Accompanist

A person who plays music beneath the singing or solo instrument. to enhance the performance.

A accompanist is a person (or group) who supports and enhances the singer or the instrument being played. The accompanist will provide rhythmic, harmonic support, or background textures.

For example, if you played an instrument for a recital, your teacher may accompany your piece on the piano. They don’t play exactly the same part as you, but it would enhance your performance with rhythm, chords and cues.

In a ensemble or group setting, the accompanists may be a group of fellow musicians who play a variety of instruments to give more depth to the piece of music. Eg a vocalist singing the melody line with the lyrics, but with accompaniment from drums, guitar, bass and piano all complimenting each other to provide, rhythm, harmonies, texture and chords.