pianist

pianist — noun

1. a person skilled at making music on the piano, especially in public performances

1.nounA2
Definition

a person skilled at making music on the piano, especially in public performances or as work.

Example

At age six, Emma told her teacher she wanted to be a pianist.

'want to be a pianist' for a future goal

The jazz pianist smiled and began playing softly in the hotel bar.

common modifier: 'jazz pianist'

Common collocations
  • concert pianist
  • jazz pianist
  • classical pianist
  • talented pianist
  • young pianist
  • professional pianist
Synonyms
  • piano player

    more general and conversational; it does not always suggest serious training

  • keyboard player

    wider term for someone who may play electronic keyboards, not only a piano

  • musician

    much broader; it covers singers and players of any instrument

  • accompanist

    narrower; this pianist mainly plays in support of a singer or solo player

Grammar Patterns

be a pianist

become a pianist

a jazz/concert/classical pianist

pianist at/in + place or group

Usage Note

Often suggests more training or a clearer musical role than the looser phrase 'piano player'. It can describe a professional musician, but it also fits a highly skilled amateur who regularly performs.

Common Mistakes

My brother can play one easy song, so he is a pianist.
My brother can play one easy song, but he is not really a pianist yet.
'pianist' usually suggests developed skill or a regular musical role, not just one simple piece.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

These words overlap, but they point to different roles. 'Pianist' is the normal word when someone is known for piano playing as a skill, an art, or a job, so it often sounds more serious than 'piano player'. 'Piano player' is looser and more conversational, and it can describe anyone who plays the instrument, even casually. 'Keyboard player' is wider still: it may refer to a person in a pop or rock band using an electric keyboard or synthesizer rather than a piano. 'Accompanist' is narrower because the person plays mainly to support a singer, choir, or solo musician. Use 'musician' when the exact instrument is not important. Lang Lang is a pianist; your uncle at a party may simply be a piano player.

piano playerkeyboard playeraccompanistmusician ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • concert pianist
  • jazz pianist
  • classical pianist
  • guest pianist

Phrases

  • become a pianist
  • work as a pianist
  • train as a pianist

Prepositions

  • pianist at + place
  • pianist in + band/orchestra
  • pianist for + singer/show

Etymology

ItalianEnglish

Built in English from 'piano' and the suffix '-ist'. 'Piano' came into English from Italian, where the instrument was called 'pianoforte', and '-ist' is a common ending for a person connected with an art, skill, or belief. So 'pianist' literally means a person associated with the piano.