Aretha Franklin spent the summer learning to play the piano for a forthcoming album of classical covers. The legendary diva plans to sing and play on the LP, and studied with classically-trained musicians at New York's prestigious Juilliard School.

She reveals, "I came to New York this summer and I took some classical piano lessons. Just the basics. I'm going to sing arias too. 'Nessun Dorma.'"

Franklin fans also have a Christmas album to look forward to. Her festive LP This Christmas is due out this month.

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(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)