tamborilero o baterista

Question

In our dictionary both "tamborilero" and "baterista" along with the related word "batería" are translated as "drummer." In the RAE; however, there seems to be a distinction between the two terms:

Tamborilero - Persona que tiene por oficio tocar el tamboril o el tambor.

Baterista/batería - Músico que toca la batería (? conjunto de instrumentos de percusión).

Am I correct in assuming that the first term (tamborilero) is used to refer to a person who plays a single instrument; whereas, the other terms (baterista/batería) are used to refer to a drummer who uses an entire drum kit (in a rock band for example) or to refer to a percussionist (in an orchestra for example) who plays more than a single instrument?

Also, if this is the case then what is the difference between a percusionista and a batería/baterista?

As always, any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Answer 1

You are correct about tamborilero.

Baterista plays, while sitting, a complete drum set - snares, toms, bass drum, cymbals,high hat.

Percusionista plays, while standing, conga drums, tambourine, and various small percussion instruments.

Thank you 280Ezrider - Izanoni1, Dec 29, 2009