Steven Sharp Nelson
Steven Sharp Nelson | |
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Background information | |
Also known as | The Cello Guy |
Born | Salt Lake City, Utah, United States | July 5, 1977
Genres | Classical, New-age |
Occupation(s) | Cellist, Songwriter |
Instrument(s) | Cello, Drums, Piano |
Years active | 2011-present |
Website | stevensharpnelson |
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
- ^ "Steven Sharp Nelson's Biography" sacredcello.com. Retrieved 10 January 2013.
- ^ a b c d e Carma Wadley (8 October 2006). "Music is an escape, not a vocation, for cellist". Deseret News. Retrieved 10 June 2014.
- ^ a b "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.
- ^ "U. to honor Piano Guys musician, professor". Deseret News. April 6, 2015.
- ^ Carma Wadley (16 November 2008). "Utah pianist, cellist working together to make beautiful music". Deseret News. Retrieved 10 June 2014.
- ^ 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.
- ^ a b 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.
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suggested) (help) - ^ Hillary Bowler (16 February 2012). "The Piano Guys strive for a positive influence". Salt Lake City: Deseret News. Retrieved 10 June 2014 – via HighBeam.
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{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|subscription=
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suggested) (help) - ^ a b "The Piano Guys' Steven Sharp Nelson releases independent cello collection with former record label". Stone Age Music. 6 March 2014. Retrieved 10 June 2014.
- ^ Blair Howell (15 September 2012). "TV preview: The Piano Guys enter the big time with PBS broadcast". Deseret News. Retrieved 10 June 2014.