Which best describes a session musician?

A session musician is best described as someone who is called in to perform for recordings or live performances, often at short notice. This role requires versatility and adaptability, as session musicians often need to play a variety of styles and genres depending on the project and the needs of the artist or producer. They are typically hired for their skills to add instrumental or vocal parts to a track, and they may work with different artists and in different settings, such as studios or live venues.

This flexibility and ability to deliver high-quality performances in various contexts distinguish session musicians from others. While some musicians may focus on solo performances or conducting orchestras, the key characteristic of a session musician is their collaborative nature and readiness to step in as needed for different musical projects. This often involves being highly skilled in improvisation and quickly learning new material, which is essential for their work in both recording studios and live music situations.