Mastering piano requires hard work and perseverance, as well as a strong work ethic and the ability to make quick decisions quickly.
Piano teachers also possess superior critical thinking and pattern recognition skills. Furthermore, their creativity often results in them becoming singer-songwriters themselves.
Clara Schumann
Clara Schumann was one of the greatest pianists of all time, an internationally acclaimed pianist virtuosa and accomplished composer born Clara Wieck to renowned piano teacher Franz Wieck who became an international sensation at just 18 years old. Under his care she studied violin theory, harmony orchestration composition with some of Leipzig’s finest teachers before moving on to Berlin where her legacy continued.
Once she married Robert, she began giving concerts in order to provide for their growing family. This pioneering woman defied societal pressure to stay at home and raise her children.
And in doing so, she supported both her husband’s music as well as that of other contemporary composers. Through Joachim she met Johannes Brahms who was much younger. Through their friendship they met Johannes Brahms whose musical development she greatly influenced as she helped shape the Romantic movement with new techniques and approaches introduced into classical music by this movement. Unfortunately health issues prevented her from performing anymore and she ultimately passed away on November 1896, being interred at Bonn Altfriedhof after her daughter Eugenie wrote an insightful memoir detailing her time spent among Schumanns, Brahms, Brahms and others during that period; her music continues to be performed today by musicians today!
Myra Hess
Dame Myra Hess was one of the world’s premier pianists when she died in 1965. A British classical music prodigy who began taking piano lessons at age five and by age seven had learned Bach on an upright piano, she became widely revered throughout her lifetime.
Hess was so remarkable in her talents that she earned a scholarship at the Royal Academy of Music. In 1907 she made her debut under Sir Thomas Beecham conducting. By the 1930s Hess had become an annual tour performer touring Europe and America performing over 100 concerts each year.
As World War II commenced, Hess was concerned with its effects on Londoners’ morale. She devised a plan to hold daily lunchtime concerts at the National Gallery; according to Howard Ferguson – Hess’ assistant who organized them – 1,698 performances were held with 238 pianists, 24 string quartets, 157 singers, 13 orchestras, and 15 choirs all participating.
Dame Myra was not only an accomplished pianist but an inspiring figure as well. Dame Myra could be seen as classical music’s own version of Vera Lynn during an uncertain and trying time in British history, serving as a symbol of British indomitability despite all odds. For this work she was awarded with a CBE.
John Legend
John Legend is an award-winning singer-pianist-producer-actor who won the EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony). As an established recording artist he has released six studio albums while also enjoying a successful acting career and being recognized as an active philanthropist.
John was born and raised in Springfield, Ohio and began singing and playing piano from an early age. His musical inspiration came from classic soul and gospel singers such as Stevie Wonder, Al Green, Edwin Hawkins, and Jodeci. At North High School in Springfield he studied under principal Mike Hodson while earning scholarships to both Harvard and Georgetown Universities.
In 2017, he coproduced August Wilson’s Jitney on Broadway and won a Tony Award, simultaneously recording a song for Quentin Tarantino’s film Django Unchained.
Paris Hilton began playing piano when she was five, while Robert Downey Jr. has composed scores for many films using piano scores he composed himself. Piano playing is an instrument anyone of any age or ability can pick up – the rewards can be immense! We hope these inspiring stories encourage you to pick up the keys and start playing!
Elton John
Elton John stands as one of the greatest piano players ever. Starting his musical journey as a child and accompanying himself on radio without sheet music, Elton became an incredible pianist at an early age and was soon making headlines without even needing sheet music to accompany himself on air. An amazing singer himself with his unique blend of rock ‘n roll and classical music influences; Elton wrote songs which moved people greatly which further established him as a fan favorite.
Elton John may not have been an exceptional pianist, but his talent was nonetheless clear throughout his career and even helped promote another pianist named Billy Joel.
While many musicians pursue a professional pianist career, others don’t. Many individuals enjoy taking up piano playing as a hobby in their free time; many amateur pianists have reached an advanced level of ability simply for enjoyment’s sake. Famous individuals including former Presidents, celebrities such as Paris Hilton and politicians such as Condoleezza Rice have even played piano for fun on occasion!
Norah Jones
Norah Jones has long been revered for her bewitching voice and musical fusion combining jazz, traditional vocal pop, bluesy country, and contemporary folk genres. Over her long career she has amassed several accolades; in addition to recording her own albums she has contributed vocals to other musicians’ music including Ray Charles’ final album which resulted in two Grammy wins for their collaborations together.
Jones’ piano playing is elegant and flowing, often employing chords with added harmonic color. For example, instead of using G major triad, she will sometimes opt for G(add2); this method achieves this richer and fuller sound by adding two tones above the root note (A).
Norah Jones is widely respected among pianists for her ability to capture listener attention and sustain it throughout each song, captivating audiences both live and online alike. Additionally, she’s an acclaimed composer; many of her songs were written while sitting at the piano! Norah has also collaborated with several notable bands, such as Foo Fighters and Grateful Dead; touring alongside them is something she frequently does; even performing at Madison Square Garden! Additionally, Norah collaborates regularly with producer Danger Mouse, producing two albums together!
Regina Spektor
Regina Spektor is an award-winning Russian singer-songwriter and pianist best known for creating quirky music that blends classical with jazz, rock and pop genres. As a child she was exposed to bootleg tapes of Western music from her father before immigrating with her family to New York City in 1989 and joining the anti-folk scene downtown at venues like Living Room as well as selling self-produced CDs at her shows; her eclectic vocal and musical style were reminiscent of Joni Mitchell and Ani DeFranco among others.
Spektor’s songs often contain literary allusions, with first-person character studies or short stories written into song as characters. She has received praise from music critics for her intricate compositions and improvisational skills.
This list highlights some of the more well-known celebrities who play piano, but there are many others who possess this talent as well. Paris Hilton has been playing since she was five, while Robert Downey Jr. used piano music in multiple scenes on Ally McBeal. Jamie Foxx also uses his musical expertise for movie projects he stars in as well.
Ingrid Michaelson
Ingrid Michaelson is best known for her catchy folk-pop songs like Breakable. She found fame after receiving a phone call from Grey’s Anatomy producers asking to use her independently released debut CD Girls and Boys on air. Sales skyrocketed thanks to exposure on this popular medical drama series; national media took notice and featured Ingrid on Good Morning America and NPR’s Talk of the Nation among others.
Famous people who play piano are many, with even celebrities from fields other than acting or filmmaking showing they know their way around it. Paris Hilton is an accomplished pianist who often utilizes it on her albums and performances; Robert Downey Jr has long been recognized for his piano playing prowess; Jamie Foxx employed his skills while portraying Ray Charles in Ray.
Glenn Gould was one of the most celebrated pianists to ever grace an orchestra, captivating audiences with his highly intellectual style and belief that pianists should only perform what the composer intended them to play – rather than using technique as an opportunity for showmanship or overinterpreting a piece of music. Gould was known for his eccentricities such as humming during performances and insisting on using one specific small chair at every concert – creating much controversy during his long and distinguished career.