My problem with "musicians."

[DugMachine]

So I just had a discussion with my friend who's majoring in music as to what actually defines being a musician. See i'm in a Arctic Monkeys cover band and my friend doesn't consider me a musician because i'm playing another persons work, and I agree with him. I do it for fun and some extra cash.

He on the other hand, who just reads sheet music of composers, considers himself to be a true musician as he's creating music. Yet, he didn't really have anything to do with the composing just the playback. So I tell him that him and I are the same and just because he's a music major doesn't validate his covers anymore than mine.

Also, apparently cause I can't read sheet music at a million miles an hour i'm apparently not musically talented. Great friend but when it comes to music (the thing he's majoring in) he seems to be really freaking ignorant. So, what do you all think of this?

captcha: face the music

Huh, well would you look at that.

 

[Starnerf]

He seems to be confusing the terms "musician" and "composer". Anyone who plays music can be considered a musician, though I'd imagine musical hobbyists might be hesitant to claim that title.

 

[DoPo]

Bah, not semantics again! Why do more and more threads appear to argue semantics? Pull a dictionary, if you're so lost.

But here, as long as the thread is up, let me help you - a musician does stuff with music. They may perform it or create it. Both of those are valid musicians. You perform music, then you're a musician. Your friend doesn't think you're one - then he's talking through his ass. That's it. Case closed. And /thread.

If it would only be that simple - cue a couple of pages of bickering back and forth. (I'd like to be wrong about this)

 

[Hazy992]

Bah, not semantics again! Why do more and more threads appear to argue semantics? Pull a dictionary, if you're so lost.

But if we didn't have petty semantics arguments what would we talk about?!

OT: Not being able to read sheet music doesn't make someone any less of a musician. Jay Kay from Jamiroquai can't read music and they've sold over 40 million albums.

 

[Fappy]

If you play music and consider yourself a musician then... HOLY SHIT YOUR A MUSICIAN!

Same thing goes for any creative hobby that doesn't specify professionalism. People just like having exclusive titles so they can feel better about themselves.

 

[DoPo]

Bah, not semantics again! Why do more and more threads appear to argue semantics? Pull a dictionary, if you're so lost.

But if we didn't have petty semantics arguments what would we talk about?!

Something more sensible, which would be anything else, I suppose.

And I only wanted to edit my post with this screenshot but here's a new post instead

OP, print this out and give it to your friend.

 

[Hazy992]

Bah, not semantics again! Why do more and more threads appear to argue semantics? Pull a dictionary, if you're so lost.

But if we didn't have petty semantics arguments what would we talk about?!

Something more sensible, which would be anything else, I suppose.

How about if games can be considered art? That's more sensible, right?

Captcha: thumbs up. Quite

 

[Fishyash]

I'll just talk musician to musician (OP)

You are a musician. Being in a cover band more than qualifies being a musician. Making money from it pretty much removes all doubt that you are a musician.

 

[Lionsfan]

That's silly. That would mean guys like this:


aren't musicians, since he's not technically writing his own music

It's sounds like your friend is just trying to establish himself as being in something special

 

[DoPo]

Bah, not semantics again! Why do more and more threads appear to argue semantics? Pull a dictionary, if you're so lost.

But if we didn't have petty semantics arguments what would we talk about?!

Something more sensible, which would be anything else, I suppose.

How about if games can be considered art? That's more sensible, right?

Captcha: thumbs up. Quite

Semantics again. People play with the word "art" like Taffy in those.

 

[krazykidd]

He seems to be confusing the terms "musician" and "composer". Anyone who plays music can be considered a musician, though I'd imagine musical hobbyists might be hesitant to claim that title.

I really think there is a difference , but maybe iam one of those hobbyists you mentionned . Now i can play the piano . I can read music but connot play by ear . I used to play in churches when i was younger ( i can play both the piano and the pipe organ). When people call me a pianist , i politely correct them and say i just play the piano .

See for me personally , i believe some weight comes with a title like that, i see a difference between a true pianist and someone ( like myself) that plays the piano . I would also argue that for any instrument. And i would also agree that the title of musician also carries some weight . But maybe i'm just old fashionned.

On a unrelated note , i am one of those guys who don't think because you play games that you are a gamer , so my opinion may be invalid.

 

[The Night Angel]

captcha: face the music

Huh, well would you look at that.

Haha, this gave me a good laugh the all knowing captcha is watching yet again!

OT: He is just one of the many people who like to feel superior in matters relating to their degrees. You play music, so you are a musician. If he says arctic monkeys don't play music, then he can argue that neither do you. And you are quite right, he is just covering someone else's music too, he is no better than you as far as the creation of music goes.

 

[aba1]

So I just had a discussion with my friend who's majoring in music as to what actually defines being a musician. See i'm in a Arctic Monkeys cover band and my friend doesn't consider me a musician because i'm playing another persons work, and I agree with him. I do it for fun and some extra cash.

He on the other hand, who just reads sheet music of composers, considers himself to be a true musician as he's creating music. Yet, he didn't really have anything to do with the composing just the playback. So I tell him that him and I are the same and just because he's a music major doesn't validate his covers anymore than mine.

Also, apparently cause I can't read sheet music at a million miles an hour i'm apparently not musically talented. Great friend but when it comes to music (the thing he's majoring in) he seems to be really freaking ignorant. So, what do you all think of this?

captcha: face the music

Huh, well would you look at that.

My friend can be the same way in ways. Just because he is a music major he acts like I don't get a opinion on what music is good or not even though art is subjective and whether or not it is good depends on the individual.

 

[M0rp43vs]

Being completely honest and unlike my normal self, I'd tell him to shove his self righteousness right up his urethra so he can smell it since his head is stuck so far up his own arse.

As far as I am concerned, you play music, you are a musician. You write music? you are a musician AS WELL AS a composer. Good or bad, that is up to the beholder, but let no one tell you you aren't a musician.

Sorry, this topic touched a nerve.

 

[Shivarage]

Why would you want to cover the "arctic monkeys"...?

 

[DugMachine]

Why would you want to cover the "arctic monkeys"...?

They're me and my friends favorite band of course

 

[Launcelot111]

You might not write the music, but if you can play at a level that people are willing to pay you to play songs for them, then I definitely think you can call yourself a musician. Relative skill or knowledge shouldn't come into the equation, because anyone who enjoys writing and performing music in just about any setting can call themselves a musician.

 

[Shivarage]

They're me and my friends favorite band of course

I'm not a fan, if you're a student then I can understand the appeal, they don't appear to be out of reach talent-wise imo (tends to happen with the "indie" style)

they do have some good beats but they don't really do it for me

 

[isometry]

He's correct in a way, learning music theory and reading complex scores does expand your appreciation of music.

But he is also being a bit of an arrogant snob, there's no reason to be so off-putting to a friend. Chances are it will pass, once he gets over the initial excitement of what he has just learned, but sometimes people with self-esteem issues don't get over their intro-to-college arrogance, so good luck.

 

[DugMachine]

They're me and my friends favorite band of course

I'm not a fan, if you're a student then I can understand the appeal, they don't appear to be out of reach talent-wise imo (tends to happen with the "indie" style)

they do have some good beats but they don't really do it for me

We only really play college parties so they seem like an alright band to cover. Most parties are into brostep stuff though so I ain't making no living off it, just a bit of cash here and there.