noun
instrumentalist; musician who plays an instrument
A person who plays a musical instrument, often in a professional or skilled context. More specific than 音楽家 (musician), which can include composers and conductors.
彼はプロの楽器演奏者としてオーケストラで活躍している。
He is active in an orchestra as a professional instrumentalist.
楽器演奏者になるには、毎日の練習が欠かせない。
Daily practice is essential to become an instrumentalist.
Compound of 楽器 (musical instrument) + 演奏 (performance) + 者 (person). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the word follows a common pattern for occupational nouns.