comprehensive knowledge of current music trends, artists, and licensing practices
- Working with composers to create original scores
- Ensuring that all music-related legal and copyright issues are addressed and resolved
Music Supervisor Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are seeking a creative and skilled Music Supervisor to oversee and coordinate the music-related aspects of our media productions.
The Music Supervisor will be responsible for creating effective musical themes, overseeing music-related budget aspects, collaborating with composers, and negotiating music rights and licenses.
Ideal candidates will have a deep understanding of music, an ear for talent, a strong network of industry contacts, and excellent negotiation skills.
Responsibilities
- Identify and select appropriate music for various projects.
- Negotiate rights and licenses for music usage in our productions.
- Collaborate with composers, artists, and producers to create original music when required.
- Manage music-related budget aspects.
- Stay up-to-date with music trends and popular songs across various genres.
- Ensure compliance with music copyrights and licensing laws.
- Work closely with directors and producers to ensure the music enhances the narrative.
- Coordinate live performances for productions when necessary.
Qualifications
- Proven work experience as a Music Supervisor, Music Consultant or similar role.
- Deep knowledge of music across multiple genres and decades.
- Strong network of contacts within the music industry.
- Excellent negotiation skills.
- Experience with music rights and licensing.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Bachelor’s degree in Music, Business, or relevant field is preferred.
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Opportunity to work in a creative, dynamic environment
Additional Information
- Job Title: Music Supervisor
- Work Environment: This position may require travel to various filming locations, studios, and live performances.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director or Producer.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $70,000 minimum to $120,000 maximum
- Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
- Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].
What Does a Music Supervisor Do?
Music Supervisors are typically employed in the entertainment industry, working closely with film, television, video game or advertising production teams.
They play a crucial role in shaping the sound and mood of a project.
They select, negotiate, and incorporate pieces of music into the visual media production.
Their responsibilities include researching and selecting appropriate music, negotiating rights and licenses, coordinating with composers, and often overseeing the entire music production process.
They may also work with music libraries, sourcing pre-recorded tracks, or coordinating with songwriters and bands to create original music.
They need to understand the emotional tone of a scene and choose music that enhances the impact and feel of the project.
Music Supervisors need to have a strong understanding of copyright laws and contracts to avoid legal issues that can arise from music use in productions.
In many cases, they also work directly with the director or producer to ensure that the musical choices align with the overall vision for the project.
Music Supervisor Qualifications and Skills
Music Supervisors require a diverse set of skills and qualifications to effectively coordinate music-related aspects of film, television, and other media productions.
These include:
- Deep knowledge and understanding of music, both classical and contemporary, to ensure the best fit for the production’s tone, theme, and narrative.
- Excellent research skills to locate and select appropriate music pieces, often delving into unfamiliar genres or historical periods.
- Strong negotiation and networking skills to acquire the necessary licensing rights for the chosen music, often within tight budgets.
- Sound knowledge of copyright laws, sync licenses, and music contracts to avoid legal issues and respect artist rights.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with directors, producers, composers, and other members of the production team.
- Creative problem-solving skills to address challenges such as editing music to fit scenes, replacing unobtainable music, or working within budget constraints.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines, managing multiple projects simultaneously without compromising quality or vision.
Music Supervisor Experience Requirements
Music Supervisors generally have a bachelor’s degree in music, film studies, media studies or a related field, accompanied by several years of experience in music licensing, music rights administration, music production or related roles.
Entry-level candidates usually have a basic knowledge of the music industry and may have gained experience through internships or part-time roles in music publishing, music licensing, or in a record label.
In addition to this, a background in music composition or production can also be beneficial.
Candidates with 2-3 years of experience often have hands-on experience in negotiating music licensing deals, coordinating with composers and artists, and selecting appropriate music for various media content.
Those with more than 5 years of experience typically have extensive knowledge of music copyright laws and have a proven track record in effectively sourcing and licensing music for film, television, commercials, or other forms of media.
They also often possess strong relationships within the music industry and may have managerial or leadership experience, making them suitable for senior or leadership positions in music supervision.
Furthermore, Music Supervisors are expected to have a wide-ranging and diverse taste in music, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work under strict deadlines.
Music Supervisor Education and Training Requirements
Music Supervisors typically have a bachelor’s degree in music, music business, or another related field.
Having a strong background in music theory, music history, and an understanding of different genres is crucial for this role.
Additionally, knowledge of copyright laws, licensing, and other legal aspects of the music industry is beneficial.
Some positions may require Music Supervisors to have a master’s degree in music industry administration, business, or entertainment industry management.
Often, experience in the music industry, such as working with record labels, artist management, or in music publishing, is highly valued and can sometimes substitute for formal education.
Although not necessary, certification programs focused on the entertainment industry, music licensing, or copyright laws can help enhance a candidate’s credentials.
Continual learning and staying abreast of the latest trends in the music industry is a must for Music Supervisors.
This may include attending music conferences, training sessions, or seminars.
Music Supervisor Salary Expectations
A Music Supervisor can expect to earn an average salary of $67,000 (USD) per year.
However, this figure can fluctuate based on the supervisor’s experience, the size and budget of the project they are working on, and the location of their employment.
Music Supervisor Job Description FAQs
What skills does a Music Supervisor need?
Music Supervisors need to have a broad knowledge of music and a good understanding of the emotional effects music can have.
They must have excellent communication skills to liaise with directors, producers, and composers.
Music Supervisors should also be highly organized, as they often need to manage music rights and licenses.
Do Music Supervisors need a degree?
While a degree in music or a related field can be beneficial, it is not a requirement for a Music Supervisor.
However, in-depth knowledge of music and the music industry is critical.
This can be acquired through work experience, self-study, or formal education.
What should you look for in a Music Supervisor resume?
Look for evidence of a strong understanding of music and its role in media.
This can be demonstrated through previous roles in music supervision or related fields like music licensing or music production.
Also, look for strong project management skills and experience in negotiating music rights and licenses.
What qualities make a good Music Supervisor?
A good Music Supervisor has a deep understanding and passion for music.
They should be able to interpret a director’s creative vision and translate it into a musical score or soundtrack.
They must also be able to negotiate effectively and navigate complex licensing agreements.
Finally, they should have strong networking skills, as they often need to liaise with artists, composers, and record labels.
Is it difficult to hire a Music Supervisor?
Hiring a Music Supervisor can be challenging due to the specific skill set required for the role.
It’s important to find someone with a broad knowledge of music, strong communication, negotiation, and networking skills, as well as experience in music licensing.
However, with the right recruitment approach and understanding of the role, it is possible to find a great Music Supervisor for your project.
Conclusion
And there you have it.
Today, we’ve lifted the lid on what it truly means to be a Music Supervisor.
And guess what?
It’s not just about curating playlists.
It’s about orchestrating the auditory landscape, one tune at a time.
With our handy Music Supervisor job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to tune up your career.
But why stop there?
Fine-tune your career by delving deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to precision-crafted job listings or harmonizing your resume to hit the right notes.
Remember:
Every song you choose is a part of the greater soundscape.
Let’s create that soundtrack. Together.
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