Editing Musician

{{short description|Person who composes, conducts or performs music}}
{{other uses}}
{{More citations needed|date=May 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2018}}

[[File:Ed Sheeran in Philadelphia 01.jpg|upright|thumb|British singer-songwriter [[Ed Sheeran]] in 2023]]

A '''musician''' is someone who [[Composer|composes]], [[Conducting|conducts]], or [[Performing arts#Performers|performs]] [[music]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Musician |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=musician |publisher=American Heritage Dictionary}}</ref> According to the [[United States Employment Service]], "musician" is a general [[Terminology|term]] used to designate a person who follows music as a [[profession]].<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BsOj3BYD4DUC&pg=PA883|title=Dictionary of Occupational Titles, Volume 1|page=883|year=1949|publisher=[[U.S. Government Printing Office]]}}</ref> Musicians include [[songwriter]]s, who write both [[music]] and [[lyrics]] for [[songs]]; conductors, who direct a musical performance; and performers, who perform for an audience. A music performer is generally either a [[singer]] (also known as a vocalist), who provides vocals, or an instrumentalist, who plays a [[musical instrument]]. Musicians may perform on their own or as part of a [[Musical ensemble|group, band or orchestra]]. Musicians can specialize in a [[musical genre]], though many play a variety of different styles and blend or cross said genres, a musician's musical output depending on a variety of technical and other background influences including their culture, skillset, life experience, education, and creative preferences. A musician who [[Sound recording and reproduction|records]] and [[Music release|releases music]] is often referred to as a '''recording artist''';<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.berklee.edu/careers/roles/recording-group-or-band|title=Recording Artist (or Group)|date=January 2011 |publisher=[[Berklee College of Music]]|accessdate=February 19, 2021|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028095241/https://www.berklee.edu/careers/roles/recording-group-or-band|archivedate=October 28, 2020}}</ref> while a musician who primarily writes and records [[art music]], media [[soundtrack]]s and scores—including for [[Film score|film]]s, [[Theatre score|theatrical stage productions]], and [[Video game music|video games]]—or [[classical music]] is usually called a [[composer]]. A [[music producer]], while not necesarilly a musician outright, may themselves be a musician. A [[Conducting|conductor]], by way of gestures, leads and provides live direction for, or ''conducts'', an ensemble, typically an orchestra or choral group.

== Types ==
[[File:George Michael at Antwerp (BRAVO).jpg|thumb|[[George Michael]] at Antwerp]]

===Composer===
{{main|Composer|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 [[lyricist]]s.

===Conductor===
{{main|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|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 music|solo artist]] or as a [[Musical ensemble|part of an ensemble]] (e.g. an [[orchestra]], a [[choir]] or a pop group).

===Producer===
{{main|Record producer}}

A music producer plays a crucial role in shaping the sound of an album or song, overseeing the recording process, and guiding the overall creative direction. They often collaborate closely with artists, musicians, sound engineers, and other industry professionals.

==See also==
* [[Health problems of musicians]]
* [[Lists of musicians]]
* [[List of online music databases]]
* [[Record producer]]
* [[Songwriter]]
* [[Singing]]
* [[Record sales]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Wikiquote}}
{{Wiktionary}}
{{commons category}}

{{Music topics}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Musicians| ]]
[[Category:Occupations in music]]
[[Category:Entertainment occupations]]
[[Category:Music production]]