pianist vs. piano player

[P2052 at AOL.COM]

In the distant past, I heard "pianist" used to refer to someone who had
extensive training in classical piano; "piano player" was used to refer to
anyone who played the piano (usually someone with little or nor formal
background).  Nowaways, I hear the term "pianist" used more generally to
refer to someone with extensive training in music (one who can read music
and/or, one who can play well by ear [thus giving the impression of having
had formal training]).  For me, "piano player" has maintained its general
sense of "anyone who plays piano on a regular basis."
P-A-T