The Language of Music

    A painter hangs his or her finished picture on a wall , and everyone can see it . A composer writes a work , but no one can hear it until it is performed . Professional singers and players have great responsibilities , for the composer is utterly dependent on them . The student of music needs as long and as arduous a training to become a performer as a medical student needs to become a doctor . Most training is concerned with technique , for musicians have to have the muscular proficiency of an athlete or a ballet dancer . The singers practice breathing every day , as their vocal chords would be inadequate without controlled muscular support . String players practice moving the fingers of the left hand up and down , while drawing the bow to and fro with the right arm -- two entirely different movements .