In the modern music world, terms to describe music makers can get somewhat confusing. Sometimes, a musician can be a producer, a songwriter, a composer, and an arranger. Who does what job? Where are the lines drawn?
A composer is very similar to a modern music producer. While composers create songs for a group of musicians, producers create songs usually for one person or one small group.
A composer often creates songs for choirs and orchestras, while a producer usually makes a beat or organizes the instrumentation for a singer or a rapper.
There are a lot of similarities between a composer and a producer. Both will know a good deal about music theory and composition in the sense of building chords, melodies, and even lyrics.
Producers often incorporate MIDI (computer-generated) instruments in their beats, while composers mainly work with live instrumentalists.
Some composers use the lyrical works of poets and storytellers for their words, while others write the lyrics, making them like a songwriter.
Related Post: 10 Tools That Come In Handy For Songwriters, Composers, And Producers
While composing and writing music often overlap, a composer usually has more creative input into a song in comparison to a songwriter.
Oftentimes, songwriters will need to work with music producers who are more familiar with instrumentation to complete the song.
Songwriters often focus on the lyrics and the melody lines (sometimes called toplines) for the singers and rappers while not being as heavily involved in the production and instrumentation.
But, it is common for a songwriter to have skills as a music producer as well.
Many songwriters focus on one complementary instrument that works well with vocals, like the piano or a guitar, to put their composer skills to work more simply than a full producer would.
There is no need for full production in some genres, like singer-songwriter, and the piano or guitar with the vocal creates a complete song.
Since they work more simply, songwriters often don't go as deep as a composer or music producer would when it comes to music theory. Many good songwriters don't know how to write or read music.
The term arranger can be extra confusing to throw into the mix. Think of an arranger as someone who remakes songs and adds their own spin on them.
An arranger is someone who takes a song from a composer and creates a new version arranged differently.
Arrangers are often composers as well, taking music from other composers that inspire them and creating their own version of a song.
New arrangements are often made for songs in the public domain that are available to use without copyright infringement.
Related Post: Popular Songs Available For Covers And Arrangements From The Public Domain
While composers and producers work on the creative aspects of the music, sound engineers work on the art that is involved in the sound recording itself. Many people don't realize the greatness that lies in a professional engineer.
They need to understand music theory and creative concepts to make the ideas of songwriters, producers, and composers come to life.
They also learn a whole set of skills in sound production that most creatives don't know anything beyond the basics about.
Engineers tweak pitches, audio volume, EQ levels, panning, echo, reverb, and so many more elements in each vocal or instrument to make them sound perfect on a recording.
In conclusion, the roles and distinctions between composers, music producers, songwriters, arrangers, and engineers in the music industry can sometimes be blurry.
Composers and producers share similarities in their knowledge of music theory and composition, but they often create music for different purposes and target different audiences.
Composers tend to create music for choirs and orchestras, while producers focus on crafting beats and organizing instrumentation for individual artists or small groups.
Songwriters primarily focus on lyrics and melodies, collaborating with producers to bring their songs to life.
While songwriters may not delve as deeply into music theory as composers, they often possess complementary instrument skills, such as piano or guitar, to enhance their compositions.
As a session singer, writer, and producer that has worked with over 300 clients to provide high-quality jingles, singles, and features, Yona spends her time creating and marketing new music and helpful resources for creators. Check out Yona’s latest releases on her Spotify, her Youtube and share if you like it!
If you are in need of singer, songwriter or song producer services, see what Yona Marie can offer you on her services page.
