88 Keys, 88 Laughs

As an event planner, you’re not just booking a musician—you’re curating an experience. You need someone who’s reliable, communicative, versatile, and most of all, unforgettable. That’s what I aim to bring to every performance.

I’m Sean Bostrom, a classically trained pianist, vocalist, and performer with a flair for blending elegance, humor, and nostalgia. Whether you need beautiful background music or a feature performance that leaves your guests smiling, I tailor each set to your event’s tone and energy. From refined weddings to community galas to private home concerts, I adapt easily to your space, your needs, and your audience.

My musical style ranges from the great classical composers—like Chopin, Debussy, and Gershwin—to timeless favorites that older generations instantly recognize and love. I often include pieces like Smile (Charlie Chaplin/Nat King Cole), Dream a Little Dream of Me, and Moonlight Serenade by Glenn Miller, which create an atmosphere that’s both romantic and comforting. These songs bring generations together, spark memories, and elevate the mood without overpowering the moment.

And when it’s time for something unexpected? I love surprising audiences with hybrid arrangements like Mozamba—a virtuosic and playful mashup of Mozart and Monti’s Czardas. It’s a delightful twist that gets people talking long after the event is over. I’ve also been known to inject humor and storytelling into my concerts all while maintaining top-tier musical artistry.

I take pride in being easy to work with: clear communication, timely arrival, polished presentation, and flexibility come standard. I can bring my own digital piano when needed or perform on your in-house instrument. I’m happy to coordinate with other performers, take song requests, or build a set list that honors special themes or generations in attendance.

Whether your event calls for background ambiance, featured entertainment, or a heartfelt moment at just the right time, I’ll work with you to ensure the music supports your vision—and creates a meaningful experience for every guest in the room.

From intimate solo recitals to high-energy concerts with a comedic twist, Sean Bostrom is a pianist, educator, and entertainer who brings deep classical roots, technical brilliance, and personal warmth to every stage he sets foot.

About Sean:
Born and raised in the small agricultural town of Orland, California, Sean began piano lessons at the age of eight and quickly grew into a musician of wide-ranging passions. Under the mentorship of Dustin Breshears and Dr. Robert Bowman in Chico, CA, he developed his early talent in both solo and collaborative settings. In the spring of 2016, he completed Level 10 of the prestigious Certificate of Merit program through the Music Teachers Association of California (MTAC), and was awarded the MTAC Certificate of Merit Senior Medallion.

Sean went on to pursue music education at Minot State University in North Dakota, studying under acclaimed pianist Dr. Dianna Anderson. There, he immersed himself in piano pedagogy, chamber music, piano performance, and accompanying, earning his BSEd in Music Education in 2020. While at MSU, he won both the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) North Dakota Piano Competitions (Senior Division in 2016 and Young Artist Division in 2017) and the Minot Symphony Orchestra Senior Concerto Competition with a fiery performance of Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.”

Since then, Sean has built a life of music and creativity in North Idaho and Southern California, where he teaches and performs from the stunning mountain town of Sandpoint to the beachy hills of San Diego. Whether he’s skiing Schweitzer, swimming in Lake Pend Oreille, or surfing Swami's, Sean draws deep inspiration from nature—which spills into his music with clarity, vitality, and joy.

Performer and Collaborator:
Sean is a seasoned soloist and chamber musician, having performed hundreds of pieces in a wide range of styles. His solo repertoire includes cornerstone works by Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Chopin, Liszt, Brahms, Debussy, Rachmaninoff, Scriabin, and many others. He’s equally at home with playful French Baroque, fiery Romantic etudes, and dreamy Impressionist landscapes, as well as old ragtime and modern jazzy mashups!

Some of his favorite solo pieces he’s performed include:
• Liszt – La Campanella
• Chopin – Fantaisie-Impromptu, Nocturne in D-flat Major, Op. 27, and Scherzo No. 1
• Debussy – Reflets dans l’eau, Clair de lune
• Rachmaninoff – Etudes-Tableaux, Op. 39, and Moment Musicale in B minor
• Beethoven – Piano Sonata No. 18 in E Flat Major, Op. 31 No. 3,
• Brahms – Intermezzi Op. 116, Rhapsody Op. 79
• Scriabin – Etude in D# minor, Op. 8 No. 12 ; Prelude in B Major, Op. 11, No. 11

A small fraction of his chamber music background is equally rich and impressive, including works such as:
• Schubert – “Trout” Quintet
• Dvořák – Piano Quartet Op. 87, Violin Sonatina Op. 100
• Corelli – Trio Sonata Op. 4
• Mozart – Violin Sonata in E minor, K. 304
• Bruch – Kol Nidrei (Cello & Piano)
• Debussy – Piano Trio in G Major
• Brahms – Violin Sonata No. 3 in D minor

These works were performed at Musical Academies, Universities, and countless community concerts, recitals, and educational outreach events. His musical style is sincere and expressive—with the rare ability to balance heartfelt sensitivity with virtuosic flair.

As an accompanist, Sean has performed with solo vocalists, church choirs, instrumentalists, school productions, and opera companies. He regularly collaborates with talented students and professional musicians alike, creating meaningful and memorable musical experiences wherever he goes.

Entertaining with Heart and Humor:
More than a serious pianist, Sean is a born entertainer. Inspired by legendary performers like Victor Borge, he infuses many of his live shows with humor, storytelling, character voices, and theatrical flair. His original series, “An Evening of Laughing and Lisztening,” and "88 Keys, 88 Laughs", delights audiences with everything from lightning-fast octaves and dreamy nocturnes to playful sight gags, and improvisation. Whether on stage for formal concerts or entertaining private parties, Sean’s performances are as entertaining as they are musically profound.

Education and Teaching:
From (phone number hidden)4, Sean served as the primary and secondary music teacher for the West Bonner County School District, leading programs such as general music, choir, theory, and instrumental music. In addition, he founded his private music school, Sandpoint Piano, in Idaho where he taught students of all ages in individual and group piano lessons, voice training, and youth choir. Sean has since started Oceanside Piano, which offers premium in-home piano lessons to families in North County, SD and abroad.

Sean is known for his approachable, energetic, and effective teaching style, with a deep belief in helping students grow not only as musicians, but as confident, expressive individuals.

He also offers online piano courses, summer music intensives, and community studio classes that emphasize performance skills, healthy practice habits, music literacy, and camaraderie.

Some of Sean's Accolades and Awards Include:
• Winner – MTNA North Dakota Piano Competition (Senior & Young Artist Divisions)
• Winner – Minot Symphony Orchestra Senior Concerto Competition
• Second Place – CSU Chico Kruschke Piano Competition
• Nurturing Music Excellence Award – Veridian Symphony Orchestra
• MTAC Certificate of Merit Senior Medallion

Available for Booking:
Sean is currently available to perform and/or teach for:
• Weddings, ceremonies, and receptions
• Concerts, recitals, and house / salon performances
• Corporate events, fundraisers, and galas
• Private parties and special occasions
• School or church events
• Educational masterclasses and music workshops
• Collaborative performances with other musicians

Sean can perform on acoustic or digital pianos (depending on the venue), and can customize a program to suit your musical taste—be it elegant classical, jazzy and fun, theatrical and humorous, spiritually uplifting, or a combination of sort.

Let’s Make Music Together!
If you're seeking a virtuoso pianist, an inspiring teacher, or a one-of-a-kind performer who knows how to engage any audience, Sean Bostrom delivers music with excellence, personality, and heart. Based in Carlsbad, CA, he is available for local events throughout SoCal, as well as for national and international travel bookings.

Light Technical & Piano Requirements:
● Tuned acoustic grand preferred (A = 440), tuned within two weeks of performance.
Quality upright acceptable for smaller rooms; premium digital keyboard available upon
request.
● Adjustable piano bench preferred. (Rental upon request)
● Audio: One vocal mic on stand; piano mics optional; venue house system preferred.
Venue-provided amp preferred for keyboard use.
● Load-in / sound check approximately 60–90 minutes before doors.