percussionist
Drums the beat
A percussionist is a musician who plays percussion instruments—drums, cymbals, xylophones, timpani, and the like.
The term typically implies formal training or professional status, distinguishing someone who plays in an orchestra or jazz ensemble from a casual drummer: The percussionist moved between the marimba and the snare drum throughout the piece.
Kettledrum performer
- drummerOne who keeps rhythm
- vibraphonistMetal percussion performer
- pianistOne who plays piano
- guitaristOne who plays six strings
bassist · trumpeter · saxophonist · violinist · flutist · trombonist · cellist · clarinetist
Device for catching prey
- tom-tomSmall cylindrical drum
- cymbalsClashing metal percussion
- hi-hatPedal-controlled cymbal pair
- timpaniTunable orchestral percussion
tambourine · triangle · djembe · conga · bongo · tabla · xylophone · marimba
Slender wood pieces
timpanist
Kettledrum performer
- drummerOne who keeps rhythm
- vibraphonistMetal percussion performer
- pianistOne who plays piano
guitarist · bassist · trumpeter · saxophonist · violinist · flutist · trombonist · cellist · clarinetist · bandmate
snare
Device for catching prey
timpani · tambourine · triangle · djembe · conga · bongo · tabla · xylophone · marimba · vibraphone
sticks
Slender wood pieces
pedal · stands · heads · rims · dampeners · metronome · cases
tempo
Rate of musical performance
- syncopationStressed unexpected beats
- grooveNarrow cut or routine
- backbeatAccent on weak beats
downbeat · upbeat · swing · accent · polyrhythm · cadence · pulse · meter · fill · ostinato
orchestra
Large instrumental ensemble
chamber · accompaniment · section · gamelan · drumline
- classical musicBach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Brahms
- music jobsmusician, singer, composer, songwriter, producer
- musicianspianist, guitarist, electric guitarist, bassist, vocalist
- parade performersdrum major, majorette, baton twirler, color guard, flag bearer
- nightclub performersDJ, dancer, singer, go-go dancer, club DJ
- session musicianssession guitarist, session drummer, session player, sideman
percussionistmelodist
Creator of tunes
lead vocalist · soloist · first violin · concertmaster · frontman