Crossword Genius

Helpful to first violinist for example (15)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

instrumentalist

'violinist for example' is the definition.
(violinist is a kind of instrumentalist)

'helpful to first' is the wordplay.
'helpful' becomes 'instrumental' ('instrumental' can be similar in meaning to 'helpful').
'to first' becomes 'ist'.
'instrumental'+'ist'='INSTRUMENTALIST'

(Other definitions for instrumentalist that I've seen before include "oboe, perhaps" , "one of the band" , "musician" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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