A musician is best described as someone who performs music through playing an instrument or singing because this definition emphasizes the core activity that defines musicianship: the act of engaging with music directly. Whether it’s playing an instrument like a piano or guitar, or using their voice to sing, this performance aspect is fundamental to what it means to be a musician.
While managing music projects, conducting orchestras, and recording music are certainly important roles within the music industry, they do not primarily encompass the essence of being a musician. These roles may involve musical knowledge and skills, but they focus more on the organizational, leadership, or technical aspects of music rather than the direct performance that characterizes musicianship. Therefore, the definition centered on performance captures the true nature of a musician's work and their relationship with music.