What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
instrumentalist
Example
The orchestra was looking for a new instrumentalist to play the violin. [instrumentalist: noun]
Example
She is a talented instrumentalist who can play multiple instruments with ease. [instrumentalist: adjective]
musician
Example
He is a professional musician who has toured all over the world. [musician: noun]
Example
She has been studying music for years and is a talented musician. [musician: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Musician is more commonly used than instrumentalist in everyday language. Musician is a more general term that covers a wider range of musical activities and is used in both formal and informal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between instrumentalist and musician?
Instrumentalist may have a more formal or technical connotation than musician, which can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
