Composer

A composer is a person who writes music. This job is important because the music they create can tell stories and share feelings.

The term is especially used for people who write Western classical music or who make music their main job.

Many composers are also good at playing music. They might play instruments or sing, which helps them understand music better. Their work has shaped the way we enjoy music today.

Etymology and definition

See also: Lists of composers

The word "composer" comes from a Latin word meaning "one who puts together." It describes someone who writes music.

Usually, this term is used for people who write Western classical music or who make music their main job. Sometimes, people who write songs are also called composers, but today we often use the words "songwriter" or "singer-songwriter" instead, especially in popular music styles. The word "composer" can also mean someone who brings different pieces of music together.

Role in the Western world

Relationship with performers

In the early days of European classical music, writing music was not much more important than playing it. People did not worry too much about keeping each piece of music exactly as the composer wrote it. Musicians often changed pieces to fit their own style when they played.

In the Western world, before the 1800s, composers usually also sang, taught, or thought deeply about music. Even when a piece of music had all its melodies, chords, and basslines written down, the person playing it could still decide how to make it sound their own way. They could choose how fast to play, how to express the notes, and even add special effects. This is called interpretation. Different players can make the same piece sound very different!

Sometimes, a piece of music has more than one composer. This can happen in popular music when a whole band works together to write a song. Or in musical theatre, where one person might write the songs, another might arrange how the instruments play them, and another might write the words.

Music can also be written in many creative ways. It can be as simple as wind chimes making music in the breeze, or as complex as special computer programs that tell musicians what to play. Some modern music even uses chance and randomness, letting whatever happens guide the music.

History of employment

During the Middle Ages, many composers worked for the Catholic church, creating music for religious services. Later, during the Renaissance, composers often worked for wealthy noble families. They wrote both religious music and songs about courtly love — the respectful love felt for someone from afar.

In the Baroque period, composers were often employed by aristocrats or churches. By the Classical period, composers began giving public concerts to earn money, making them less dependent on noble or church jobs. This trend continued into the Romantic period in the 1800s. By the 20th century, composers found new ways to earn money, such as teaching at universities, selling their music in sheet music form, or having their works recorded and sold.

Role of women

Women have faced many challenges in becoming recognized as composers. In the past, most famous composers were men, and women's work was often overlooked. Even today, women composers sometimes do not get as much attention or opportunities as men. However, things are slowly changing, and women composers are gaining more recognition in modern times. Notable women composers include Clara Shumann, Fanny Hensel, and Cécile Chaminade.

Modern training

Many composers start by learning music when they are young. They might sing in a choir, play in a youth orchestra, or perform solo on instruments like the piano, pipe organ, or violin. Teens can study more in colleges, conservatories, and universities. Conservatories offer lessons and chances to play in orchestras. Universities have many programs, including bachelor's, Master of Music, and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees.

Bachelor's degrees, called B.Mus. or B.M, last four years. They include lessons, orchestra or choir practice, and courses in music history and theory. Students usually need to finish big music pieces before graduating. Some composers study music performance or theory instead of composition.

Master of Music degrees, called M.Mus. or M.M, include private lessons, playing in groups, and courses. This degree is often needed to teach composition at a university.

To become a professor, many universities require a doctoral degree. The main doctoral degree for composers is the Doctor of Musical Arts, not the PhD. This degree needs many extra credits and careful selection. Students must show their compositions and sometimes recordings of them being played. They also need to pass tests in music history, theory, and more. Students write big compositions with help from teachers. Some schools ask students to perform their works in concerts. They may also help teach music students.

Some composers learn by playing music or studying music theory first, and then develop their skills while working in other music jobs.