Many singer-songwriters choose guitar as their instrument because, well, it tends to be the primary singer-songwriter instrument. It’s portable, great for simple chordal accompaniment, and just as at home on the beach as it is in the concert hall. But the piano (or keyboard if you’re hoping for portability), treated in the right way, can be just as effective an instrument for singer-songwriters. The piano is one of the most versatile instruments, excellent for plaintive blues sounds and quirky chordal patterns alike. To illustrate my point, here are 10 piano-based singer-songwriters you’ve probably heard of.
1. Sara Bareilles
From playful pop songs to blues-tinged ballads, Sara Bareilles writes most of her music on the piano.
2. Billy Joel
Who can forget the piano man himself?
3. Regina Spektor
Regina is the queen of quirk, and the piano is the perfect instrument for her light-hearted, but thoughtful take on life.
4. Elton John
Elton John is one of the most iconic piano-based singer-songwriters out there, so we couldn’t leave him out!
5. Sarah McLachlan
The famous Lilith Fair founder writes her unforgettable melodies on the piano.
6. Norah Jones
Norah Jones’s distinctive controlled breathy voice works beautifully against the mournful piano.
7. Ingrid Michaelson
Like some of the others, Ingrid Michaelson plays both piano and guitar, but many of her songs are piano-based.
8. John Legend
John Legend music is some of the first to be requested by piano students, and it’s easy to hear why.
9. Emeli Sande
One of the only belty female vocalists on this list, Emeli Sande has some stunning piano-based repertoire.
10. Fiona Apple
Piano is integral to the soulful, borderline theatrical songs Fiona Apple sings.
Have other piano singer-songwriters you love? Let us know in the comments!
Molly Webb
Molly is the founder of Molly’s Music. She is a dedicated singer and pianist whose musical journey spans 2.5 decades, with stops along the way to sing for the pope, pass Certificate of Merit at the highest level, study with Gwen Verdon and Ben Vereen, and record an original album.
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- Should I Learn Piano or Violin? – Strings HQ - […] of the top musicians in the world play the piano while singing, so it’s a crowd favorite. The violin…
Beverley craven so underrated
Jackson Browne is great!
Ben Folds is noticeably missing. He is one of the only true virtuosos in the pop business and has written volumes of music from rock to jazz to classical.
Ben, great one! I love him.
Tori Amos!!!!!
One of my favorites!
Anita Baker used the piano to compose some her great songs-Sweet Love, Giving You the Best I Got, Angel and many others
Thanks so much for those additions, Victor!
CAROLE KING. LEGEND.
Joanna, absolutely!
ALICIA KEYS!!!!!!
Tori Amos! <3
Yes!
BRO WHERE IS FREDDIE MERCURY!
Yes! Tori Amos. Watch Tori Amos: iieee (Live Sessions 1998) on YT. Simply astounding!
BRUH WHERE IS MY MAN FREDDIE MECRURY
Haha, good call!! He’s obviously amazing.
Vanessa Carlton! Has anyone seen the VICE documentary on her and A Thousand Miles?
Diana Krall
Ray Charles
Jerry Lee Lewis
Georgie Fame
Nat King Cole
Great ones!!
Seriously no Stevie Wonder? What are you smoking? You are telling me that you think Fiona Apple is a better singer/ songwriter/ pianist than Stevie Wonder?? And he is such an awesome human that he would forgive you. Not me!! Stevie should be in the top 3.
Haha, I love Stevie Wonder! The list isn’t a top 10–just a sampling. 🙂