Piano

The piano is a keyboard instrument with strings struck by hammers, invented by Bartolomeo Cristofori in Italy in the eighteenth century, and it quickly became central to Western music through the works of composers like Beethoven, Chopin, and Mozart. Famous pianists include classical virtuosos like Lang Lang and jazz legends like Duke Ellington, while even Billy Joel and Alicia Keys show its versatility in popular music. The piano is an excellent choice for beginners because it provides immediate visual feedback (you can literally see the notes laid out), teaches both melody and harmony simultaneously, doesn't require tuning by the learner, and serves as the foundation for understanding music theory - plus pianists are always in demand for productions, bands, and accompanying other musicians.