Are singers musicians?

All singers and instrumentalists are musicians. Despite the fact that they are using their voice the singer must create and convey a musical idea. This idea might be a relatively simple pop song or a more complex one, like those typically found in jazz and opera. Interestingly, I can recall a conversation between Ella Fitzgerald and Andre Previn. Previn is one of the few musicians who can play jazz and classical music. At one point in their conversation Fitzgerald, being modest, stated that she wasn’t really a musician. Previn wisely disagreed with Fitzgerald’s assessment. I’m with Previn.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition. 2000, states that a musician is:

...One who composes, conducts, or performs music, especially instrumental music.

Therefore, in addition to instrumentalists and singers, both composers and conductors are also musicians.

Makes sense I guess!

The human voice conveys pitch like any other instrument. Singers must understand and apply music theory like any other instrumentalist. The great ones do this to a high level.

It's true that some singers don't have the second part of the above. But this is also true of many guitarists and other instrumentalists.

So I say yes, singers are musicians.

So then, technically speaking Johnny Rotten is a musician?

OMG, I just realised that given our definition, that, and I can't believe I am saying this, but Yoko Ono qualifies as a, (excuse me while I throw-up!).... musician.

Man, does that leave a bad taste in my mouth!
Yuch!