What does it mean to be a 'trained' musician ?

[m19834]

That's pretty much my question -- your opinion of course .

Thanks,
Karli

[thalberg]

Kind of like being a trained monkey.  People smarter than you teach you tricks and then you do them and people clap for you.

[indutrial]

Kind of like being a trained monkey.  People smarter than you teach you tricks and then you do them and people clap for you.

And like the monkey, you probably won't get paid that much.

[jabbz]

It should be noted, there is a difference between a trained musician, and a PROFESSIONAL musician. i.e. most gcse/school teachers and 'trained' musicians, but few if any could have careers are professional instrumentalists.

[term]

the whole thing. Not only occasionally playing an instrument as a hobby, but playing 2 or more (or one, but really good), spending much time with music, knowing the theory, being able to improvise, knowing the history - in short, simply to love music and everything associated with it and being good at it.

[cygnusdei]

I'm a musician trainee.

[gerry]

Could it be that a mere musician would be someone who may be really proficient on their instrument only but, for instance, would have difficulty playing under a conductor or successfully facing other professional challenges that career (or "trained") musicians have to face daily like quickly grasping and learning new, complex works quickly and efficiently.

[mcgillcomposer]

A trained musician, in my view, is a superb craftsman. This means that one has a firm hold on harmony and counterpoint, a good understanding of musical form, and an ability to apply the knowledge of these subjects to the performance and creation of music. As I'm sure you've guessed, there are very few well-trained musicians in my opinion.

I wasn't going to mention the obvious, but perhaps I had better. A trained musician, in my view, must have a very refined ear.

[counterpoint]

Kind of like being a trained monkey.  People smarter than you teach you tricks and then you do them and people clap for you.

This answer hits the nail on the head