Bible Dictionary
Musician, Chief
The chief musician was the leader or precentor of the Levitical temple choir and orchestra. The office appears in the titles of many psalms and was associated with leaders such as Jeduthun, Heman, and Asaph.
Definition
The chief musician was the precentor or leader of the Levitical choir and temple orchestra. The office is named in the titles of many psalms and in Habakkuk.
Biblical Usage
The chief musician directed the musical service associated with the temple and the psalm titles. Jeduthun is identified as the first holder of the office, with Heman and Asaph as colleagues.
Historical Background
The office appears to have been hereditary and belonged to the organized Levitical musical service.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
(Heb. menatstseah), the precentor of the Levitical choir or orchestra in the temple, mentioned in the titles of fifty-five psalms, and in Hab. 3:19, Revised Version. The first who held this office was Jeduthun (1 Chr. 16:41), and the office appears to have been hereditary. Heman and Asaph were his two colleagues (2 Chr. 35:15).