Instrumental musicians play a musical instrument in an orchestra, band, rock group, or jazz group. Musicians may play any of a wide variety of string, brass, woodwind, or percussion instruments or electronic synthesizers. Musicians may learn several related instruments, such as the flute and clarinet, often improving their employment opportunities. Singers interpret music using their knowledge of voice production, melody, and harmony. They sing character parts or perform in their own individual style.
Composers create original music such as symphonies, operas, sonatas, or popular songs.
They transcribe ideas into musical notation using harmony, rhythm, melody, and tonal structure. Many songwriters now compose and edit music using computers. Some even have a musical keyboard linked to a computer which compiles the digital information into musical notation while they play. Also, they may program the composition in musical notation into the computer, which can play back the piece. Arrangers transcribe and adapt musical composition to a particular style for orchestras, bands, choral groups, or individuals.