A professional pianist can either perform solo pieces, play with an orchestra or smaller ensemble, or accompany one or more singers or solo instrumentalists.
A performing classical pianist usually starts playing piano at a very young age, some as early as three years old. Many well-known classical composers were able pianists themselves, i.e. [Franz Liszt]?, Frederic Chopin and [Robert Schumann]?.Some pianists have special preferences as to which composer's music they play.
Most western forms of music (can) make use of the piano. Consequently a pianist has a wide variety of forms and styles to choose from, including jazz, [boogie woogie]?, and all sorts of pop-music.
Wellknown classical pianists:
Well known jazz pianists: