What's the definition of a "musician"?

Humility!!

A musician is someone who knows when it is time to turn up the gloss™.

I'll jump in without thought of consequences!

I think a musician is someone who makes music.  Some instruments require a steeper learning curve than others.  Disparaging instrument A because it doesn't require the same skills as instrument B is rather stupid.  If it required the same skills, it might as well be the same instrument.  Just because some musicians have little appreciation for skills that are dissimlar to their own, does not mean that other people do not deserve the label, "musician". 

As far as vocalists are concerned, the human (or canine) voice is a marvelous, expressive instrument that requires a great deal of skill and expertise to utilize to its full potential. 

The real question here, it seems to me, is am I such a musical snob that I will denegrate any other muscian who does not have the skills I value for the instruments I prefer?  If so, then why should my opinion matter to anyone?

IME, the people who get all bent out of shape over the semantics of words like "musician" are those who feel a need to differentiate themselves from other, somehow "lesser" peers.

But IMHO, if the only way they feel they can differentiate themselves is by arguing over semantics, especially when talking about common words without precise technical definitions, then the semantic argument is probably meaningless ().

And when you're talking about common, broadly defined words, arguing about what it means is ignorant and childish. If you want a more specific meaning, most literate people would just add a qualifier - "professional musician", "trained musician", etc.

mike_mccue

jamesg1213


Might be a bit simplistic I suppose, but really, anyone who creates music is a musician.

http://forum.cakewalk.com...px?high=&m=2310623

http://forum.cakewalk.com/tm.aspx?m=2310609

Got a link then?

jamesg1213

mike_mccue

jamesg1213


Might be a bit simplistic I suppose, but really, anyone who creates music is a musician.

http://forum.cakewalk.com...px?high=&m=2310623

http://forum.cakewalk.com/tm.aspx?m=2310609

nicely done!!!

:-)

well, here's the link to the thread upstairs

http://forum.cakewalk.com/tm.aspx?m=2310046

and I've talked to guitarprima lots of times before helping him with things...

but I also just was thinking after he made those comments about what a "real musician" is.  I tend to think of pretty simplistic terms like James said above.  "someone who makes music"

but also, he brought up another "point" in his rant about people who glue together a bunch of loops.  are people who do this musicians?

drew - great points.  I tend to agree with you on that!

bubba - as far as canine voices, check out Philip's post of "A Mighty Fortress" in the Songs forum for some canine vocals!  (shameless promotion!!!)

fastest paws in the west!!!!

musicman100

Beagle


fastest paws in the west!!!!

yea, you even got the NI session strings  email before me, and I am a registered user of that software

Mom always liked you the best ....

that's really saying something since she doesn't even know me!!!! 

for example:
http://forum.cakewalk.com/tm.aspx?m=2310052

are these guys REALLY musicians????  who told them they were??? 

I'm a bit reluctant because I don't want to offend...

Before digital I probably would have agreed with "anybody that makes music" but
things have changed.

I feel that a musician is a person that can make music with a musical instrument.
I don't feel that a computer is a musical instrument.
I think if I were to have a jam session with musicians that nobody would show up
with a PC and band in a box.

To suggest that formal musical education is a factor is ridiculous. Ones abilities to
play an instrument is what others evaluate how good a musician is. 
The sound projected from a musical instrument is the only factor. However....

Education helps musicians verbally discuss musical ideas. When one can discuss
ideas it is an added bonus.
Education helps musicians perform together by reading music.
The value of musical education is not only "weighed" by the musician but it is
also "weighed" by other musicians they perform with.

I can say from many years of performing that music education can be a very big factor.
Working with musicians that have not "studied" music can make the selection of
material very limited. Some of the "tools" are missing. Verbal communication as well
as musical charts/transcriptions that help speed things up and keep everyone on the
same page so to speak can make it much easier on all involved.

It can also be the root problem for personality conflicts. Without some abilities it is understandable
that one could feel intimidated and uncomfortable. Especially if one is the only one in the
group missing some skills.
It's just some of the many reasons that not all musicians can be in a group with just any musician.
We all make determinations like that when choosing the musicians that we will work with. So it is
also understandable that one may consider calling the guy with the PC and BIAB. I may too call someone
with computer skills.....but I won't be calling them a musician on that bases.

Part of my hesitation to post is also based on the many things I read here such as comments about
American Idol. I don't watch that show so I have no comments but I'll say that some here have made
it clear that there are many "factors" that they use to determine if a musician is one....which are much
different than mine. FWIW.

I should add to my earlier post that sometimes people will use a word to give themselves undeserved status as well. Is someone with little natural talent, who took up an instrument just yesterday, and now claims that they're a "musician", out of line?

Perhaps, but I'd say, "Who cares? It's just a word. It doesn't change anything."

If someone who just started playing wants to call himself a musician, why should I care?

If someone who makes music with loops wants to call herself a musician, why should I care?

The word doesn't change their ability, or mine, or yours, or anyone else's. If they use it presumptively it doesn't really demean anyone else as much as it reflects badly on them, and their view of their self.

Loosely defined words don't convey enough honor that we should take offense at someone using them presumptively.

mike_mccue


I often refer to myself as an "irritating" *musician* just to be more precise.

I sure love my glosS™

Almost as much as I love movie night.

+2 (or is it 3?)

You two are irritating me with all the wisdom and such.