Piano Hits By LGBTQ+ Artists (and How to Play Them) 🌈

June is Pride Month and the LGBTQ+ community has written some piano bangers over the years. Here are five awesome songs you can learn to play on the piano and some expert tips on how to play them. For classical fans, check out three pieces by queer composers you may not know.

New to piano? Check out our quick tip on how to play ANY pop song.

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“Tiny Dancer” by Elton John

<<Tutorial and Lead Sheet Download>>

There are few piano superstars bigger than the one and only Elton John. The lyrics to “Tiny Dancer” were written by Bernie Taupin for his wife, and the playful, opening riff immediately makes you think of a dancer. The chords to the song are fairly simple, but you can play this song as simply or as complex as you wish. For some inspiration, Lisa demonstrates “Tiny Dancer” in five different levels here.

“A Million Reasons” and “Shallow” by Lady Gaga

<<“A Million Reasons” Tutorial (Part of “5 Songs to Sing and Play on Piano”)>>
<<“Shallow” Tutorial>>

Lady Gaga has been an LGBTQ+ symbol from the start of her career. “Shallow” (performed with Bradley Cooper) is a beautiful and romantic piano piece, and it won Best Original Song at the 91st Academy Awards for its role in A Star Is Born. “A Million Reasons” is another anthemic power ballad, perfect for belting.

🎹 DID YOU KNOW? Jazz pianist Billy Tipton wasn’t outed as transgender until after his death, when unfortunately the media of the time didn’t portray him too kindly. Decades later, filmmakers are re-telling his story from a transgender perspective in No Ordinary Man.

“Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen

<<Tutorial and Sheet Music>>

Play the piano opening to “Bohemian Rhapsody” and at least one person will start singing “Mama…!”

Freddie Mercury is one of music history’s most beloved artists. He is seen by many as a queer icon and as someone who humanized the AIDS crisis. In his recent years, his South Asian and Zoroastrian heritage has ignited important discussions about race and pop culture. Oh, and “Radio Gaga” inspired Lady Gaga’s stage name.

“Stay With Me” by Sam Smith

<<“Stay With Me” Tutorial (Part of “5 Easy Songs to Sing and Play on Piano”)>>

On winning four Grammy Awards for “Stay With Me,” Sam Smith said, “I want to thank the man who this record is about who I fell in love with last year. Thank you so much for breaking my heart because you got me four Grammys.”

Remember: you don’t need to be a brilliant vocalist to benefit from singing pop bangers while playing piano. Playing and singing at the same time does wonders for musical coordination skills.

🎹 DID YOU KNOW? Sara Davis Buechner is a highly respected classical pianist who has been very open and vocal about her transgender experience. Check out her inspiring interviews and personal statement here.

BONUS: Classical Pieces by Queer Composers

And for all the classical aficionados out there, here are some famous pieces by LGBTQ+ composers:

John Cage
“In a Landscape”

Tchaikovsky
Piano Concerto No. 1

Francis Poulenc
Mélancolie

Charmaine Li is a Vancouver writer who has played piano for over 20 years. She holds an Associate diploma (ARCT) from the Royal Conservatory of Music and loves writing about the ways in which music—and music learning—affects the human experience. Charmaine manages The Note. Learn more about Charmaine here.