Elton John (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight) displayed remarkable musical talents from a very young age. Here's a more detailed look at his early music abilities and training:

Musical Prodigy from Childhood
- Elton John showed an exceptional love for music from as early as the age of 3, when he began playing the piano by ear.
- He was able to memorize and play classical pieces without formal training, demonstrating an innate musical gift.
- By the age of 11, Elton had won a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he received formal training in classical piano.

Rigorous Classical Training
- At the Royal Academy, Elton immersed himself in a disciplined curriculum of music theory, composition, and piano performance.
- He excelled in his studies, honing his technical skills and developing a deep appreciation for classical music.
- Elton's classical training laid a strong foundation that would later influence his own songwriting and piano playing style.

Early Performance Experience
- Even as a child prodigy, Elton began performing publicly, playing piano at local pubs and clubs around London.
- These early live performances helped him gain experience and confidence as a musician, as well as exposure to different musical genres.
- Elton's versatility as a pianist allowed him to adapt his classical training to play a wide range of styles, from rock and pop to R&B and soul.

Collaborative Songwriting
- In 1967, Elton John met lyricist Bernie Taupin, and the two formed a legendary songwriting partnership that would propel Elton's rise to stardom.
- Taupin's poetic lyrics complemented Elton's melodic sensibilities, and together they crafted some of the most enduring and beloved songs in popular music.