Elton John Admits He ‘Never Would’ve’ Written His Hits Without His Classical Music Education

Jun 30, 2023

Elton Hercules John (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight) is an English singer best known for his fantastical, theatrical piano playing and stage presence. He earned the nickname "Rocket Man" after achieving tremendous commercial success with his hit single of the same name. 

He's since released dozens of albums and launched his other well-known tunes, like "Your Song," "Candle in the Wind," "Tiny Dancer," " Crocodile Rock" and "I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues," onto the radio. 

The legendary singer-songwriter won an Academy Award at the 2020 Oscars ceremony, and two special boys were more than excited to see him win: his sons, Zachary and Elijah. John and his longtime collaborator, Bernie Taupin, were awarded the Oscar for Best Original Song for their song "(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again" from "Rocketman," a biopic based on John's very own life. 

Over the course of his decades-long career, John has had the opportunity to perform at a handful of important events, especially for the royal family. Namely, he sang at the funeral of the late Princess Diana at Westminster Abbey in 1997, giving a haunting rendition of "Candle in the Wind." Also known as "Goodbye English Rose," the song was a rewrite of a tune John had originally penned for Marylin Monroe in 1973. 

But like many other great musical geniuses in the world, John had musical education that made him as equipped as he could possibly be in understanding the complexities of art, specifically music. Speaking to Classic FM, John revealed what made him the music icon he is now. Keep on reading to know more about John’s upbringing and how his musical education came to be. 

Born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on March 1947 in Pinner, Middlesex, John started pursuing music at the age of 11. Unbeknownst to many, John lived in a musically-inclined family. His father served in the Royal Air Force and was also a trumpet player with the Bob Millar Band, a semi-professional big band that performs during military dances back in the day. 

Aside from this, John’s family were keen record buyers, which exposed the now-music icon to music back then when he was young. He also started playing piano using his grandmother’s instrument. He was enrolled in piano lessons at age 7 after performing at parties and family gatherings. As early as that age, John’s talent and aptitude in music were revealed, which gave him the ability to compose melodies and play like Jerry Lee Lewis before he hit 10 years old. 

At 11, he then entered the Royal Academy of Music. He attended Saturday classes while he enjoyed playing Frédéric Chopin and Johann Sebastian Bach and singing in the choir. However, it was important to note that John wasn’t exactly a diligent classical student. He was said to be one of those children who could just get by the whole thing without practicing and studying for things. 

At one point, he even revealed that he even skipped classes before just to travel to the London Underground. While some considered John a model student as he even took additional lessons outside his classes, he dropped out of the academy just before the final exams of his final years arrived.

Talking more about his experience studying at the Royal Academy of Music, John visited the hallowed halls of the building in 2019 to talk to Classic FM. 

“It was so intimidating then. It smelt of fear,” John described the place. Apparently, the reason why John left the place was to pursue a career in rock and roll. His debut album, “Empty Sky” was released in 1969. Its genre was classified as psychedelic rock, soft rock, progressive rock, and even folk rock. 

But even though he took on the road of rock, John credits his classical music training as an instrumental key to his success. 

“In those days, the Academy meant classical music and nothing else – certainly no rock ‘n roll. That was the devil’s music. But without my training, I never would’ve been able to write the songs I’ve written,” he explained. “I’m so grateful for my classical training.”

As mentioned, John joined the choir, which became a happy moment for him while he was still in the academy. Elsewhere in the interview, he talked about this: “I was never good enough to be part of the Academy orchestra... but to be part of the choir was incredibly fulfilling. Just the noise you make, and the camaraderie... it is the most life-affirming experience, singing in a choir.”

To ensure that many budding musicians and singers achieve their full potential and their dreams, John mounted the Elton John Scholarship – a fund reserved for exceptional young musicians who could not afford to receive formal music education – at the Royal Academy of Music. 

Thanks to his classical music education, John has already released a plethora of iconic hits, including “I Guess That's Why they Call it the Blues,” “I'm Still Standing,” “Don't Go Breaking My Heart” and “Circle of Life,” among many others. 

Are you a fan of Elton John? What can you say about his musical upbringing? Do you think he would be any less of an artist if it weren’t for his classical training? Let us know, and pass this on to your family, friends and other Elton John fans!