Types of Musicians: English Vocabulary List

a musician who plays in a band, typically referring to a military or brass band

"Bandsman plays in military band."

"A bandsman is a musician who plays a musical instrument in a band."

a person who plays the bass guitar or double bass

"Bassist plays bass guitar."

"A bassist is a musician who plays the double bass or the electric bass guitar."

a musician who supports others by playing an instrument, providing harmony or rhythm

"Accompanist supports soloist."

"An accompanist is a musician who plays a supporting part to a soloist or ensemble."

a person who plays the cello

"Cellist plays cello."

"A cellist is a musician who plays the violoncello often referred to simply as the cello."

someone who plays a drum or a set of drums in a band

"The drummer kept time."

"The drummer played with strong rhythm and helped drive the energy of the band."

a person who plays the violin, especially in folk music

"Fiddler plays folk violin."

"A fiddler is a musician who plays the violin especially in folk music styles."

a painter, musician or writer who follows the principles of impressionism

"Debussy was an impressionist."

"The composer's innovative use of harmony and texture clearly marked him as an impressionist."

a performer skilled in playing a particular instrument

"He is a skilled instrumentalist."

"The renowned instrumentalist captivated the crowd with his virtuosic performance on the violin."

a person who plays any instrument with a keyboard, especially an electric piano

"Keyboardist plays keyboards."

"A keyboardist is a musician who plays any type of electronic or acoustic keyboard instrument."

a performer who plays several instruments simultaneously

"One-man band plays multiple instruments."

"A one man band is a performer who plays several instruments simultaneously using all their limbs."

a musician who plays the organ

"Organist plays organ."

"An organist is a musician who plays the pipe organ or electronic organ."

someone who plays the piano, particularly a professional one

"The pianist played softly."

"The concert pianist performed a difficult piece by Chopin without sheet music demonstrating that she had memorized every single note perfectly."

a person who plays the musical bagpipe

"Piper plays bagpipes."

"A piper is a musician who plays the bagpipes."

someone who plays the saxophone

"Jazz saxophonist played."

"The jazz saxophonist played a beautiful solo during the concert last night."

a musician who plays the timpani

"Timpanist plays kettle drums."

"A timpanist is a percussionist who specializes in playing the timpani or kettledrums."

a person who plays the bassoon

"She is a bassoonist."

"The orchestra's principal bassoonist delivered a masterful and expressive solo performance."

a person who plays the clarinet

"Clarinetist plays clarinet."

"A clarinetist is a musician who plays the clarinet which is a single reed woodwind instrument."

a person who plays the trombone

"Trombonist plays trombone."

"A trombonist is a musician who plays the trombone which is a brass instrument with a slide."

a person who plays the bugle

"Bugler plays bugle."

"A bugler is a musician who plays the bugle a simple brass instrument without valves."

someone who plays the guitar

"The guitarist played beautifully."

"The guitarist joined the band last year and practiced daily."

a person who plays the harp

"Harpist plays harp."

"A harpist is a musician who plays the harp a large stringed instrument with many strings."

a person who plays the harpsichord, which is a keyboard instrument

"Harpsichordist plays harpsichord."

"A harpsichordist is a musician who plays the harpsichord a keyboard instrument of the Baroque period."

a person who plays the oboe

"Oboist plays oboe."

"A oboist is a musician who plays the oboe which is a double reed woodwind instrument."

a person who plays percussion instruments, especially in an orchestra

"Percussionist plays drums cymbals."

"A percussionist is a musician who plays any instrument that is struck or shaken."

the principal musician, typically the lead violinist, in an orchestra who is responsible for leading their section, tuning the group, and acting as a link between the conductor and musicians

"Concertmaster leads orchestra strings."

"The concertmaster is the leader of the first violin section and the second in command of the orchestra."

a person who performs music in a public place asking the passers-by for money

"Busker performs on streets."

"A busker is a street performer who entertains passersby for donations."

someone who is highly skilled at playing a musical instrument

"She is a virtuoso."

"The violin virtuoso amazed the audience."

the principal or lead musician of a particular section in an orchestra or ensemble

"First chair leads each section."

"First chair is the principal player of a specific section within an orchestra."

a person who plays the flute

"Flutist plays flute."

"A flutist is a musician who plays the flute which is a woodwind instrument without a reed."