EPISODE · Apr 19, 2026 · 1H 10M
Why Making It Big Isn’t Enough: Jon Schmidt of The Piano Guys on True Success | SMP 81
from Successful Musicians · host Jason Tonioli
What if success isn’t about fame, numbers, or perfection—but about serving, creating, and trusting the process?From selling cassette tapes at small school fundraisers to reaching billions of views with The Piano Guys, Jon Schmidt shares a deeply personal journey of faith, persistence, and purpose.This conversation goes beyond music. It uncovers the real story behind “overnight success,” the power of saying yes to small opportunities, and why some of the biggest breakthroughs come from moments that don’t go as planned.There’s honesty here about the industry, the creative process, and even the illusion behind recording perfection. But more than anything, this episode is a reminder that impact isn’t measured in millions—it’s measured in meaning.To read the complete transcript and watch the podcast video, visit the episode blog.What You’ll Learn- Why success should be defined by impact, not recognition- How small opportunities can lead to major breakthroughs- What “fake it till you make it” really means in practice- The importance of collaboration and surrounding yourself with the right people- Why perfection in recording is often an illusion—and how to approach it- How setbacks can redirect your path toward something better- The role of faith and purpose in sustaining a long-term creative career- Why focusing on serving others can transform your work and fulfillmentTopics Covered in This Episode- Early musical development and discipline through piano- Learning music by ear and developing skill over time- Performing at small events and building momentum- The viral success of The Piano Guys and its origins- Navigating copyright challenges and unexpected setbacks- The realities of recording versus live performance- Building a career through collaboration and relationships- Redefining success and finding contentmentWho This Episode Is For- Aspiring musicians and composers- Artists seeking a sustainable creative career- Creators struggling with perfectionism or self-doubt- Musicians navigating collaboration and teamwork- Individuals redefining what success means in their life- Anyone looking to align their work with purpose and impactConnect with Jon SchmidtWebsiteJon Schmidt InstagramThe Piano Guys InstagramJon Schmidt FacebookThe Piano Guys FacebookTikTokYouTubeYouTube MusicSpotifyApple MusicConnect with Jason TonioliWebsite FacebookYouTube InstagramSpotifyPandoraAmazon MusicApple Music
What this episode covers
What if success isn’t about fame, numbers, or perfection—but about serving, creating, and trusting the process?From selling cassette tapes at small school fundraisers to reaching billions of views with The Piano Guys, Jon Schmidt shares a deeply personal journey of faith, persistence, and purpose.This conversation goes beyond music. It uncovers the real story behind “overnight success,” the power of saying yes to small opportunities, and why some of the biggest breakthroughs come from moments that don’t go as planned.There’s honesty here about the industry, the creative process, and even the illusion behind recording perfection. But more than anything, this episode is a reminder that impact isn’t measured in millions—it’s measured in meaning.To read the complete transcript and watch the podcast video, visit the episode blog.What You’ll Learn- Why success should be defined by impact, not recognition- How small opportunities can lead to major breakthroughs- What “fake it till you make it” really means in practice- The importance of collaboration and surrounding yourself with the right people- Why perfection in recording is often an illusion—and how to approach it- How setbacks can redirect your path toward something better- The role of faith and purpose in sustaining a long-term creative career- Why focusing on serving others can transform your work and fulfillmentTopics Covered in This Episode- Early musical development and discipline through piano- Learning music by ear and developing skill over time- Performing at small events and building momentum- The viral success of The Piano Guys and its origins- Navigating copyright challenges and unexpected setbacks- The realities of recording versus live performance- Building a career through collaboration and relationships- Redefining success and finding contentmentWho This Episode Is For- Aspiring musicians and composers- Artists seeking a sustainable creative career- Creators struggling with perfectionism or self-doubt- Musicians navigating collaboration and teamwork- Individuals redefining what success means in their life- Anyone looking to align their work with purpose and impactConnect with Jon SchmidtWebsiteJon Schmidt InstagramThe Piano Guys InstagramJon Schmidt FacebookThe Piano Guys FacebookTikTokYouTubeYouTube MusicSpotifyApple MusicConnect with Jason TonioliWebsite FacebookYouTube InstagramSpotifyPandoraAmazon MusicApple Music
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Why Making It Big Isn’t Enough: Jon Schmidt of The Piano Guys on True Success | SMP 81
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