Jon Schmidt (born 1966) is an American pianist and composer. Classically trained, he branched into New Age music in his 20s and has developed a classical crossover style that blends classical, contemporary, and rock and roll. He has released eight solo albums and seven piano books containing original scores. Both his paternal and maternal grandparents became members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) in Germany, and he is also a member of the church. and started teaching piano at age 16. As a student at Highland High School, he frequently played the piano at school assemblies and concerts. After graduation, he served on a mission to Norway, where he was known as the "mission piano player".

The Piano Guys

Schmidt became a member of The Piano Guys in 2010. The group and its music video concept originated as the social media marketing strategy of Paul Anderson, owner of The Piano Guys piano store in St. George, Utah. Anderson suggested that he produce professional videos of the musicians performing and upload them to his store's YouTube channel.

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.

Musical style

Schmidt blends classical, pop, and rock and roll in his compositions.

Personal life

Schmidt and his wife Michelle have five children

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, Paul Cardall, Michael R. Hicks, and David Tolk
  • Pure Touch: Vol. 1 (2008) – with Matt Bachrach and Craig Linder

The Piano Guys

  • Hits Volume 1 (2011)
  • The Piano Guys (2012)
  • The Piano Guys 2 (2013)
  • A Family Christmas (2013)
  • Wonders (2014)
  • Live!: Carnegie Hall Audio + Red Rocks Concert Video (2015)
  • Uncharted (2016)
  • Christmas Together (2017)
  • Limitless (2018)
  • 10 (2020)
  • Chill (2021)
  • Lullaby (2021)
  • Unstoppable (2023)
  • Pop on Piano (2026)

Piano books

References

  • “Waterfall (Jon Schmidt Original) – The Piano Guys” (video)
  • “All of Me (Jon Schmidt original tune) – The Piano Guys” (video)