What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
composer
Example
Beethoven is considered one of the greatest composers of all time. [composer: noun]
Example
She spent hours composing a new piece for the orchestra. [composing: gerund or present participle]
musician
Example
He is a talented musician who can play multiple instruments. [musician: noun]
Example
She spent years studying music theory to become a better musician. [musician: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Musician is more commonly used than composer in everyday language. Musician is a broader term that covers a wider range of musical activities, while composer is a more specific term that refers to a particular aspect of music creation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between composer and musician?
Composer is generally considered a more formal term than musician. It is often used in academic or professional contexts, while musician is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
