Read the passage and work out the meaning of the bolded word using cross-sentence clues.

Michael diligently practiced the piano every day, honing his skills and mastering challenging pieces. His dedication and passion for music paid off when he won several competitions. His love for music led him to pursue a career as a pianist, performing in concerts and recitals. After years of hard work, Michael became a skilled pianist in the world of music.

A. A person who designs and builds musical instruments.
B. An individual who composes music for films or television shows.
C. A performer is skilled in playing the piano.
D. A conductor who leads an orchestra.

Answer: (C)

Solution: The correct answer is option C.
The bolded word “pianist” in the context of the sentence and the passage refers to a person who plays the piano. The other options do not fit the context provided in the passage.