Studio musicians are not permanent members of one musical group, but are musicians skilled in various styles of music, and are available for hire to fill out a band, an orchestra, or quartet in recording studios. A studio musician (or session musician) is sometimes a permanent employee of one or more production studios. The term studio musician is generally not used outside of the recording studio.

Studio musicians are rarely widely known and perform in windowless rooms behind closed doors. They may never be seen performing, except by studio engineers or producers while overdubbing a track. It is interesting to know that for every superstar in the public eye, there are hundreds of studio musicians who remain behind the scenes enhancing the music that enchants and pleases audiences to no end.

Not all studio musicians are interested in becoming stars, but they are a vital part of the process that brings others to stardom. Studio musicians must possess excellent musical talents, and many of them can play a variety of musical instruments. Yet, most studio musicians appreciate only the most quiet recognition of their talents and contributions to the reputations of the stars of the stage.

The studio musician is a professional part of a musical ensemble. He or she must be amiable, diplomatic, and dependable, with a strong sense of self worth and a great deal of stamina; but they must not carry an excess of personal pride into music gigs. Studio musicians may be required to work extremely long hours, survive occasional junk food meals and sporadic schedules, appreciate short naps, and adapt readily to various situations and conditions.

Studio musicians are often challenged creatively and technically during a recording session, but they will endure as long as soloists need backup. You may not ever know the name of the guitarist that played that bit on your favorite pop record. On the other hand, with the arrival of inexpensive digital recording equipment, opportunities for independent, freelance musicians have changed enormously. You may one day soon come across a self-produced album made at home by that once unknown obscure but talented studio musician.

This is a general overview of studio musicians. To submit your article about studio musicians or other music related topics, feel free to do so at Media Positive Radio.