Dr. Pierson has worked with artists of great repute (the New York Philharmonic, the Kronos Quartet), and artists of even greater ill-repute (Linkin Park, Ke$ha). Wayne Newton told Joel he loved him, and Paul McCartney gave him a shoulder massage. He has performed on all seven continents (yes, even  Antarctica), and as a songwriter was signed to Warner Brothers Records. His music has been performed by over a dozen major symphony orchestras. Joel wrote additional music for the 2013 film The Internship, and is the author of numerous music education books, including You Suck at Piano, and 20 Piano Pieces for People with Emotional Problems. Joel exclusively plays Yamaha instruments.