What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
accompanist
Example
The singer was accompanied by a talented pianist during her performance. [accompanied: past tense]
Example
The accompanist played beautifully, enhancing the performance of the soloist. [accompanist: noun]
pianist
Example
The pianist gave a stunning performance of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata. [pianist: noun]
Example
She has been practicing for years to become a professional pianist. [pianist: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pianist is more commonly used than accompanist in everyday language. Pianist is a well-known term that is used to describe a professional musician who specializes in playing the piano. Accompanist is a less common term that is used to describe a musician who provides support for other performers.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between accompanist and pianist?
Pianist is generally considered a more formal term than accompanist. Pianist is often used in formal settings such as concerts, recitals, and competitions, while accompanist is more commonly used in informal settings such as rehearsals and jam sessions.
