The piano is one of the most flexible musical instruments. Their presence is easily noticed in almost every musical genre, from classical to jazz.

In this article, I will be discussing five of the most common piano playing styles to give you a proper understanding of the wide array of music style that embraces the piano.

Classical

Around the 17th century, composers started creating music for the newly invented musical instrument—the piano. In the mid-1700s–early 1800s, piano was performed for only the upper class in Europe.

Notable classical piano compositions include the works of Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven. Other great pianists are Chopin, Handel, Haydn, Debussy, Wagner, and Tchaikovsky. They continued the classical playing style from the Renaissance to the Romantic and Baroque eras.

The classical playing style is often the starting point for anyone learning the piano. This is because it requires strong techniques and familiarity of music theory. Without a proper understanding of the classical playing style, it will be difficult to master other playing styles.

Jazz

The upbeat jazz music, where improvisation is common, is the polar opposite of classical playing style. Music has evolved over the past 100 years. With its heritages in ragtime, it has evolved into popular subgenres like blues, bebop, swing, free jazz, and cool jazz.

In 1918, the jazz playing style made its way into America. Scott Joplin, Thelonious Monk, Fats Waller, Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Jelly Roll Morton were among the notable pianists who made an impact on jazz in New York, New Orleans, and Chicago.

Although at that time, jazz music was known to be a rebellious form of music due to its experimental sounds and unconventional rhythms. Jazz is usually played on grand acoustic pianos, but these newer sounds can be played on electric ones.

Pop/Rock piano style

In the 40s, piano was incorporated into different music styles. The early 1950s brought the delivery of another unique piano playing style—Rock and Roll. With roots in rhythm and blues, rock and roll has evolved in its own style.

Notable pianists like John Lee Lewis and Little Richard launched this piano style into the music scene. In the 1970s, we got artists like Elton John and Billy Joel, who are known as the kings of rock piano today.

Musical theatre in piano style

Broadway’s composers are the foundation of much of the music we hear and love today. What is theatre music if not for the likes of Rodgers & Hart, Gershwin, or Hammerstein? We also recognize Andrew Lloyd Webber, Steven Schwartz, and Steven Sondheim.

Live theatre is the mainstay of what makes live theatre memorable and exciting. As a result, the piano is critical to the development and success of any theatrical performance.

Liturgical piano style

This playing style originated from religious ceremonies. Every religion has its own liturgical style that plays an important role in its history and culture. Although there are religions that have rooted pieces in the classical piano style.

Liturgical music has been passed from one era to another, and there are artists who still create and incorporate these music styles into religious performances and recordings.

There you have it! The five common piano styles.