What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
musician
Example
My friend is a talented musician who can play the guitar, piano, and drums. [musician: noun]
Example
She studied music theory extensively and is now a professional musician. [musician: adjective]
performer
Example
The performer captivated the audience with her powerful vocals and emotional performance. [performer: noun]
Example
He has years of experience as a performer and knows how to connect with his audience. [performer: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Musician and performer are both commonly used in everyday language, but performer may be more versatile due to its broader definition.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between musician and performer?
Both musician and performer can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but musician may be perceived as more formal due to its association with music theory and technical proficiency.