About The Piano Guys
The Piano Guys are an American musical group renowned for their innovative classical crossover style, blending instrumental rock, pop, and film scores with classical music. Composed of pianist Jon Schmidt, cellist Steven Sharp Nelson, videographer Paul Anderson, and music producer Al van der Beek, the group rose to international prominence through their captivating YouTube videos, showcasing intricate arrangements and cinematic visuals. Their unique approach to music has made them significant figures in contemporary instrumental music, with multiple albums reaching the top of Billboard's Classical Albums and New Age Albums charts.
- The group originated as a marketing strategy for Paul Anderson's piano store in St. George, Utah, where he sought to create engaging music videos to promote his business.
- The Piano Guys gained immense popularity on YouTube, surpassing billions of views and millions of subscribers with their creatively filmed piano and cello compositions. Their cover of Christina Perri's "A Thousand Years" is one of their most-watched videos.
- They are celebrated for their imaginative mashups, seamlessly fusing diverse musical styles such as combining Mozart with Adele, or Vivaldi's "Winter" with Disney's "Let It Go."
- Before their collective success, the members each had independent careers, including Jon Schmidt as a solo pianist and Steven Sharp Nelson in venture capital, eventually dedicating themselves full-time to The Piano Guys after signing with Sony.
Playing the music of The Piano Guys offers a rewarding experience for musicians of various skill levels, from intermediate to advanced, with arrangements often available for piano solo, as well as piano and cello. Their sheet music allows performers to delve into arrangements that combine the technicality of classical music with the accessibility of contemporary pop and film scores. Performing their pieces is uniquely satisfying due to their engaging harmonies, dynamic contrasts, and the sheer joy of recreating their distinctive sound, making it ideal for those who appreciate both classical depth and modern appeal in their repertoire.