The words "art" and "artist" are defined, and especially, used in many different ways. A talented musician who has been recorded is referred to (perhaps euphemistically) as a recording "artist." We have the "art" of cooking -- and any number of other things.

But for my own work as a creative artist, these terms refer to something very specific. I define them this way:

Artist: One who creates objects intended to function as art.

Art: Any object of physical composition, human action, or linguistic metaphor, perceived in its context as bringing to consciousness aspects of human experience in a way that transcends verbal description.

I define "music" this way:

Music: Sound organized on a time continuum for appreciating both the sound and the principles of its organization.

This definition suggests both physical properties or other characteristics and function. Note that the primary function of music is different from that of art. Music may function secondarily in many different ways: as art, decoration, correlation or stimulus to kinesthetic movement, ritual act, consumer commodity, tool for marketing/demagoguery, social signifier, etc. Music can still be music, even if it does not function as art.

In the course of working with college students on the composition of music, especially music intended to function as art, with sounds generated and organized using digital technology, I have, myself, "generated" an outline, essay or two. Here are examples:

Procedures for creating music that is art

Subjectivity and objectivity in the creation of art

Pushing the envelope with sonic art