Just Say,
“Play Brian Crain”
With over Six Billion plays across all platforms, Brian Crain is a distinguished American pianist, composer, and arranger who has captivated audiences around the world with his unique blend of contemporary classical and cinematic music. With a career spanning over three decades, Crain boasts an impressive body of work that includes numerous solo albums, duets, and orchestral pieces.
Youtube Videos w/Free Sheet Music
After years of generous support from my listeners, I have decided to provide all of my music free of charge. I would love to see your performances of my music. Teachers are welcome to print out music for their students as well. Sheet music for all of these albums is available in the description on YouTube. Please like and subscribe to my channel in appreciation.
Your Questions,
Answered
When did you start composing music?
I started composing music before I can remember. I learned to whistle at a very young age and would whistle my own compositions from the beginning.
When did you start playing piano?
My parents bought my brother and me a Kawai baby grand piano at around ten years-old. I took lessons but barely got through the beginning books. I much preferred playing baseball to practicing the piano. My teacher would ask me how much I practiced and I would usually say about a half an hour. She was not pleased.
When did you start making albums?
I started my professional career as a film editor and sound mixer on films that my dad produced and directed. We had a nice studio for recording that I used to record local rock bands. On a day that I was between projects my parents suggested I create an album with some of the music that I had been playing on the piano and bring it to arts and crafts shows where my mom sold her pottery. I didn’t have any finished songs at that time but I liked their idea and gave it my all. I wrote, “A Light in the Trees” in the fall of 1996 and took it to my first art show in Wallowa Lake, Wa. It was a great success so I kept going.
Who are your musical influences?
Since I started my career as a filmmaker, I am most influenced by the great composers of film. I enjoy the works of Ennio Morricone, John Williams, James Horner and many others. I appreciate the classical pianists also with Erik Satie as my favorite.
How did you get so many plays?
I started out by going to arts and crafts shows all over the country. I would set up a 10×10 canopy and sell CDs and cassettes. I made many loyal fans over about fifteen years. Then, I embraced the changes in the industry with enthusiasm. I marketed my music as massage, relaxation and many other uses. I also performed many concerts and encouraged others to play my music.
What inspires you?
I’m inspired by my amazing family and beautiful surroundings in my hometown in north Idaho.
What do you do when you get writers block?
I get writers block all the time. I have learned to not force the process. Over the years I have taken extensive vacations in Europe, learned different instruments such as guitar and accordion, and purchased different pianos in a search for inspiration.