Musician

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

For other uses, see Musician (disambiguation).
Elvis Presley, a rock musician of the 20th century.

A musician is a person who composes, conducts, or performs music.[1] According to the United States Employment Service, "musician" is a general term used to designate one who follows music as a profession.[2] Musicians include songwriters who compose music as well as write lyrics for songs, conductors who direct a musical performance, or performers who perform for an audience. A music performer is generally either a singer who provides vocals or an instrumentalist who plays a musical instrument. Musicians may perform on their own or as part of a group, band or orchestra. Musicians specialize in a musical style, and some musicians play in a variety of different styles depending on cultures and background. A musician who records and releases music can be known as a recording artist.[3]

Types[]

1820 portrait of Ludwig van Beethoven by Joseph Karl Stieler, a major composer of the late Classical and early Romantic eras

Composer[]

Main articles: Composer and Songwriter

A composer is a musician who creates musical compositions. The title is principally used for those who write classical music or film music. Those who write the music for popular songs may be called songwriters (Those who mainly write the words for songs may be referred to as lyricists).

Conductor[]

Main article: Conducting

A conductor directs a musical performance; conducting has been defined as "the art of directing the simultaneous performance of several players or singers by the use of gesture." The conductor stands on a raised podium and communicates with the musicians through hand gestures or eye contact.

Performer[]

Main article: Performing arts § Music

Examples of performers include, but are not limited to, instrumentalists and singers who perform for an audience. A musician can perform as a solo artist or as a part of an ensemble (e.g. an orchestra, a choir or a pop group).

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ "Musician". American heritage dictionary.
  2. ^ Dictionary of Occupational Titles, Volume 1. U.S. Government Printing Office. 1949. p. 883.
  3. ^ "Recording Artist (or Group)". Berklee College of Music. Archived from the original on 28 October 2020. Retrieved 19 February 2021.

External links[]

Media related to Musicians at Wikimedia Commons

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