Master of the queen's music is an honorary title given to a British musician. The holder of the title becomes a member of the sovereign's court. When the sovereign is a king, the title is master of the king's music. The post of master today holds no special responsibilities, but the holder may compose music, such as fanfares, marches, and anthems, for official occasions. The first known master of the king's music was Nicholas Lanier, who held the post from 1626 to his death in 1666.