The Evolution of Titles for Professional Pianists

A professional piano player is commonly referred to as a pianist. Pianists dedicate their lives to mastering the piano and performing professionally. They showcase their talent through concerts, recordings, and collaborations with other musicians. In this article, we will explore the various titles associated with professional piano players and the history behind these terms.

Professional Piano Players: Pianist and Concert Pianist

A concert pianist is what you call someone who plays the piano professionally full-time. These individuals often perform for live audiences, either as soloists or as part of an ensemble. However, not all professional piano players perform live; some, like myself, create and release music through platforms like Spotify and iTunes. I refer to myself as a recording artist, essentially a pianist who plays piano but does not frequently perform live.

Historical Context and the Term Professor

Interestingly, in the early 1900s, professional pianists were often referred to as "professors." This moniker was used because not everyone could play the piano, and musicians were generally regarded as more intelligent than the average person. The term "professor" implied a level of expertise and education, reflecting the high esteem in which pianists were held at that time.

Other Titles for Pianists

Depending on the specific musical idiom, pianists may have other titles such as piano player, piano man, keyboardist, 88er, or ivory tickler. These terms are used informally and can vary widely. For instance:

Piano Player is a general term that can be used for anyone who plays the piano professionally or as a hobby. Piano Man is a colloquial term often used in reference to the singer-songwriter Billy Joel, who is famous for his piano-based music. Keyboardist is typically used when the pianist is performing with a band or ensemble, playing alongside other musicians. 88er is a term that refers to the 88 keys on a piano, often used humorously or affectionately by pianists. Ivory Tickler is a term used as a playful and informal descriptor for pianists, often made famous by singer Roy Orbison.

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Whether you're a seasoned pianist or a beginner, there is a term or title that can describe you or the professional pianists you admire. From concert pianists to ivory ticklers, the titles reflect not only the skill and dedication of these musicians but also the rich history and culture of piano playing.