A hymnwriter (or hymn writer, hymnist, hymnodist, hymnographer, etc.) is someone who writes the text, music, or both of hymns. In the Judeo-Christian tradition, the composition of hymns dates back to before the time of David, who is traditionally believed to have composed many of the Psalms.[1] The term hymnodist, in the United States more than in other regions, broadens the scope to include the study of hymns.[citation needed]