Steven Sharp Nelson

Steven Sharp Nelson
Background information
Also known as The Cello Guy
Born (1977-07-05) July 5, 1977
Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
Genres Classical, New-age
Occupation(s) Cellist, Songwriter
Instruments Cello, Drums, Piano
Years active 2011-present
Associated acts Jon Schmidt, The Piano Guys, Lindsey Stirling, Alex Boye, Lexi Walker
Website stevensharpnelson.com

Steven Sharp Nelson (born July 5, 1977) is an American cellist, best known as "The Cello Guy" of classical, new-age quartet The Piano Guys[1]

Personal life

In 1984, when Nelson was seven, his father decided each of his children would learn to play an instrument invented before 1800.[2] He initially tried the violin but found a passion for the cello.[2] In 2002, at 25 years old, he graduated from the University of Utah with a bachelor's degree in music and later earned a master's degree in public administration.[2][3][4][5] Prior to joining The Piano Guys, he worked in real estate.[3]

Nelson credits his father for inspiring his passion for music.[6] He credits God for his success but says that he does not want to push his beliefs on others or make others feel pressured by his music.[7][8] Nelson is Mormon. As part of his faith, Nelson served a mission to South Korea.[7]

Nelson and his wife, Julie, have four children.[2]

Career

In 2006, Nelson was a real estate developer, describing his music as an escape rather than a vocation, and didn't expect music to become his primary career.[2] Nelson signed to Stone Angel Music, an independent record label founded by Paul Cardall in 1999. He released his first solo album in 2006, Sacred Cello, earning a Pearl Award for Best Instrumental Classical Album.[9][10] The track reached the Billboard charts top 20 classical recordings.[9] Nelson and The Piano Guys signed with Sony Masterworks in 2012.[11] He has also played with the China Philharmonic Orchestra.[9] Nelson released two other solo albums: Tender Mercies in 2008, followed by Christmas Cello in 2010.[10]

References

  1. ↑ "Steven Sharp Nelson's Biography" sacredcello.com. Retrieved 10 January 2013.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 Carma Wadley (8 October 2006). "Music is an escape, not a vocation, for cellist". Deseret News. Retrieved 10 June 2014.
  3. 1 2 "University of Utah Alumni Association awards $550,000 in scholarships and honors Piano Guys cellist and U professor". U News Center. University of Utah. April 6, 2015.
  4. ↑ "U. to honor Piano Guys musician, professor". Deseret News. April 6, 2015.
  5. ↑ Carma Wadley (16 November 2008). "Utah pianist, cellist working together to make beautiful music". Deseret News. Retrieved 10 June 2014.
  6. ↑ Lois M. Collins (8 June 2014). "Father knows best: Notable personalities on what they learned from their dads". Deseret News National Edition. Retrieved 10 June 2014.
  7. 1 2 Bowler, Hillary (16 December 2013). "The Piano Guys: 4 Dads on a Mission". Salt Lake City, UT: Deseret News. Retrieved 10 June 2014 – via HighBeam. (Subscription required (help)).
  8. ↑ Hillary Bowler (16 February 2012). "The Piano Guys strive for a positive influence". Salt Lake City: Deseret News. Retrieved 10 June 2014 – via HighBeam. (Subscription required (help)).
  9. 1 2 3 "A-List Performances at the Podium". Manila Bulletin. 24 February 2010. Retrieved 10 June 2014 – via HighBeam. (Subscription required (help)).
  10. 1 2 "The Piano Guys' Steven Sharp Nelson releases independent cello collection with former record label". Stone Age Music. 6 March 2014. Retrieved 10 June 2014.
  11. ↑ Blair Howell (15 September 2012). "TV preview: The Piano Guys enter the big time with PBS broadcast". Deseret News. Retrieved 10 June 2014.
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