As a child star, Miley Cyrus was immersed in a world of musical talent, allowing her to achieve remarkable feats, including quickly learning to play the piano for a film role. She gained fame from her portrayal in “Hannah Montana,” an experience that paved the way for her future endeavors. In the 2010 film “The Last Song,” based on Nicholas Sparks’ romance novel, Cyrus played a young pianist, necessitating a dramatic transformation and piano skills.
Surprisingly, Cyrus learned the instrument in just a few hours during the film’s production. Sparks, who recognized her talent, was nonetheless taken aback by her ability. In an exclusive interview with People magazine, he recounted, “She had a scene where she had to play the piano. It looked tough to me. I said, ‘I didn’t know you could play the piano.’ And she’s like, ‘Oh, I didn’t. I had to learn yesterday. It took me hours.’ I’m like, ‘Hours, to do that? It’d take me weeks!’”
In a conversation with Pure Movies, Cyrus reflected on her experience learning the piano to accurately portray her character. “It was pretty easy because I can read music, so it was easier than starting from scratch,” she explained. “It took me about four or five lessons. I would film and then come home and rehearse with a teacher real quick to ensure I got it for the next day.”
At the time, she focused on acting, deliberately keeping her acting career separate from her musical endeavors. She expressed her desire for people to see her primarily as an actress, stating, “I just wanted people to see me as an actress rather than a musician always too.” Cyrus’ co-star, Liam Hemsworth, also learned a new skill for the film, as he initially lied about his ability to play volleyball to land his role.
In August 2024, Cyrus was honored as the youngest Disney Legend for her work on “Hannah Montana.” Sparks recalled her impressive piano accomplishment, affirming, “She’s incredibly skilled and talented, and I know she works very hard at music.”
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