accompanist

American  

[uh-kuhm-puh-nist, uh-kuhmp-nist] / əˈkʌm pə nɪst, əˈkʌmp nɪst /

Also accompanyist

noun

1. Music. a person who plays an accompaniment.

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accompanist British  

/ əˈkʌmpəniːɪst, əˈkʌmpnɪst, əˈkʌmpənɪst /

noun

1. a person who plays a musical accompaniment for another performer, esp a pianist accompanying a singer

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Etymology

Origin of accompanist

First recorded in 1825–35; accompan(y) + -ist

Example Sentences

John Check on an accompanist’s memoir, a life of film composer John Williams and more reading gifts for music lovers.

From The Wall Street Journal

Since I had a piano accompanist at home—my dad—I focused on singing and would perform for anyone who’d listen.

From The Wall Street Journal

As they went along, though, Church and his accompanists picked up a righteous steam.

From Los Angeles Times

Not to be forgotten: associate music director and pianist Riley Brule, who transcends the role of accompanist with a few choice interjections and a sight gag involving a pair of moose antlers.

From Seattle Times

Faint piano music filled the space from the accompanist playing for a different class down the hall.

From Literature

Related Words

• artist
• crooner
• diva
• musician
• soloist
• vocalist
• voice