The adult of the nominate subspecies has a rufous forehead and forecrown that darkens to chesnut brown to the rear.

It has a broad "collar" streaked black and white lengthwise on its nape and upper back.

[5] The musician wren forages primarily on and near the ground, searching debris and leaf litter.

[5] The musician wren has a protracted breeding season, spanning at least July to September.

Its nest is sperical with entrance through a funnel-shaped neck, constructed of leaf skeletons and coarse grass.

Members of a musician wren pair sing antiphonally, "a series of clear, haunting whistles, varying greatly in pitch".

Especially in Brazil, the musician wren is the subject of several legends and fables, most relating to its loud and beautiful song.

The musician wren is also believed to bring good luck, which leads some people to kill it in order to have it stuffed.