Industry Jobs | Music Supervisor

As one of the premier studio production companies in New York, Broadway Stages works to meet the growing needs of the film and TV industry while also focusing on the needs of our community. We provide the industry with a soundstage or location where they shoot their scenes, but they also need a skilled and experienced workforce. In this series, we look at the various jobs that make a production come to life. We hope it provides insight and encourages you to consider a career in the film and TV industry. This week, we look at the role of the music supervisor.

What Does a Music Supervisor Do?

Previously, we highlighted the role of a composer, which contributes to bringing a director’s vision for a production to life by creating just the right music to help tell a story. But the composer is just one of the roles involved with the various aspects of the music created for a production. The lead role in this area is the music supervisor. Read on to learn more.

The music supervisor handles a variety of music-related tasks for a film or TV production. Careers in Film tells us that, as head of the music department, the music supervisor will “oversee a range of duties from finding a composer, securing original music, starting and finalizing deals with music publishers and record labels, booking studio time, dealing with the musicians union, and consulting with the film’s director on creative music decisions.” According to MasterClass, the music supervisor will view the rough cut to identify places where music will be needed (this is called “spotting”), and they will work with the composer to identify where original music will be needed. They also work to ensure that licensing is obtained for existing music that will be used, to avoid copyright infringement issues.

How do I become a Music Supervisor?

A music supervisor will need to have a broad knowledge of music, as well as be aware of music licensing and intellectual property laws. Attention to detail, communication skills, and ability to manage a budget are also important. No specific degree is needed, although music business programs or courses can be helpful. And, as with most industry jobs, networking can help build contacts. Internships and apprenticeships or getting hired by music supervisors will help one break into the industry and provide opportunities to work up to the lead music supervisor role. Find more advice on the skills and experience needed to become a music supervisor at Careers in Film and Berklee College of Music.

More Information 

Read this Backstage interview with Music Supervisor John Bissell, who worked on NBC’s “The Blacklist,” one of the many TV shows filmed at Broadway Stages. Read this Awards Daily piece in which Music Supervisor Frankie Pine discusses the music used to set the tone and tell the story in HBO Max’s “The Flight Attendant” (filmed at Broadway Stages) and Amazon’s “Sylvie’s Love.”

Learn about film and TV industry jobs, training, and more in the Broadway Stages’ Industry Resource Guide. Our guide provides information about industry-focused job posting sites; links to general recruiting sites; education and training programs; and state, city, and borough industry information.