Steven Sharp Nelson (born 1977) is a pioneer in “cello-percussion”—an alternative performance method that combines traditional, lyrical cello techniques with unconventional pizzicato and percussive technique. He was born and still resides in Salt Lake City, Utah. He began studying cello at age 8, percussion at age 12 and guitar at age 17. He has invented a new method of playing the cello that combines elements learned from each of these instruments.

He has studied the cello (still his primary instrument) under Ryan Selberg, Stephen Emerson, and John Eckstein. He obtained a degree in music from the University of Utah School of Music, graduating in 2002.

Nelson’s true cello career began when he was 15. He was recruited by Peter Breinholt to arrange string parts and perform with Breinholt’s band, Big Parade. Since then he has recorded on over 100 different albums ranging from folk & bluegrass to hip hop. He has also made his way as a solo artist. His first album Sacred Cello (2006)^[1] was atop the Billboard Charts. He has since two more solo albums that have also received significant acclaim (Tender Mercies, 2008 and Christmas Cello, 2010)

Nelson is well known for his collaborations with pianist Jon Schmidt as The Piano Guys – most particularly in their mash-up arrangement of Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” and Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida,” a YouTube sensation. Schmidt and Nelson perform regularly together throughout the United States and the world.

In 2011, Steven joined “The Piano Guys” and together they have created one of the fastest-growing channels on YouTube. His videos are watched by more than half a million viewers daily, and since 2011, many have been among the top 10 music videos in the world, including his “Cello Wars” and “Beethoven’s 5 Secrets”, both of which debuted at number #1 on the YouTube charts.

Nelson also teams up often with pianist Paul Cardall and has written most of Cardall’s orchestrations.

Nelson’s shared performance and compositions with pianist Marshall McDonald are also of note. Among other works, Nelson and McDonald have composed two symphonies together (Spanish Trail Suite, 2006 and Africa, 2008), the second of which was featured in the number one classical podcast in the world and was download over 30 million times.^[2]

Nelson’s influences include Victor Borge, Bobby McFerrin, Peter Schickele, Yo Yo Ma, U2, Sting, and James Taylor. His trademark style is to always including parody, comedy, and musical “shtick” in every performance.

Reviews

"Steven Sharp Nelson's renditions are a breath of fresh air!"
Shelby Nelson, cellist

"I am at a loss for words"
iTunes Review

"Powerful! I love Steven Sharp Nelson!"
iTunes Review

"There's none better - I should know"
Steve's sister Camille

"Steven Sharp Nelson is amazing! His rich diversity and style make him my favorite cellist"
Paul Cardall, Pianist

"I wish I played the cello ... like Steve"
Jon Schmidt, pianist

"Inspiring! Pure Joy! I share your music with my high school students"
David Johnson, high school teacher

"Simply Amazing! I've always wanted to play the cello and this makes me want to play even more"
A budding cellist/cellist wannabe (YouTube)

"ohh det är fantastiskt!!!"
Foreign review (YouTube)

"Perfect!!!!!!!!"
A perfectionist (YouTube)

"Veteran studio musician Steven Sharp Nelson stepped out of a backing role and into the forefront with Sacred Cello, his debut effort. Having performed on over 100 albums previous to this inaugural solo project, he displays a penchant for improvisation even underneath a surface of meticulous precision. Nelson shows a mastery of tempo and dynamic contrast that evokes a surprisingly strong amount of emotion, even with what could be considered a familiar track list to classicists. There are no real surprises in the core lineup of hymns, but a stylish variety of classical and traditional work adds a sparkling flourish to the set. Among others, his unaccompanied rendition of the Prelude from Bach's Cello Suite No. 1 in G major employs a stirring rubato, while he commands a rhythmic bassline in Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring. These departures from strict Sunday fare give the album a tremendous lift. Guitarist Peter Breinholt and solo pianists Jon Schmidt, Paul Cardall, David Tolk, and Marshall McDonald take turns serving as guest stars. They are merely icing on the cake, however; each in his own way complements the album's flavor, which ventures into new age, folk, inspirational, and classical. From start to finish, Sacred Cello is bright, solid, unique, and enchanting."
Jared Johnson, All Music Guide
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steven_Sharp_Nelson

JONJon Schmidt was born to German Immigrant parents, and they gave him the gift of early education in music. Classical training fell on the fertile ground of Jon’s natural talents  for music and hard work. Schmidt began composing as early as age 11, started teaching piano lessons when most people get a drivers license, and began a successful solo career in his early twenties.

Schmidt worried about a career in music. He worried that his family would think  that sheet music does not taste good with ranch dressing, so in college he studied English with plans to get an MBA.  People kept pestering him over and over to play piano for them, so he risked renting a large concert hall and presented himself to the public. His audience loved him. He has never turned back to English and Business plans. His wife Michelle and their five children have never had to eat sheet music—even as a side dish.

Schmidt’s 20 year solo career has included many albums, performances, and awards. The Piano Guys entrapped Schmidt with their lair of beautiful pianos. Shortly thereafter, they all ran away together to create spectacular piano cello video content. Their goal is very humble—to inspire the world.Schmidt’s 20 year solo career has included many albums, performances, and awards.

"The Piano Guys", 2012

"Hits Volume 1", 2011

"Hits Volume 1 Limited Edition", 2011

"Bonus Tracks", 2009, JS Productions

Hymns Without Words, 2006, JS Productions

Winter Serenade, 2004, JS Productions

To The Summit, 2000, JS Productions