Some wise man once said; “You don’t choose your passions, your passions choose you”. For Gary Girouard that passion has always been the piano. As a child growing up in the suburbs of Boston, Gary studied classical piano and was writing his first compositions when he was just 11 years old. His first piano was a blue 'junkyard' upright that he convinced his parents to buy for $50 (actually, they never thought he'd stick with it!). As a teenager, Girouard faced a life-threatening illness that would change the course of his life. After a difficult recovery, he turned his lifetime motivations to music - with a clear focus and appreciation of the more important things in life...and since then, Gary has never lost the passion...

Girouard's musical career began after spending a year living in Milan, Italy - backpacking through Europe while writing music on a battery-operated keyboard. When he returned to the US, he landed a job at a Boston piano store - where he developed his style "after-hours" on a fleet of Steinway pianos while playing local bars and clubs. It was here he began writing the material for his "naked piano" project...

In March of 2004, Girouard released his debut album - “The Naked Piano” - a tribute to the timeless nature of the piano. The style combines classical, new age and pop influences into what the editor of Boston Live hails as "a masterpiece...a testament to the gracious sounds of a fluid live recording".

With titles and settings that reflect influences from Boston, Europe and Cape Cod, these compositions were inspired by such universal themes as love, nature and family. The Naked Piano was recorded live - without edits or effects - on a 9' concert grand Steinway in historic Steinert Hall – the Boston piano store where Girouard once sold pianos.

Following up on the critical success of the Naked Piano, Girouard released "The Naked Piano, Volume II" in March of 2006 and "The Naked Piano - Christmas Album" in November 2007.

The Naked Piano series targets an adult audience that is seeking an escape from an otherwise hectic lifestyle. Girouard comments; "People lead increasingly stressful lives. The Naked Piano albums are a simple response - highlighting a beautiful instrument in its most pure and natural form. Whether it’s cooking, dining or driving in your car, there are times when we all could use some refreshing piano music”.

Wilton Syckes, President of the Piano Travelers Association heralds The Naked Piano series as "the most expressive, relaxing piano music I have ever experienced...as one with a lifetime love of music, I could listen to these compositions for a lifetime".

Giving a nod to past experiences, Girouard has attached worthy causes to the CD's - donating a portion of each Naked Piano sale to The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp and a portion of each Naked Piano, Vol. II sale to Team Bryce Charity.