The piano is the musical instrument Elton John is famous for playing on stage.
John was recognized as a gifted pianist from childhood and won a scholarship to London's Royal Academy of Music at age 11. Although he studied classical music, he developed a distinctive rock and pop style shaped by rhythm-and-blues pianists such as Jerry Lee Lewis and Leon Russell.
His piano is not merely a backing instrument: it is central to his performances. John often plays elaborate, energetic arrangements while singing, and his flamboyant stage presence helped make the piano a visual symbol of his career. His famous 1970 debut at the Troubadour in Los Angeles featured his highly animated piano performance.
Elton John has also worked with guitarists, drummers, saxophonists, and orchestras, but those instruments are associated with members of his backing bands or particular recordings. The piano remains the instrument most directly identified with John himself. He has used many notable instruments over the years, including brightly colored and specially decorated grand pianos.