Which statement best defines a session musician's contribution?

A session musician plays a vital role in the music industry by contributing their skills to recordings and performances, often in a collaborative context. They are typically hired for their proficiency on an instrument or in a specific style, enabling artists or producers to enhance their work. This contribution can take various forms, such as playing instruments, adding vocal harmonies, or providing arrangements, all of which may occur in a studio or live setting.

Session musicians often work on multiple projects simultaneously, showcasing their versatility. They may not take center stage like the main artist but are crucial in enhancing the overall sound and quality of a recording or performance. The statement that they contribute partly to recordings or performances encapsulates this essential role, highlighting the collaborative nature of music production.

While the other options suggest more limited roles—such as only creating background music, managing the studio, or focusing exclusively on live performances—they do not accurately represent the broad and varied contributions that session musicians make to the music industry as a whole.