instrumentalist; player
Refers to a person who plays a musical instrument, often in a formal or performance context. Common in compound names like ピアノ奏者 (pianist) or バイオリン奏者 (violinist).
He is a professional pianist.
The orchestra players appeared on stage.
He is famous as a violin player.
She wants to become a professional instrumentalist in the future.
He is a world-renowned, top-class instrumentalist.
He served as the pianist at the concert.
音楽家 covers musicians in general, including composers and conductors, whereas 奏者 refers only to someone who plays an instrument.
Compound of 奏 (play music) and 者 (person). The reading そうしゃ is the standard on'yomi combination.