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Steven Sharp Nelson
Steven Sharp Nelson
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Key Information

Steven Sharp Nelson (born July 5, 1977) is an American cellist. He is best known as "The Cello Guy"[1][2] of the classical new-age musical group The Piano Guys, with whom he has released eight number-one albums and dozens of music videos. He also has three solo albums to his credit. He is considered a pioneer in "cello-percussion", which enhances traditional cello playing with pizzicato and percussive techniques.

Early life and education

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Steven Sharp Nelson grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah,[2] the son of John C. Nelson and Lynne Sanders.[3] His mother was a former professional opera singer, and she died from a brain tumor on May 21, 1999,[4] and his younger sister, Camille Nelson, is a folk musician.[5] When he was seven, Nelson's father decided that each of his children would learn to play an instrument invented before 1800.[4] Nelson tried the violin but discovered a passion for the cello.[4] He studied cello with teacher Kate Reeves and then with Ryan Selberg, the principal cellist for the Utah Symphony.[6][2] Since his attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) inhibited his attention span for long practice sessions, he began practicing on other instruments as well, including drums, guitar, and piano.[6][2] This led to his developing creative ways to play the cello: "strumming it, banging it and using pizzicato much more aggressively – using my thumb, fist, fingernail and palm".[2] He also began playing with different types of musical groups, including bands, orchestras, and string quartets.[6]

Nelson earned his bachelor's degree in music from the University of Utah in 2002.[7][8] In 2007[8] he earned a master's degree in public administration, as well as a graduate certificate in urban planning, from the same institution.[4][7]

Career

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Nelson initially pursued a career as a real estate developer, becoming the owner of Thornton Walker Real Estate.[7][4] In his spare time, he played cello to accompany local musicians both on stage and in the studio. By 2006, he had played on more than 100 locally produced music CDs.[4] Among his musician partners were several pianists and a guitarist.[9] In 2006 he described his music as "an escape, rather than a vocation", and didn't expect music to become his primary career.[4]

In 1999 Nelson signed with Stone Angel Music, an independent record label in Salt Lake City founded by Paul Cardall. His first solo album, Sacred Cello (2006), entered the Billboard charts top 20 classical recordings and garnered a Pearl Award for Best Instrumental Classical Album.[10] His other two solo albums are Tender Mercies (2008) and Christmas Cello (2010).[7]

The Piano Guys

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The Piano Guys' Jon Schmidt (left) and Nelson (right) perform live in 2002

Nelson became a member of The Piano Guys in 2011.[7] The group was the brainchild of Paul Anderson, owner of The Piano Guys piano store in St. George, Utah, who sought an innovative way to promote his store via social media.[11] In 2009 Anderson saw a YouTube music video that local musician Jon Schmidt had uploaded "for fun",[12] featuring Schmidt on piano and Nelson on cello and kick drum performing a mashup called "Love Story Meets Viva la Vida", which combined the Taylor Swift country pop "Love Story" with Coldplay's Baroque pop "Viva la Vida". The video garnered over one million hits.[13] Anderson hired the duo to perform on videos that he would professionally film in unusual locations and upload to his store's YouTube channel.[13][11][12] Nelson brought in his neighbor, Al van der Beek, a songwriter and music arranger who had a home recording studio, to the project.[12] Tel Stewart assisted with video production.[14]

The Piano Guys gained their first widespread exposure with "Michael Meets Mozart" (2011), thanks to Schmidt's invitation to the nearly 30,000 people on his fan mailing list "to watch it and share it"; as a result, people began watching the videos beyond the region.[12] The video featured Nelson playing 100 cello tracks to achieve the final effect.[2] Nelson's video performances of "Cello Wars" (2011) and "Beethoven's 5 Secrets" (2012) debuted at number one on the YouTube charts.[7]

The Piano Guys signed with Sony Masterworks in 2012.[14] At that point they all quit their regular jobs to pursue their musical career.[11] The group has released eight number-one albums. As of February 2024 they have surpassed 2.3 billion views on their YouTube channel and have 7.09 million subscribers.[15] Their most popular video is a cover of Christina Perri's A Thousand Years, with over 223 million views.

Musical style

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Nelson performs a variety of musical styles, including classical, folk, new age, and inspirational.[4] He is considered a pioneer in "cello-percussion", which enhances traditional cello playing with pizzicato and percussive techniques.[16] He owns 41 cellos, which he says produce different sounds and have different "personalities".[6] He also plays kick drum.[2]

He credits his influences as Yo-Yo Ma, Bobby McFerrin, and Victor Borge.[4]

Personal life

[edit]

Nelson is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.[11] As part of his faith, Nelson served a mission to South Korea.[17] He considers his art and his touring as a means to spread the gospel; he says that he also gives away a copy of the Book of Mormon to someone on nearly every tour.[1] He and the other members of The Piano Guys, all LDS, pray together before each concert, recording session, and video shoot.[1]

Nelson and his wife, Julie, have four children and reside in Salt Lake City.[1] In 2017, he performed a duet together with his daughter Lucy, who sang, in the One Voice Children's Choir's music video of "Only Hope".[18] In 2018 he performed with his wife, who played violin, in a cover of "Rewrite the Stars".[19]

Discography

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Solo albums

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  • Sacred Cello (2006)
  • Tender Mercies (2008)
  • Christmas Cello (2010)
  • Grace (2014)

The Piano Guys

[edit]

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Steven Sharp Nelson (born July 5, 1977) is an American cellist renowned for his innovative "cello-percussion" technique and role as "The Cello Guy" in the classical crossover group . A classically trained musician, Nelson has pioneered unique cello textures that mimic instruments like the , , and , using modified cellos made of wood, carbon fiber, steel, and electric variants. His work with , which he joined in 2011, blends classical, rock, pop, and cinematic elements into "classicool" music, resulting in over 2 billion streams and views across platforms. Born in , , Nelson earned a in music and a master's degree in from the . Early in his career, he developed a distinctive percussive style that combines lyrical playing with rhythmic elements, earning acclaim for performances in sold-out venues worldwide. As a key songwriter and arranger for , Nelson has contributed to platinum-selling albums and Billboard-charting releases in multiple countries, with the group's content streamed over 3 million times daily. His global tours have taken him to every continent, and he has performed for high-profile audiences, including the U.S. President. Beyond group work, Nelson is an award-winning solo artist and entertainer, featured on major television programs such as The Today Show, , and . A TED speaker, he has delivered talks on topics like finding peace through music and harnessing , drawing from his experiences as one of the most-watched cellists globally. Nelson also advocates for and has appeared in films and instructional videos, including contributions to (2016) and Gentle Sitting (2012). Married with four children, he continues to push boundaries in performance while emphasizing the therapeutic and inspirational power of .

Early life and education

Early life

Steven Sharp Nelson was born on July 5, 1977, in , . He grew up in a musical household as the son of John C. Nelson and Lynne Sanders Nelson, a professional opera singer who passed away on May 21, 1999, after an 18-year battle with a . His family environment fostered an early appreciation for music, with all six siblings engaging in instrumental performance, creating a supportive backdrop for his budding interests. At the age of 7, Nelson began playing the , marking the start of his lifelong dedication to the instrument. His initial studies were guided by Kate Reaves, whose patient approach helped him navigate challenges associated with ADHD, including difficulties with sustained focus during practice. He later continued early training under Ryan Selberg, the principal cellist of the Utah Symphony, who emphasized rigorous technique. Nelson's childhood musical experiences were shaped by familial encouragement, as his parents urged him to persist despite initial struggles and external suggestions to abandon the instrument. This home influence, combined with exposure to orchestral performances, ignited his passion and skills, transforming potential obstacles into creative strengths. These foundational years prepared him for more structured musical training in .

Education

Nelson earned a degree in music from the in 2002, where his studies centered on cello performance and classical training within the university's College of Fine Arts. He continued his education at the same institution, obtaining a degree in 2007, along with a in . In recognition of his achievements as an alumnus, Nelson received the Par Excellence Award from the University of Utah Alumni Association's Young Alumni Board in 2015.

Career

Early career

Following his graduation from the , Steven Sharp Nelson balanced a career in with musical pursuits, performing locally in and engaging in session work as a cellist. He had begun collaborating with pianist at age 15, when they shared the stage at a , leading to frequent joint performances that highlighted their complementary styles and built a lasting musical partnership. These early gigs included appearances in venues across , such as St. George, where Nelson's emotive cello playing resonated with audiences. Nelson's solo career gained momentum with the release of his debut album, Sacred Cello, in 2006, featuring classical arrangements of sacred and inspirational pieces performed on cello. This was followed by Tender Mercies in 2008, a collection emphasizing spiritual themes through the cello's resonant tones, and Christmas Cello in 2010, which offered fresh instrumental interpretations of holiday classics like "Carol of the Bells" and "Simple Gifts." Throughout this period, Nelson pioneered "cello-percussion" techniques in his solo performances and recordings, integrating percussive elements like tapping and strumming the instrument's body with traditional bowing and to create rhythmic, dynamic layers. His innovative approach extended to session collaborations, including soloing with professional ensembles such as the China Philharmonic Orchestra in a project. These efforts established Nelson as a versatile cellist in Utah's local music scene before broader recognition.

The Piano Guys

Steven Sharp Nelson joined in 2011, marking a pivotal moment in the group's evolution from informal collaborations to a formalized ensemble. The group originated in Paul Anderson's piano store in , where Anderson, a videographer and store owner, began partnering with pianist and producer Al van der Beek to create engaging as a tool. Nelson's addition as the cellist completed the core lineup, transforming their experimental mashups into a signature sound that blended classical elements with contemporary genres. As "The Cello Guy," Nelson serves as the primary cellist and co-songwriter alongside Schmidt, van der Beek, and Anderson, contributing innovative arrangements that highlight the cello's versatility in both melodic and percussive roles. His cello work is central to their "classicool" style—a term the group coined to describe their fusion of classical music with pop, rock, and cinematic influences, aiming to make orchestral sounds accessible and energetic for modern audiences. Nelson's arrangements often drive the emotional depth of their pieces, such as the haunting cello lines in their cover of Christina Perri's "A Thousand Years," which showcases sweeping, romantic phrasing, and the dynamic, dueling cello-violin interplay in their rendition of "Rewrite the Stars" from The Greatest Showman. These contributions have helped define the group's viral appeal, with videos emphasizing Nelson's expressive playing in visually stunning locations. The Piano Guys achieved significant milestones under Nelson's involvement, including eight number-one albums on the Billboard Classical Albums chart, such as The Piano Guys (2012), Wonders (2014), and Limitless (2018). Their YouTube channel amassed over 2.3 billion views by February 2024, fueled by hundreds of millions of streams for individual videos that exemplify their pioneering approach to multimedia music presentation. These accomplishments underscore Nelson's role in elevating the group from a local Utah act to a global phenomenon. From 2011 to 2024, embarked on extensive worldwide tours, performing sold-out shows across the , , Europe (including the UK and Germany), Asia ( and Korea), , and other regions, often incorporating elaborate staging that integrated their videos with live and piano performances. Nelson's high-energy solos became a highlight of these concerts, drawing millions of fans and reinforcing the group's reputation for innovative live experiences that bridge classical traditions with pop culture.

Recent developments

In 2025, The Piano Guys continued to expand their digital footprint, with their YouTube channel reaching 7.09 million subscribers and accumulating billions of views through innovative music videos. Their content also maintained strong streaming performance, exceeding 3 million daily streams across platforms like YouTube Music. This growth was bolstered by releases such as the visualizer for "When You're Gone" on September 25, 2025, which quickly garnered tens of thousands of views. The group announced a limited tour schedule for the 2024-2025 season early in the year, including a performance on March 14 at the in , where they delivered their signature blend of classical and contemporary arrangements. Additional dates, such as the November 8, 2024, show at Miller Auditorium in , highlighted their ongoing commitment to live audiences before a pivotal shift. However, on August 1, 2025, Steven Sharp Nelson announced a personal break from touring and group business to prioritize , , and undisclosed special projects, marking a transitional phase for the ensemble. Amid these changes, Nelson remained active in select appearances, including a collaborative performance with pianist at the Faith Matters Restore event on July 31, 2025, where they contributed to a program focused on faith, creativity, and personal growth. Nelson also joined for a performance at a Young Single Adult conference on August 31, 2025, featuring music alongside Gérald Caussé. While details on post-2024 solo endeavors remain forthcoming, the announced special projects suggest potential new musical explorations outside the group's core activities.

Musical style and innovations

Style and influences

Steven Sharp Nelson's musical style primarily encompasses classical crossover and new-age genres, where he innovates on the to fuse traditional classical techniques with contemporary arrangements and soundscapes. This approach allows him to reinterpret classical pieces alongside modern pop and inspirational themes, creating accessible yet sophisticated compositions that appeal to diverse listeners. His artistic influences draw from renowned figures such as cellist for masterful expressiveness, vocalist for improvisational freedom, and comedian-pianist for blending humor with musicality. These inspirations inform Nelson's philosophy of "classicool music," a term he uses to describe the seamless integration of classical foundations with modern, engaging elements to revitalize the genre and inspire joy. Central to his expressive style is his of multiple s, each selected for its distinct tone and "," enabling nuanced variations in sound that enhance emotional depth in performances. Over his career, Nelson's style has evolved from introspective solo works, such as his sacred cello albums emphasizing reflective new-age themes, to dynamic group collaborations that amplify his innovations through layered arrangements.

Techniques

Steven Sharp Nelson is recognized as a pioneer in "cello-percussion," an innovative approach that integrates traditional lyrical playing with percussive elements to create drum-like sounds such as kick drums, snare drums, and directly from the instrument. This technique draws from his experience with guitar and percussion, allowing him to produce a wide array of unconventional textures, including imitations of a , , Chinese fiddle, Indian , and , all achieved through modifications to wood, carbon fiber, steel, and electric cellos. A hallmark of Nelson's method is his extensive use of , often combined with percussive strikes on the 's body and strings to generate rhythmic drive and layered effects in performances. He complements this with unconventional techniques, such as altered bow pressures and angles to evoke friction-based sounds or hybrid timbres that blend bowed sustain with percussive attacks, expanding the 's expressive palette beyond classical norms. These elements are frequently multi-tracked in recordings, where Nelson layers dozens of parts to simulate orchestral sections or novel ensembles. In adaptations for video productions, particularly with The Piano Guys, Nelson tailors his techniques to enhance visual storytelling, using modified cellos to generate nearly all sound effects and instrumental layers on set, which supports synchronized filming and post-production editing. For instance, in the group's arrangement of "Carol of the Bells," Nelson composed and performed a 12-cello version that employs hemiola—shifting between 3/4 and 4/4 meters—to build tension, incorporating pizzicato rhythms and percussive hits to mimic bells and drive the energetic canon, all captured through multi-tracking during outdoor shoots in Utah's canyons. These innovations have significantly broadened the cello's versatility in modern musical contexts, enabling its use in crossover genres like new-age, cinematic, and pop arrangements, and inspiring other musicians to explore the instrument's percussive potential for live and recorded media.

Personal life

Religious life

Steven Sharp Nelson is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a faith tradition that has profoundly shaped his personal values and practices since childhood. Raised in , , in a devout family, Nelson's early life was steeped in church teachings that emphasized joy, agency, and creative expression as divine gifts, influencing his initial dedication to studies under his father's guidance—a violist who tied musical practice to spiritual growth and family bonding. During young adulthood, shortly after high school graduation around 1995, Nelson served a two-year full-time mission for the church in , postponing further formal education until after his return; he later completed a in music from the in 2002. This service, a key in Latter-day Saint culture for young men, reinforced his reliance on faith for perseverance and direction, informing decisions like prioritizing spiritual service before advancing his musical training.

Family and residence

Steven Sharp Nelson is married to Julie Nelson. The couple has four children and maintains a close-knit life centered in , , where they reside. Nelson's plays a vital role in supporting his career, offering emotional grounding during periods of intense travel and performance demands with . This support has been particularly evident in their involvement in occasional musical collaborations, such as duets featuring family members. In November 2024, Nelson's son was called to serve a mission in , mirroring his father's own mission there three decades prior. In 2025, Nelson stepped back from touring and group business to emphasize priorities alongside his health, underscoring the centrality of home life to his personal fulfillment.

Discography

Solo albums

Steven Sharp Nelson released his debut solo , Sacred Cello, in 2006, featuring contemplative arrangements of classical and sacred pieces performed primarily on unaccompanied with orchestral backing in select tracks. Produced by Paul and released through Stone Angel Music, the includes 12 tracks spanning 46 minutes, such as Bach's Unaccompanied Cello Suite No. 1 in G , "," a adaptation of Debussy's "Clair de Lune," "The Water Is Wide," and "Be Still My Soul." The work emphasizes emotional depth through Nelson's mastery of tempo and dynamic contrasts, drawing praise for evoking strong sentiment from familiar repertoire. It reached the top 20 on Billboard's classical chart and earned a Pearl Award for Best Instrumental Classical in 2007. In 2008, Nelson followed with Tender Mercies: Sacred Cello, a 10-track collection of inspirational hymns and sacred arrangements totaling 50 minutes, continuing his focus on spiritual themes with at the forefront. Released via HeartBeat Records, the album features collaborations with artists including pianist , composer Paul Cardall, and others, highlighting pieces like the title track "," "," "Come, Come Ye Saints," and "Praise to the Man." Reviewers noted its serene orchestral elements and captivating solo openings, with one describing it as a "gorgeous recording" that blends deep tones with moving music ideal for reflection. The album received a perfect 5/5 rating from customers on Deseret Book, praising its exquisite arrangements and emotional power. Nelson's third solo effort, Christmas Cello, arrived in 2010 as a holiday-themed release with 11 tracks of seasonal favorites reimagined through multi-tracked ensembles, often up to 16 cellos for lush textures. Self-produced and distributed via his own label, it balances traditional carols like "" and syncopated takes on "" with unconventional selections such as "" and Bach's "," creating an appealing variety of festive and reflective moods. The album garnered positive reception for its innovative percussion-infused sound, earning a 4.8/5 average from over 160 Amazon reviews that highlighted its beautiful winter arrangements and suitability as seasonal listening. It has become a recurring favorite for holiday playlists, though specific sales data remains unavailable. In 2014, Nelson released Grace: A Sacred Cello Collection, a 12-track compilation of his best arrangements and original scores from previous Stone Angel Music productions, featuring contemplative sacred pieces like "The Traveler," "Come, Come Ye Saints," and "," with orchestral elements and collaborations including pianist Paul Cardall. Running 49 minutes, the album emphasizes reflective and inspirational themes through Nelson's performances, receiving praise for its serene and emotionally resonant sound ideal for .

The Piano Guys contributions

Steven Sharp Nelson serves as the primary cellist for , providing the instrumental foundation through his performances on every track across the group's discography. His role extends beyond performance, encompassing co-arrangements and co-writing for numerous pieces that blend classical elements with contemporary pop and cinematic influences. Nelson's work is integral to the group's signature sound, often featuring innovative techniques such as multi-tracked layers and percussive effects derived from the instrument. The Piano Guys have achieved eight number-one albums on the Classical Albums or Albums charts, all featuring Nelson's contributions. These include:
Album TitleRelease YearPeak Position and Chart Performance
The Piano Guys2012No. 1 on Classical Albums and Albums
The Piano Guys 22013No. 1 on Classical Albums and Albums
A Family 2013No. 1 on Classical Albums and Albums
Wonders2014No. 1 on Classical Albums
2016No. 1 on Classical Albums
Together2017No. 1 on Classical Albums and Albums
Limitless2018No. 1 debut on Classical Albums
102020No. 1 on Classical Albums
Notable tracks highlighting Nelson's cello include "A Thousand Years," a 2012 cover from the debut album that reimagines Christina Perri's ballad with sweeping cello melodies and has amassed over 126 million Spotify streams, and "," a 2018 arrangement from Limitless (also featured on 10) that pairs dynamic cello riffs with the pop duet's energy, exceeding 20 million streams. Nelson holds co-writing credits on several tracks across the discography, including "Arwen's Vigil" from the 2012 self-titled album and various originals on Wonders and Limitless, where he collaborated with and Al van der Beek to fuse -driven compositions with orchestral and electronic elements. His arrangement contributions emphasize the 's versatility, often layering multiple parts to create full ensemble effects without additional instruments. As of 2025, The Piano Guys' discography, bolstered by Nelson's input, has generated over 2 billion global streams and over 2.5 billion views, with alone accounting for approximately 1.66 billion streams.

References

  1. https://www.[allmusic](/page/AllMusic).com/album/grace-a-sacred-cello-collection-mw0002643703
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