Keyboardist

Keyboardist is a musician who specializes in playing keyboard instruments. The term covers performers who accompany others in bands or ensembles as well as players who collaborate in recording sessions or lead their own projects. A keyboardist typically works with a range of keyboard instruments, including piano, organ, electric piano, and synthesizers, and may operate MIDI controllers and software instruments to shape sounds.

In live performance, keyboardists provide harmonic support, texture, and melodic lines. They may play chords and pads, take solos, and coordinate with other rhythm and brass sections. In studio work, they often program sounds, sequences, and multi-track keyboard parts, and may edit performances using digital audio workstations.

Instruments and equipment: piano (acoustic or digital), organ (such as Hammond or digital emulations), electric pianos (Rhodes, Wurlitzer), and a variety of synthesizers. Keyboardists may also use MIDI controllers, samplers, drum machines, and software synths to create and manipulate sounds. They frequently rely on sight-reading, music theory, and the ability to improvise or arrange parts for different genres.

Skills and training: Proficiency across keyboard literature, strong touch and technique, ear training, and the ability to transpose and adapt parts. Competence with sequencing, recording software, and sound design is common, especially for studio work or electronic genres.

Notable keyboardists include Keith Emerson, Rick Wakeman, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, and Jordan Rudess.