Composer (ANZSCO 211211)
Updated
What a Composer does
Writes new and rearranges existing musical compositions such as songs, operas, symphonies, musical scores and advertising jingles. This occupation requires high levels of creative talent or personal commitment and interest as well as, or in place of, formal qualifications or experience.
- Specialisations
- Music Arranger, Songwriter
Key facts
- ANZSCO code
- 211211
- Skill level
- 1Bachelor degree or higher
- Skilled lists
- Regional Occupation List (ROL)
- Visas that list it
- 494
- Assessing authority
- VETASSESS
- National shortage
- No shortage
Visa options
Occupation eligibility is one requirement; each visa page links to the rest.
Points-tested
- Subclass 189 Skilled IndependentNot on its occupation listsNot eligible
- Subclass 190 Skilled NominatedNot on its occupation listsNot eligible
- Subclass 491, state or territory nominatedNot on its occupation listsNot eligible
- Subclass 491, family sponsoredNot on its occupation listsNot eligible
Employer-sponsored
- Subclass 482 Skills in Demand, Core Skills streamNot on its occupation listsNot eligible
- Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme, Direct Entry streamNot on its occupation listsNot eligible
Main tasks
- creating melodic, harmonic and rhythmic structures to express ideas and emotions in musical form
- translating ideas and concepts into standard musical signs and symbols for reproduction and performance
- undertaking research and liaising with clients when composing musical backing for television commercials, popular recordings, and radio, television and film productions
- auditioning and selecting Musicians and Singers
- selecting music for performances and assigning instrumental parts to musicians
- directing musical groups at rehearsals and performances to achieve desired effects such as tonal and harmonic balance, rhythm and tempo
- studying and rehearsing repertoire and musical scores prior to performances
- playing music in recital, as an accompanist, or as a member of an orchestra, band or other musical group, from score and by memory
- performing music and songs according to interpretation, direction and style of presentation, using highly developed aural skills to reproduce music
Shortage by state
- NationalNo shortage
- ACTNo shortage
- NSWNo shortage
- NTNo shortage
- QLDNo shortage
- SANo shortage
- TASNo shortage
- VICNo shortage
- WANo shortage
State and territory nomination
For the 190 and 491, each state and territory also has its own occupation list.
Common questions
What does a Composer do?
Writes new and rearranges existing musical compositions such as songs, operas, symphonies, musical scores and advertising jingles. This occupation requires high levels of creative talent or personal commitment and interest as well as, or in place of, formal qualifications or experience. (ABS ANZSCO description.)
Is Composer on the skilled occupation list?
Yes. Composer (ANZSCO 211211) is on the Regional Occupation List (ROL) (lists in force from 14 December 2024). It is listed for the 494 visa.
What is the ANZSCO code for Composer?
211211. Home Affairs uses ANZSCO codes for skilled visas.
How can a Composer migrate to Australia?
The occupation lists Home Affairs publishes include Composer for the Subclass 494 visa. Being on a list is one requirement among several; each visa's page links to Home Affairs for the rest.
Who assesses Composer for an Australian visa?
VETASSESS, the skills assessing authority listed for 211211.
Is Composer in demand in Australia?
Jobs and Skills Australia rated it "No shortage" nationally in its 2025 Occupation Shortage List, with ratings for each state and territory shown above.