Rock & Pop
Rock ’n’ roll, pop/rock, and boogie-woogie piano styles.
8 articles
Keith Emerson
Discover the progressive-rock keyboard idol behind The Nice and ELP, celebrated for his showmanship and classically-influenced virtuosity that shaped the prog era.
Elton John
Meet the pop superstar and inventive piano stylist who, with lyricist Bernie Taupin, blended pop, rock, and soul into a string of 1970s chart-topping hits.
Song 4: “Takin’ Care of Business” (BTO)
Rock out with BTO's 1974 hit "Takin' Care of Business," pairing left-hand root–5th and root–6th intervals with bluesy right-hand phrasing for great rock 'n' roll piano.
Song 3: “Benny and the Jets” (Elton John)
Tackle Elton John's "Bennie and the Jets," learning the percussive piano downbeats marked by eighth notes and rests, plus honky-tonk-style playing on the verses.
Song 2: “Come Sail Away” (Styx)
Play Styx's classic 1970s power ballad "Come Sail Away" using left-hand arpeggios, right-hand triads, and an Alberti bass — staple pop/rock piano techniques.
Introduction to Pop/Rock Styles
Get into pop/rock piano of the '70s and '80s, with driving left-hand patterns and right-hand triads behind artists like Billy Joel, Elton John, and Journey.
Introduction to Rock ’n’ Roll Styles
Explore the energetic 1950s rock 'n' roll piano of Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis, with repeated right-hand eighth notes and showmanship flair.
Pop and Classical Tunes
Tackle real repertoire with arpeggios and triad voicings across Eric Clapton's "Wonderful Tonight," Dire Straits' "Walk of Life," and classical works by Clementi and Satie.