Musicians and singersMusicians, singers, and related workers play musical instruments, sing, compose or arrange music, or conduct groups in instrumental or vocal performances. They may perform solo or as part of a group. Musicians, singers, and related workers entertain live audiences in nightclubs, concert halls, and theaters featuring opera, musical theater, or dance. Although most of these entertainers play for live audiences, many perform exclusively for recording or production studios. Regardless of the setting, musicians, singers, and related workers spend considerable time practicing, alone and with their band, orchestra, or other musical ensemble. Musicians often gain their reputation or professional standing in a particular kind of music or performance. However, those who learn several related instruments, such as the flute and clarinet, and who can perform equally well in several musical styles, have better employment opportunities. Instrumental musicians, for example, may play in a symphony orchestra, rock group, or jazz combo one night, appear in another ensemble the next, and work in a studio band the following day. Some play a variety of string, brass, woodwind, or percussion instruments or electronic synthesizers. Singers interpret music, using their knowledge of voice production, melody, and harmony. They sing character parts or perform in their own individual style. Singers are often classified according to their voice range—soprano, contralto, tenor, baritone, or bass—or by the type of music they sing, such as opera, rock, popular, folk, rap, or country and western. Music directors conduct, direct, plan, and lead instrumental or vocal performances by musical groups, such as orchestras, choirs, and glee clubs. Conductors lead instrumental music groups, such as symphony orchestras, dance bands, show bands, and various popular ensembles. These leaders audition and select musicians, choose the music most appropriate for their talents and abilities, and direct rehearsals and performances. Choral directors lead choirs and glee clubs, sometimes working with a band or an orchestra conductor. Directors audition and select singers and lead them at rehearsals and performances in order to achieve harmony, rhythm, tempo, shading, and other desired musical effects. Composers create original music such as symphonies, operas, sonatas, radio and television jingles, film scores, or popular songs. They transcribe ideas into musical notation, using harmony, rhythm, melody, and tonal structure. Although most composers and songwriters practice their craft on instruments and transcribe the notes with pen and paper, some use computer software to compose and edit their music. Arrangers transcribe and adapt musical compositions to a particular style for orchestras, bands, choral groups, or individuals. Components of music—including tempo, volume, and the mix of instruments needed—are arranged to express the composer�s message. While some arrangers write directly into a musical composition, others use computer software to make changes. Related news articles Soldier remembered as talented musician - 16 Oct 2006 The Union Leader,By MIKE KALIL. SALEM – Bill Croft and Brandon Oberkrieser were looking forward to someday playing music again with their friend Cpl. Nicholas Arvanitis. ... So much to love about Sonny Rollins - 16 Oct 2006 San Jose Mercury News,There's not much controversy in saying that Sonny Rollins is the greatest living jazz musician, a peerless improviser with a boundless imagination. ... Musician, author and storyteller Sheila Kay Adams performs Oct. 25 - 16 Oct 2006 Appalachian State University,BOONE—Appalachian State University will host award-winning musician, author and storyteller Sheila Kay Adams on Wednesday, Oct. ... 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Top honour for young guitarist - 16 Oct 2006 St. Albans Observer,City guitarist David Massey performed at London's Wigmore Hall last Thursday as part of his reward for reaching the final of the BBC Young Musician of the Year ... Musician gaining fans from al-Qaida son - Oct 15, 2006 United Press International15 (UPI) -- Former underground musician Phil Pearlman Gadahn is gaining more fans thanks to the recent US indictment of his son for treason and alleged al ... Are you a local musician who wants free publicity? Send a cd to it ... - Oct 15, 2006 The Free Lance-Star,In high school, it was jocks, nerds, Goths, emos, on down the list. In college, the scene changes a little--now you must choose ... Onetime street musician took road to Hollywood - Oct 15, 2006 Chicago Sun-Times,BY DOUG ELFMAN Television Critic. Danny Elfman didn't start playing violin, guitar and trombone until he was 18. But he caught on ... 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