Alicia Keys is a classically trained musician and piano virtuoso. Throughout her high school career, she also played several band instruments.
Alicia Keys can play the cello. Although this instrument was not included as part of her musical training while in high school, the music prodigy later learned to play as part of a movie role.
Alicia reportedly learned to play the cello in four weeks in 2008 while getting ready for her role in the movie, “The Secret Life of Bees”.
Classical Training
Alicia Keys first started to play the piano at the age of four. The gift of an old upright piano from a family friend sparked her interest in the instrument and her mother encourage her to learn to play.
Her mother, Teresa paid for her piano lessons when she turned seven, and over time, Alicia soon started to compose her own music.
Alicia’s love of the instrument and her prowess at playing soon led her to be accepted into the highly acclaimed Professional Performing Arts School in Manhattan, New York.
She graduated valedictorian and top of her class at the age of 16, two years ahead of schedule, as a result of her musical genius.
Instrument of Choice
Alicia’s extraordinary music abilities both as a classically trained pianist and vocalist launched her career in the music industry.
The piano is her instrument of choice, and it is even said that the gift of a baby piano from Columbia Records, is what convinced her to sign her first record deal with them.
Alicia’s piano is a vital part of her music career. She uses the instrument to compose her songs which have sold more than 65 million records worldwide, and it is usually the only accompanying instrument in her performances.
Learning A New Instrument
In addition to her acclaim as a singer, songwriter, poet, and pianist, Alicia Keys is also an accomplished actor.
Prior to landing the role of classical cellist and civil rights activist, June Boatwright in the 2008 movie, The Secret Life of Bees, Alicia had never before played the cello.
Alicia admits that learning to play the instrument in four weeks was quite challenging but at the same time, exciting.
Apparently she gave enough of a convincing performance to sell the role. The movie received a 3.5-star rating from Roger Ebert.