Those who composed musical tunes, and set forth verses in writing: This verse probably refers to two different groups. Those who set forth verses in writing are simply “poets” (Good News Translation). The idea of “composing” music is a bit misleading, since composing music is a fairly modern activity. No more composing is involved here than improvising tunes. In ancient times it would have been difficult to distinguish between composing music and playing or singing it. Good News Translation has reversed the two groups in this verse because it sounds better in English. Whether translators mention poets first or musicians first is unimportant. An alternative model for this verse is:

• Some were poets,
and some made music.

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Sirach. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2008. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.