noun
performing musician; instrumentalist
Refers to a musician who performs, typically on an instrument, as a professional or skilled practitioner. Often used in formal contexts.
彼は世界的に有名な演奏家です。
He is a world-famous performing musician.
演奏家としてのキャリアを積むには、日々の練習が欠かせない。
To build a career as a performing musician, daily practice is essential.
奏者 is a more general term for a player of an instrument, often used in compound words like ピアノ奏者 (pianist). 演奏家 carries a more professional or artistic nuance.
Compound of 演奏 (performance) and 家 (suffix for a specialist or professional).