Schmidt in 2014Background informationBirth nameJon SchmidtBorn( 1966-07-10) July 10, 1966 (age 53), UtahGenres,InstrumentsPianoAssociated actsWebsiteJon Schmidt (born 1966) is an American pianist, composer, piano teacher, and author. Classically trained, he branched into in his 20s and has developed a style that blends classical, contemporary, and rock and roll. He has released eight solo albums and seven piano books containing original scores. Since 2010 he has been a member of musical group, performing on their videos, albums, and in concert. Contents.Early life and education Jon Schmidt was born in, Utah, to German immigrants.
Both his paternal and maternal grandparents became members of (LDS Church) in Germany, and he is also a member of the church.Schmidt was exposed to classical music at a young age. His father was an operatic tenor. His older sister, Rose-Anne, a virtuoso pianist, provided his classical training. Schmidt began appearing in piano recitals at the age of 8, was composing music by the age of 11, and started teaching piano at age 16. However, he did not perform publicly until college.
As a student at, he frequently played the piano at school assemblies and concerts. After graduation, he served on a to Norway, where he was known as the 'mission piano player'.Schmidt was offered a music scholarship to the, but decided to major in English instead. As he progressed in his undergraduate studies, he began thinking about pursuing a graduate degree in. His career plans changed as he began performing in public.Musical career. My whole goal is to have a good time.
I can't take my music or myself too seriously. That's the problem sometimes with classical performers is they take themselves too seriously. I consider myself a rock pianist.–Jon Schmidt, 2010Schmidt initially played at benefit concerts and recorded his music for sale on cassette tape. He then decided to promote himself by booking himself into large venues such as the Highland High School auditorium, which he filled with an audience of 1,000, and, the largest performance venue in Salt Lake City, which he also sold out.He released his first album, August End, in 1991. After that he signed with Aubergine Records and released A Walk in the Woods (1993), A Day in the Sunset (1994), and Jon Schmidt Christmas (1995). In 2000 he released To the Summit under his own label, JSP Productions.By 2010 Schmidt was giving 100 concerts a year in the metropolitan area of Utah, as well as in Arizona, Southern California, Idaho, and Washington state.Schmidt has published seven piano books containing original scores.
He has developed a 'Ten Week Note-Reading Method' for adults and children. The Piano Guys. Main article:Schmidt became a member of in 2010. The group and its music video concept originated as the strategy of Paul Anderson, owner of The Piano Guys piano store in. Anderson knew Schmidt from the latter's visits to the store; Schmidt enjoyed practicing on the pianos in the showroom whenever he came to town. In 2009 Anderson saw a music video that Schmidt had uploaded to YouTube, 'Love Story Meets Viva la Vida' – blending the country pop ' with 's Baroque pop ', which Schmidt performed as a duet with cellist. The video collected over one million hits.
Anderson suggested that he produce professional videos of the musicians performing and upload them to his store's YouTube channel. Nelson brought his neighbor Al van der Beek, a songwriter and music arranger, onto the project, and Tel Stewart assisted with video production.After producing a number of videos that failed to garner much interest, the group posted 'Michael Meets Mozart' (2011), and Schmidt invited the nearly 30,000 people on his fan mailing list 'to watch it and share it'. Views took off beyond the region. The group continued to upload new videos for the next two years, gaining thousands of fans each time.
The group signed with Sony Masterworks in 2012 and went on to release seven number-one albums. As of August 2018 the group has surpassed 1.6 billion views on their YouTube channel and have 6.2 million subscribers.
Musical style Schmidt blends classical, pop, and rock and roll in his compositions. He cites, and as musical influences.
He also demonstrates a flair for the theatrical in his live solo performances, such as 'playing an entire song while upside down, putting on a funky wig, playing with his toes and beat boxing'. Personal life Schmidt and his wife Michelle have five children and reside in. In October 2016 their 21-year-old daughter Annie disappeared while hiking in. Her body was found the following month at the base of a cliff in the; her death was ruled accidental. Discography Solo albums. August End (1991).
Walk in the Woods (1993). A Day in the Sunset (1994). Jon Schmidt Christmas (1995). To the Summit (2000). Winter Serenade (2004). Hymns Without Words (2006). Piano Portraits Lullaby (2009).
Bonus Tracks (2009)Guest appearances. Piano Portraits (2002) – solo performances by Schmidt, Michael R.
Hicks, and David Tolk. Pure Touch: Vol. 1 (2008) – with Matt Bachrach and Craig LinderThe Piano Guys.
(2011). (2012). (2013). (2013). (2014).
Live!: Carnegie Hall Audio + Red Rocks Concert Video (2015). (2016). (2017).
Limitless (2018)Piano books. 67 Fun Songs: Arrangements for Easy Piano Songbook. 2003. New Age Classical Piano Solos. Aubergine Records.
1996. New Age Classical Piano Solos.
Aubergine Records. New Age Classical Piano Solos. III (Revised ed.). New Age Classical Piano Solos. IV (Revised ed.).References. ^ Toone, Trent (October 31, 2012). Retrieved May 7, 2017.
Jon Schmidt Madison
^ Verdugo Morgan, Alexa (March 22, 2013). St George News. Retrieved May 7, 2017. ^ Dillon, Charlotte (2017).
Retrieved May 7, 2017. ^ Bonfiglio, Jeremy D.
(September 22, 2016). Retrieved May 4, 2017. ^. Retrieved May 5, 2017. ^. Yamaha Entertainment Group.
Retrieved May 7, 2017. ^ Wheeler, Jamie (January 27, 2010).
Retrieved May 4, 2017. ^.
Retrieved May 5, 2017. ^ Heywood, Klydi. Retrieved May 4, 2017. ^ Friedmann, Pascal (October 1, 2015). Archived from on February 29, 2016. Retrieved May 4, 2017.
^ Allen, McKay (March 29, 2010). Latter-Day Sentinel. Retrieved March 8, 2017. Retrieved May 6, 2017. ^ Weiss, Geoff (March 27, 2015). Retrieved May 4, 2017.
^ della Cava, Marco R. (September 5, 2012). Retrieved May 7, 2017. Hudy, Stan (August 8, 2018).
Retrieved March 10, 2019. Stutz, Colin (November 14, 2016). Retrieved May 4, 2017. Blodgett-Williams, Dacia A. Retrieved May 21, 2017. Retrieved May 21, 2017.External links.
Jon Schmidt is a rare commodity in today's music world — he is an artist that will simply not play into a single musical genre. Often labeled a 'New Age' artist, Jon takes the essence of New Age and turns it on its head.
Adding elements of Rock 'n' Roll and Classical music, Jon takes New Age music to a place it has never been before.With seven albums to his credit, Jon takes listeners on an exhilarating yet heart-felt musical journey. Jon's compositions rise above the 'paint-by-numbers' songs of today. He has been able rescue the noble parts of New Age from the clutch's of 'over extended synthesizers' to bring the listener exceptional, solid music that is fun and still poignant. From the Classical Piano stylings of the wildly popular 'Waterfall' (which Jon wrote as a teenager) to the Rock 'n' Roll hybrid 'Pachelbel meets U2,' Jon has been able to find a pure sound that is distinctly his own without ever succumbing to the trappings of the music genre.With his eclectic blend of sounds, Jon has produced a loyal following that is just as diverse as his musical interests. Jon's music has crossed the great divide finding an audience across the globe. While Jon sees himself as an American artist in the West, his music has touched people the world over, as anyone can see from the response to his music online. As Reuben Evans, a UK fan states, 'Jon is Awesome!
Simply Brilliant, the sort of music that stops you dead and demands that you listen.' Jon's music has not simply crossed cultural divides but generations as well. From pre-teens to post Baby Boomer, the diversity of Jon's audience is a unique as the music itself. Durrell from Kansas states, 'Because my husband AND my grandchildren enjoy Jon's music — it states volumes of the reach to all ages.' Because of Jon's strong musical appeal, his sheet music continues to touch the new crop of fresh pianists. As thousands will attest, the 'kid tested, parent/teacher approved' outcome illustrates why Jon's 6 volumes of musical scores fly off the store shelves. He has inspired teenagers to stick with their piano lessons and children to try it for themselves.
Who would think that a New Age artist would have the teenyboppers of today raving about the 'awesome' music?Jon himself was raised on the masters. Born to German immigrants, classical music was a part of everyday life. Jon was playing Mozart Sonatas and composing his own music at the ripe old age of 11. Worried about what kind of future a musician father could provide a family, Jon majored in English with plans to continue on for an MBA. However, while performing occasional benefit shows during those college years his music began to take off. As Jon realized that people would give him a chance, he took a leap of faith and rented out the largest concert hall in Salt Lake City and presented his own concert. There was no turning back from his music.
Jon is now both a happily married father of 5 and a successful musician.Jon's live performance is everything you would expect from hearing his music. From the tender stories of the inspiration behind his music to the show stopping, acrobatic, pyrotechnic finale, Jon Schmidt puts on a show that cannot be duplicated. His laid back, fun-loving personality shines through, while he avoids the melodrama of 'New Age' concerts.
The spirit of his shows is not lost on audiences. Jon has won the hearts of crowds internationally.
He performs to sell out crowds and his annual Christmas Concert has become a staple of the Wasatch Front holiday season.In a time where music is becoming more and about a brand to sell, Jon Schmidt is a breath of fresh air. Jon Schmidt is creating pure music that does not bow down to genre and image but rather rises above them to bring the listener an innovative music experience.For music downloads, free sheet music, and more information be sure to check out Jon's website at www.jonschmidt.com.With over 3 million downloaded songs, seven highly popular albums, six volumes of original piano scores that fly off the shelves and a highly rated television special Jon's Music has proven itself to be a hit.Jon spends the year playing to sold out audiences through out North America with performances spanning the globe.
His performances showcase the unique blend that is Jon Schmidt as he transitions from the dramatic and reflective into his show stopping, pyrotechnic laced back flip. He leads his audiences on a rollercoaster ride of emotions.Jon Schmidt's music, and performance, will astonish you. Best put by British fan, Reuben Evans, 'It's the sort of music that stops you dead and Demands that you listen.
Check out Jon's website at www.jonschmidt.com for the latest news, mp3s, free sheet music and much more.