Job Description - Music Director & Composer

Position: Music Director / Composer Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India (Hybrid / On-site) Employment Type: Full-time | Contract | Project-based Industry: Film & Entertainment / Music Production / Digital Media Experience Required: 10-15 years Posted by: Route

About the Role

We are looking for a highly skilled and creatively driven Music Director & Composer to lead the musical vision of our upcoming film/digital/brand projects. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in Hindustani classical tradition combined with a strong command of contemporary music production, enabling them to craft emotionally resonant, culturally rooted, and commercially appealing soundscapes.

This role demands both artistic leadership and technical execution - from conceptualizing the sonic identity of a project to supervising final mix deliverables. The Music Director will work closely with directors, producers, lyricists, and artists to deliver world-class musical output across film scores, original songs, and background music.

Key Responsibilities

Creative & Compositional

• Conceptualize and develop the complete musical identity of assigned projects (films, OTT series, ad campaigns, or live productions)
• Compose original songs, background scores, and thematic motifs aligned with the project's narrative and emotional arc
• Integrate classical Indian raga frameworks with contemporary production styles (electronic, jazz, orchestral, fusion) where appropriate
• Write or co-write lyrics in Hindi and/or Urdu for original compositions when required
• Develop leitmotifs and recurring musical themes that serve the storytelling

Production & Studio

• Direct and supervise studio recording sessions for vocalists, instrumentalists, and session musicians
• Produce music end-to-end using DAWs (Ableton Live, Logic Pro X, or equivalent)
• Collaborate with sound engineers and mixing/mastering professionals to deliver broadcast-ready audio
• Oversee sound design for background score and ambient soundscapes
• Manage multi-track session files, stems, and archival deliverables

Team & Artist Management

• Identify, shortlist, and brief playback singers, session musicians, and orchestrators
• Provide vocal direction and artistic guidance to performers in the studio
• Coordinate with lyricists, choreographers, and directors to align musical compositions with visual sequences
• Manage project timelines, recording schedules, and music delivery deadlines

Collaboration & Communication

• Work closely with film directors, executive producers, and creative heads to align musical direction with overall project vision
• Present compositions and mood references in pre-production meetings
• Incorporate feedback iteratively while maintaining creative integrity
• Liaise with music labels, licensing teams, and rights management departments as needed

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Music (Hindustani Classical, Composition, or equivalent) from a recognized institution
• Formal classical training under a recognized Gharana or equivalent gurukul experience is strongly preferred
• Certification or coursework in music production / audio engineering is an advantage

Experience

• Minimum 10 years of professional experience in music composition, direction, or production
• Demonstrated experience as a Music Director or Lead Composer on at least 5 film/OTT/commercial projects
• Proven track record of independently producing and releasing original music with measurable audience reach
• Experience directing studio sessions and managing musicians in a professional recording environment

Technical Skills

• Advanced proficiency in Ableton Live and/or Logic Pro X
• Strong knowledge of MIDI composition, orchestration, and digital audio workflows
• Familiarity with notation systems - Bhatkhande (Indian) and Western staff notation
• Understanding of audio post-production workflows (stem delivery, sync licensing formats)

Musical Expertise

• Deep knowledge of Hindustani classical ragas across all time categories and seasons
• Strong command of taal cycles and rhythmic frameworks (Teentaal, Ektaal, Rupak, etc.)
• Versatility across genres: classical, sufi/qawwali, contemporary Bollywood, indie/fusion, folk
• Ability to compose melodically and harmonically for both traditional and modern arrangements

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience scoring for independent or feature films screened at national or international film festivals
• Prior collaboration with established Bollywood music directors or production houses
• Active discography with streaming presence on Spotify, JioSaavn, YouTube Music, or equivalent
• International performance or touring experience
• Familiarity with IPRS/PPL rights registration and music licensing frameworks in India
• Existing network of session musicians, studios, and music professionals in Mumbai

What We're Looking For - Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal Music Director for this role is someone who:

• Has been trained in the classical tradition but is equally at home in a modern production studio
• Can bridge the emotional depth of Indian classical music with the sonic demands of contemporary media
• Is an effective communicator who can articulate musical ideas to non-musical collaborators (directors, producers, brand teams)
• Is self-driven with a strong portfolio of original work and a recognizable artistic voice
• Has demonstrated the ability to lead creative teams and deliver under production timelines
• Is passionate about pushing the boundaries of Indian music while remaining deeply respectful of its roots

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive project fee / monthly retainer (commensurate with experience)
• Royalty participation on released compositions (IPRS registered)
• Full creative credit on all associated projects
• Access to premium studio facilities in Mumbai
• Flexible work schedule with defined project milestones
• Opportunity to build long-term association with an established production entity

How to Apply

Interested candidates are requested to share the following:

1. Updated Resume / Artist Bio
2. Portfolio / Showreel - links to original compositions, film scores, or released work
3. Brief Cover Note (200-300 words) - outlining your compositional approach and why this role excites you
4. References - at least 2 professional references from the music/film industry

☑ Send applications to: careers@[companyname].com Or apply via: www.route.com/careers

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. We encourage applications from artists across all backgrounds and musical traditions.

Here are a few ready-to-use versions depending on the type of company. You can choose the one that fits your JD.

Generic Version (Best if company details are unknown)

About Route

Route is a creative production company focused on delivering high-quality storytelling across music, film, and digital platforms. The team collaborates with artists, brands, and creators to develop compelling audio-visual experiences that resonate with modern audiences. With a strong emphasis on creativity, innovation, and collaboration, Route works across projects such as music videos, branded content, digital campaigns, and original productions, aiming to push creative boundaries while maintaining high production standards.

OTT / Media Studio Version

About Route

Route is a forward-thinking media and content production studio dedicated to creating impactful stories for streaming platforms and digital audiences. The company collaborates with filmmakers, musicians, and brands to produce original content including web series, music productions, branded storytelling, and digital-first experiences. With a strong creative vision and a commitment to high production quality, Route focuses on crafting narratives that connect with global audiences.

Music Label / Creative Studio Version

About Route

Route is a creative music and media studio that supports artists, composers, and creators in producing original music and audio-visual content. The company works across music production, film scoring, digital campaigns, and artist collaborations, helping bring innovative ideas to life. By combining artistic excellence with modern production techniques, Route aims to amplify unique voices and deliver memorable experiences for audiences worldwide.