Learning Pop/Rock Piano Songs
Our pop/rock piano teachers can teach you anything. The repertoire you learn in your pop/rock piano lessons comes straight from your music collection.
Of course our pop/rock piano teachers can and will also recommend music for you to learn, with your interests, aspirations, and current level in mind. This said, we greatly encourage all of our pop/rock piano students to take an active role in choosing the repertoire they learn in their piano lessons.
In the 21st century it is now clear that pop/rock music has a clear history and lineage. Getting some sense of the history of pop/rock music, and learning pop/rock piano repertoire from different eras, can tell you a lot about the influences of your favourite pop/rock bands and artists.
Having a thorough knowledge of all styles of music, in various eras of pop/rock history, can be very useful, whether you are interested in a career as a pop/rock pianist and keyboardist, or just want to become a more well-rounded and versatile musician.
Here are just a few examples of some important artists and songs in the pop/rock piano repertoire, all worth exploring:
Jerry Lee Lewis’ rock ‘n’ roll piano playing in the 1950s influenced many generations of rock/pop pianists to come. His classic piano style is epitomized in songs like Great Balls of Fire and Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On.
Ray Charles combined rhythm and blues, gospel, and blues styles, and there’s a lot to be gained from learning the piano parts from songs such as Mess Around, What’d I Say, and Georgia On My Mind.
The Beatles had countless hits with great piano parts. Learn them all.
The Doors’ organ player Ray Manzarek brought rock organ to the forefront, with hits like Riders on the Storm and Light My Fire.
Elton John is one of the greatest pop/rock songwriters for piano. Have a look at Your Song, Crocodile Rock, or Rocket Man.
Billy Joel’s Piano Man is perhaps the most famous song in the pop/rock piano repertoire.
Bruce Hornsby’s brand of piano rock is a great study for aspiring improvisers, with classic songs like The Way It Is.
Coldplay has many great songs centred around the piano; Clocks, Trouble, and The Scientist, to name a few.