I cannot believe another year has passed. I want to thank everyone all over the world who watch and listen to my blog. You all have contributed in so many ways to my dreams, I cannot thank you enough. So here is my gift to you in song. Please this Christmas Eve, listen, enjoy, and share with your family. Please leave your comments as they are a blessing I look forward to this time of the year. If you would like a copy of this live performance, feel free to download the mp3 by right clicking here and saving it to your computer. It is yours to use anyway you like as my way of saying thanks and wishing you all a happy and prospersous new year!
Click on video player to see my performance! - Mike Stewart and Family.
December 23rd, 2007 at 6:08 pm
Please leave your comments, I love to hear from you for Christmas. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.. Mike
Some people have asked how this was recorded.
I played it live on my mint condition 1980 Yamaha GH1 (pianos get better with age), thanks to my good friend Pat McManus and his bride to be, Donna Flaterman, who sold me the piano. With 2 microphones plugged into my main camcorder, I had 3 cameras rolling tape at the same time from three positions. I took the live piano track and added strings, french horns, oboe, cello and percussion with my software synthesizer.. Synced everthing up in Vegas Movie Studio. So it is all me. Not gonna tell you how many takes it took, but it was fun to see if I could create it by myself so that way I could have a musical gift for you to enjoy digitally this Christmas.
Thanks, Mike
December 23rd, 2007 at 10:14 pm
Thank you Mike for the wonderful gift of your music. That was beautiful.
December 24th, 2007 at 7:26 am
Wow, very nice playing Mike. Just curious, did you mix those other tracks in there later, or is that some of the features being implemented with the modern day Grand Piano?
Either way, great playing, and a Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Take care,
Davin
December 24th, 2007 at 7:29 am
Mike —
Your playing is awesome! My three-year old was wiggling around on my lap and when you started to play, he settled right down and listened intently. I’ll download your music and play it on Christmas Day for the entire family. Thank you for this gift that truly comes straight from your heart. A very Merry Christmas to you and your family.
December 24th, 2007 at 7:32 am
Michael,
As always, you fill my heart with happiness. I’m so glad to see you got your beautiful new piano! I wish you and Susan and the children the absolute best of everything in 2008! No one deserves it more.
Happy Holidays!
Donna Summers
December 24th, 2007 at 7:41 am
Absolutely beautiful!
Very peaceful.
Thank you for the lovely song.
It lifted my spirits and soothed my soul.
Merry Christmas!
December 24th, 2007 at 7:44 am
Mike, thanks for sharing that.
I look forward to hearing many more tunes from you.
All the best to you and your family.
John Williams
December 24th, 2007 at 7:55 am
Mike not only are you a beautiful guy you are a fabulous musician. Mike that was just brilliant, thank you and see you in February.
Wishing you a fantastic 2008 …
The one and only real Beetle, Orange Alan.
December 24th, 2007 at 7:57 am
Thanks Mike for sharing your gift of music again this Christmas. As always it was beautiful. Actually, its more than your music you share with us when you play, its your heart.
Peace and blessings to you and your loved ones this Christmas.
December 24th, 2007 at 8:15 am
Wow Mike, that was amazing. Your talents go beyond internet audio and video! lol….Here’s wishing you and your family a very happy holiday.
Chris Hubbard
December 24th, 2007 at 8:17 am
Thanks Mike.
You are very talented. Merry Christmas and a very prosperous New Year to you and yours.
December 24th, 2007 at 8:18 am
Hi Mike, once again you’ve outdone yourself. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
I was looking forward to your Christmas song this year and was not disappointed one bit.
I even started practicing 2 weeks ago on my guitar after a 4 year break of playing to start my own Christmas song tradition but I’m so rusty it’s embarrassing.
I just recorded a standard video instead for my members this year and will strive to do a Christmas song next year.
You do inspire me.
Thanks
Aaron
December 24th, 2007 at 8:44 am
Mike
Thanks for that great gift of music - you look great and sound even better! I also went back and listened to your Christmas music for 2006 and 2005 - what a wonderful way to say Merry Christmas!
Hope you and your family have a happy, and healthy, holiday season.
Cheers,
Scott
December 24th, 2007 at 8:58 am
Thsnks for the wonderful gift. Here’s wishing you and yours happiness, health and wealth in the coming year. May all of your dreams come true. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
December 24th, 2007 at 9:08 am
Christmas Eve, got your email and expected a marketing message (nothing bad in that). Instead found a lovely piece of music played exquisitely. Now I feel like its Christmas even though I have to work today.
Thanks for a lovely gift, hope you and your family have a great Christmas and 2008.
December 24th, 2007 at 9:30 am
Hi Mike, from “Down Under”…
It’s HOT here in Western Australia and our Christmas promises to be a sweltering affair (what’s a white xmas?
)
Just a quick comment to say thank you for your piano piece - it was beautiful!
I never knew you were that good a player
Thankyou & a merry happy safe Christmas to you & your family.
Eran from Oz
December 24th, 2007 at 9:50 am
The piano sounds great, it must be tricky mikeing up. My other job is a Piano Tuner by the way what makes the piano?
Seasons Greetings
Alan
December 24th, 2007 at 12:09 pm
Beautiful, Mike beautiful!
What a great way to get started with your grand piano, giving like that. Your song is the first thing I’ve heard this Christmas eve morning, what a wonderful way to get started. Man, you can PLAY, too!!
Wishing abundance and all the best to you and your Family and to all who read and hear this. People, all is not dark, there is plenty of light in the world that is being revealed, such as you’ve just heard.
Thanks again Mike,
Matthew Shelton
December 24th, 2007 at 12:13 pm
Hi Mike,
Many thanks for the wonderful gift of your mp3 file another good and practical example of just how music & goodwill makes the world go round,.
Your music recording demonstrating techniques to aspire to. Plus of course showing us all the benefits of the skills you use and teach.
Wishing You and all your family a very Happy Christmas & wonderful Healthy New Year.
Merv Rees.
December 24th, 2007 at 12:33 pm
Thank You, Mike, for another gift of your artistry at Christmas. It was most enjoyable, and I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a 2008 that is nothing but great! I look forward to continuing to learn from you in the years to come and hope your Christmas gifts to all your subscribers continue as an annual tradition. Your efforts are sincerely appreciated! Kevin
December 24th, 2007 at 12:44 pm
Hi Mike!
We met you in London at the WIS this year - the guys from Austria!
We want to say THANK YOU for this video and the inspirational music, it made our eyes getting wet: you really are a special guy.
To meet you this year was one of the special events in 2007 and we really hope to see you again in 2008.
Have a wonderful Christmas time with your family and all the best for 2008.
Love,
Martina + Hans from Austria
December 24th, 2007 at 12:45 pm
Mike,
Thanks for the music…Beautiful…just what I needed to start Christmas Eve. Merry Christmas from San Angelo, Texas!
December 24th, 2007 at 12:49 pm
Mike: You’re AWESOME!
On January 1, 2008, Alternate to Football Tuesday, PIVTR is running an All Music Day. Please come and play for my audience. They would love it!
Thanks, call to let me know when. 734-332-5902. Happy Holiday Cheer for you and your family for Now and Throughout the New Year!
December 24th, 2007 at 12:51 pm
Mike,
Once again you bring us the sprit of Christmas. We thank you for all you teaching this year and I wish all your fans a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Jim Behuniak
Productiveideas.com
December 24th, 2007 at 1:07 pm
Thanks for the beautiful music and sharing your talent on your beautiful new piano! Merry Christmas and a Happy and prosperous New Year to you and Susan and the rest of your family.
Allen and Sheri
December 24th, 2007 at 1:28 pm
Thank you Mike for brightening up the Holidays. May you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and a Healthy and Happy 2008.
Regards,
Steve Rosenbaum
http://BigBadHomeSale.com
P.S. Thank you so much for your mentorship, guidance, and friendship. You have played a huge role in the development and success of our business. I truly appreciate how dedicated you are to your students and clients, and how quickly and thoroughly you helped me with any question or need.
December 24th, 2007 at 1:34 pm
Wow, Mike. You are really gifted. A very beautiful song, too, to choose. Thank you for the performance! (and the download!)
Merry Christmas and all the best for 2008,
Phil
December 24th, 2007 at 1:55 pm
That was just wonderful! Was that really you play? Looked like it but I didn’t see the rest of the band
LOL
Seriously, that was BEAUTIFUL and it did bring tears to my eyes. It reminded me of my Parents (both past) and Christmas’ growing up. Both my Parents were musical. My Mother mentioned one Christmas that she had wanted a piano, but our home wasn’t big enough (16 kids took up most of the rooms LOL). But she was able to play the violin for us. If we visited anyone who had a piano, she would be right there playing.
Thank again Mike for the wonderful performace!
This was the best birthday (yep, me 12/24) and christmas present!!!!!
Tell who ever gave it to you ‘thank you’ also from me. I really enjoyed it!!!
Have a Wonderful Christmas - all my best to your family and a great 2008! Theresa
December 24th, 2007 at 2:01 pm
Thanks for bringing the spirit of Christmas in such beautiful manner. Your interpretation brought tears into my ears.
Happy Holidays,
Efren
December 24th, 2007 at 2:07 pm
WOW!! Thanks for the music Mike! You’re good on the piano! It brought tears to my eyes. And, I usually only react that way when something is really good. I hope we get to hear more of you and your piano in the future. Merry Christmas and a Happy Prosperous New Year!
December 24th, 2007 at 2:08 pm
Mike - That was just beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing your music and your gift with us. Our very best wishes for a wonderful 2008! Merry Christmas! Love, Betsy, Karl, Nicole, and Julie
December 24th, 2007 at 2:11 pm
Mike, you are the best. I hope you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I hope to see you soon.
December 24th, 2007 at 2:35 pm
Dear Mike
Thank you for your delightful playing.
I agree with you “Peace on earth”
December 24th, 2007 at 2:51 pm
A very special Merry Christmas to you and your family Mike.
Thanks for sharing some great music and another of your many wonderful talents with us.
I’m sure I speak for a lot of other people: you’re the greatest!
December 24th, 2007 at 2:56 pm
Mike-
We loved listening to you with family in Connecticut. It’s just like we were in your piano bar, with you!
Thank you for your gift of song and friendship. We love you!
December 24th, 2007 at 2:58 pm
Hi Mike
WOW! That was truly beautiful and very moving. Wishing you and your family a very merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year from Gavin in the UK.
December 24th, 2007 at 3:02 pm
Hi Mike ~
What a great contribution to Peace on Earth. . .it all begins with Peace in our Hearts and this piece instills that.
I look forward to learning more from your system I just purchased.
Have a blessed Christmas!
Marilee
aka “Home Spa Lady”
December 24th, 2007 at 3:14 pm
It was beautiful…It made me cry. What a wonderful gift on this special day. Happy Holidays!
December 24th, 2007 at 3:18 pm
Mike, Thanks for sharing your talent and gift with us. What a wonderful reminder of the best “Gift” ever given to mankind,our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. May God continue to bless you, your endeavors and your family. May He send rain that will fill your lake up and overflow your cup with blessings. God Bless and have a wonderful Christmas Day.
December 24th, 2007 at 3:40 pm
Thank you Mike for that beautiful gift.
It almost seemed magical the way you were able to run the camera at the same time as you played. You truly are the web video guy, I never once saw you move away from the piano to change the position of the camera! Remarkable!
Merry Christmas and May God Bless You And Yours
December 24th, 2007 at 3:42 pm
Mike, that was beautiful. I’ve actually been looking for an email with a musical performance from you this year. I enjoyed last year’s on guitar so much. What a talented musician you are! Thanks for sharing and God bless you and your family Mike!
December 24th, 2007 at 4:13 pm
Mike,
Very beautiful playing. You should ask Santa to bring you some new shirts also. (lol)
A very Merry Christmas to you, Susan and the kids.
Chuck and Nancy
December 24th, 2007 at 4:35 pm
It is amazing how you put this all together. Thank you for the beautiful music, and thank you for giving it away for us to download.
December 24th, 2007 at 4:38 pm
Mike you are fantastic!!!! I am so fortunate that our paths have crossed. I hope that you and your family receive as many blessings as you have bestowed on others.
Peace and much happiness to you and your family.
December 24th, 2007 at 4:40 pm
Thanks Mike!
It is awesome when you can feel the music.
It is obvious that you put some Love into the mix
Wonderful!
Mark
December 24th, 2007 at 5:01 pm
Thanks Mike!
Love the music and the palm tree. Living on the coast in Florida is always paradise.
Happy Holidays to you and your family.
Cindy
December 24th, 2007 at 5:12 pm
Beautiful…..
Thanks for the gift.
God Bless you and your entire family!!!
Merry Christmas to all.
December 24th, 2007 at 5:40 pm
Michael,
Many thanks for this timely gift–you still amaze! I recall when this piano was actually being delivered during one of our conference calls!
Living an engaged life makes all the difference!
Warm regards,
Dennis
December 24th, 2007 at 5:43 pm
Hi Mike.
That was positively gorgeous! Thank you so much. You play beautifully. And how wonderful to offer us the music. I will absolutely enjoy that in multiple ways.
Hugs and love to you all. I hope I get to see you all again soon.
Lorraine Grula
December 24th, 2007 at 6:44 pm
Hi Mike,
What a wonderful gift to give and I enjoyed your interpretation very much. It took me back to a long time ago of listening live to my college room mate play the piano and how moving that was. What a delight it must be to have the gift of music to share. Thanks so much for a lovely holiday treat.
December 24th, 2007 at 7:11 pm
Mike
I just love the way you use everyday activities to demonstrate the power and reach of video to build a relationship.
Thank your for the message, the gift and a nice choice of English music too!
All the best to you and your family for Christmas and the New Year.
Bruce Bird
December 24th, 2007 at 7:58 pm
Thanks for the beautiful music and beautiful beginning to the holidays.
Merry Christmas/Happy 2008
Sondra
December 24th, 2007 at 8:31 pm
Mike,
Thank you so much for the beautiful Christmas gift. It was lovely and so is you piano.
May you and yours have a very happy holiday.
December 24th, 2007 at 10:50 pm
Hi, Mike! Wonderful! I’m a 25 year vet of videography myself. I also use to shoot TV news in the late 60s with Auricons and Ariflexes - remember them?
Merry Christmas!
December 25th, 2007 at 1:18 am
Thanks Mike, It didn’t feel like Christmas until I heard you play. Wow, thst wss awesome.
Got a tear in my eye.
Lov Ya Brother I’m prayin for rain!!! Tell the family Merry Christmas.
Billy
December 25th, 2007 at 2:31 am
Thank you, Mike. Your playing was absolutely beautiful! My husband, who is a piano tuner, was very impressed with the quality of the piano’s sound.
Have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Jenny Dunham
December 25th, 2007 at 2:34 am
Thank you, Mike. For me, your gift contains many gifts wrapped into one - the stirring music, played from the heart, the human connection, the presence of the divine… It’s also a reminder of your leadership in guiding the way for us to reach out and touch others with our gifts of creativity, information, and whatever we may wish to share with others - through a very special means: video!
Happy Holidays from Holly
December 25th, 2007 at 2:35 am
Wow! That was really nice. That song has always been one of my very favourites, and to hear it on piano like that, well all I can say is “Wow!”.
Have a very Merry Christmas and a Wonderful 2008!
December 25th, 2007 at 2:59 am
Thank you from my heart. Your music touched me! Thank you so much for your gift.
Merry Christmas to you and Susan!
December 25th, 2007 at 3:09 am
Hi Mike,
Jeff Herring sent me over to hear your music and I’m so glad he did. Beautiful! Thank you for sharing yourself with such feeling. What a gift!
Blessings,
Rebbie
December 25th, 2007 at 3:17 am
Thank you, Mike, for this welcome & lovely interlude this Christmas Eve…I thank Jeff Herring for sending me your link! May you and your family be blessed with a bright, shining Christmas!
December 25th, 2007 at 3:27 am
Merry Christmas Mike!
So beautiful - it gave me chills - with all of the rush of the holiday season it was so nice to take a few moments of “quiet time” and listen to your wonderful gift to us all!
Thank you so much!
December 25th, 2007 at 3:32 am
Thanks Mike for sharing your wonderful music. I love it! My whole family came in to see what I was listening to. It is truly beautiful. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas as we celebrate the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ!
December 25th, 2007 at 4:24 am
Mike,
Thank you so much. My mother, who turned 90 a few weeks ago, used to play like you do. Your playing made me think of when she used to play the piano at home for us.
December 25th, 2007 at 4:39 am
Hi Mike!
Simply beautiful, simply and magnificently beautiful.
Last year I posted my comments from the lobby of the Hampton Inn. This year I’m listening to you as I put together a foosball table for my 2 sons.
Thank you my friend, and Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Jeff
December 25th, 2007 at 5:03 am
Hi Mike,
As I was watching you play I was able to see and hear the pure pleasure you were experiencing in playing this beautiful instrument. It reminded me of the many joyful memories I have of a certain Yamaha G3.
Thank you for such a wonderful gift! Your beautiful music filled much of the hole that was in my heart.
Linda M. Lopeke
http://www.smartstartcoach.com
December 25th, 2007 at 5:35 am
The best internet Christmas present I got this year. Thanks, Mike.!
December 25th, 2007 at 6:10 am
Mike, you are great…Thanks for sharing the most wonderful gift you got from God:…your heart…Merry Christmas for you an your family.
December 25th, 2007 at 8:36 am
Mike,
That was simply gorgeous! I didn’t know you can play so well. And I love the instrumentation you added to the piece. Would you be interested in recording a Christmas album with me? You can hear me sing on http://www.rufinasings.com (I don’t have a contact number for you otherwise I’d just call.)
December 25th, 2007 at 2:44 pm
Hi Mike -
Lo and behold, the first email I open on this Christmas Day is from Jeff Herring sending me the link to hear you play this beautiful song - what a wonderful way to start my day!
Thank you so much for all the gifts to bring to us.
A very Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Many blessings,
Brenda Zeller
December 25th, 2007 at 4:15 pm
Thank you for the beautiful music. It touched me deeply. I hope you have a good Christmas and year to come!
December 25th, 2007 at 4:28 pm
Thank you for that beautiful Christmas blessing.
December 25th, 2007 at 5:05 pm
Your notes just delivered tender, healing touches to hearts hurting from the sudden loss of their 14 year old friend.
May you be blessed, Mike, just as you have been a blessing today. Thank you.
December 25th, 2007 at 6:22 pm
Thanks for the beautiful music. I will enjoy listening to this number again and again. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
December 25th, 2007 at 6:47 pm
Absolutely beautiful! Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones.
December 25th, 2007 at 6:48 pm
oops. Forgot to mention that I was sent to your site by Jeff Herring. Thanks, Jeff!
December 25th, 2007 at 9:41 pm
Hi Mike, met you at John Childers’ Million Dollar Speaking and you generously offered my partner and I the use of your flip video camera. I was touched by your generosity, and no less so this time with your beautiful music. Thank you for expressing your heart and kindness. Happy Holidays!
Vanessa Wesley
December 25th, 2007 at 11:45 pm
Mike,
You topped my Christmas day evening with this gift. I felt the love you are through the music. It came straight to my heart. A more blesssed gift could not have been given. I times your gift 1000 fold back to you.
Infinite blessings!
December 26th, 2007 at 12:37 am
What a lovely gesture. I enjoyed it on Boxing Day which is often the lazy, flipside of Christmas when you lament how quickly it has gone.
We sang that hymn at mass so it resonated with me. If only I could play half as well as you Mike.
Blessings and peace to you and your family.
December 26th, 2007 at 12:40 am
Hi Mike you trully are a professional, musician and im marketer. Great to see your playing. All the best to you,your wife and children for christmas and the new year, from australia.
btw. I got married to a beatiful lady on 24th december.Look forward to seeing you back in australia sometime soon
December 26th, 2007 at 2:22 am
Mike,
That was terrific. Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year to you and yours. Jeff Herrring sent me over.
Mary Pat
December 26th, 2007 at 4:04 am
Mike,
That was a beautiful piece of music - you have a wonderful talent. Thank you for sharing that with the world on this Christmas holiday. Blessings to you and your family.
Steve Sponseller
December 26th, 2007 at 5:37 am
Mike,
What a wonderful way to end Christmas Day. (11:45 pm) As one musician (sax) ro another, I was blessed. Thank you and God b less you.
December 26th, 2007 at 7:26 am
Hi Mike,
that was very beautiful! I´ve also played it to my becoming wife Anna and she loved it!
Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year for you and your family!
Pontus
December 26th, 2007 at 11:49 am
Beautiful!…… So peaceful…. I loved it…. Thank you so much!
December 26th, 2007 at 9:59 pm
Mike,
It brought tears to my eyes. Excellent, Excellent, Excellent!
December 27th, 2007 at 1:18 am
Jeff Herring sent me the link to your video. It was lovely, thank you. Merry Christmas!
December 27th, 2007 at 5:00 am
Hi Mike,
Lovely song and playing! I have downloaded the file to play on my new mp3 player my wife bought me for Christmas. I appreciate all that you provide through the year, and this is a gift to top them all.
God bless you and your family.
Paul
December 27th, 2007 at 12:03 pm
Mike — thanks for your beautiful piece. Glenn Shepard put me on to your site a few minutes ago. I played your Christmas gift immediately, starting my Thursday morning in southern Ohio way better than I had expected! BTW, I’m also impressed with your audio/video work — keep doing it all!
December 27th, 2007 at 2:50 pm
Glenn Shepard sent me your link. It was lovely. I never got even half that good with years of piano and organ lessons.
December 27th, 2007 at 3:48 pm
Mike,
Thanks for your beautiful gift from the heart! You are so very talented and I feel blessed and honored to have been lifted up by your gift of music! Glenn Shepard is one of your biggest fans and he pointed us in your direction. I hope you continue to enjoy your new piano; it is such an obvious joy to you! I wish you a prosperous and happy 2008; thank you again for the beautiful music!
Karen
December 27th, 2007 at 9:06 pm
Absolutely beautiful, Mike! Thanks so much. Piano is my favorite instrument, and your playing sends me into “heavenly realms.”
December 28th, 2007 at 5:21 am
Thanks for your lovely gift of music. Loved it.
… and your feeling of happiness and peace is transmitted through the internet to the listener.
Thanks so much.
December 28th, 2007 at 4:09 pm
Mike,
What a wonderful gift you have for music! I love listening to you play the piano. Thank you for sharing your gift with all of us!
Beth
December 29th, 2007 at 3:01 pm
I’m a little late opening Jeff’s email. I’m glad I did. Thank you for the gift. You help make the Internet a beautiful concept.
Joy to you and your family,
Jeanette
December 30th, 2007 at 5:45 am
That was beautiful, Mike!
I’m glad that I stopped in to listen!
Happy holidays and a wonderful new year for you and your family!
Andie
January 1st, 2008 at 5:48 pm
Thank you, thank you, thank you! That was awesome! I so enjoyed hearing you play, and I appreciate the opportunity to download it so I can listen again and again.
You are very talented, thanks for sharing with us.
I am grateful I read about you in Glenn Shepard’s blog.
Happy New Year!
January 3rd, 2008 at 1:55 am
The beautiful music gave me chills…you are a wonderful pianist. May you continue to be blessed and bring such joy to others in 2008!
January 3rd, 2008 at 1:23 pm
Mike,
I just opened Glenn’s email with your link. Looks like I saved the best present ’til last. Such a wonderful talent!
Thank you for sharing.
Candace
January 4th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
Mike,
That was awesome! Thanks for sharing your wisdom with me this year. You’ve made a difference in my life, and I appreciate you!
All the best,
Steve Siebold
January 5th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
Mike you are truly blessed with an awesome gift of music I listen to your michaelandmike.com often and this Christmas music was truly amazing.
Your gift in teaching media for the web is an awesome talent as well, you make it all much easier than ever imagined, even an experience techie can always learn something new from you.
I am sure you and the family had a great holiday as you always seem to have a great time.
All the best!
January 8th, 2008 at 6:53 am
Mikey!!!
Glad to see you still have the chops for the piano! We go way back, buddy, and it’s great to see you doing so well.
Thanks for the musical gift. Sounds great! Hope to hear from you some time.