Composer Nelson T. Gast creates music for people who crave intense and exciting works. With inspirations spanning Béla Bartók to Bring Me the Horizon and beyond, Nelson creates music to engage both listener and performer and create unique musical experiences.

Growing up in the small town of Gaylord, Michigan, Nelson sought every musical opportunity available to him. During his early teen years, he did not care for much music other than orchestral works, and was particularly fond of the composer John Williams. Has he grew older and more mature, Nelson’s palate expanded to appreciate works in other genres, and started performing and writing music outside of instrumentation found in orchestral repertoire. This transformation has influenced his style to this day, often looking for inspiration from unusual sources.

He then studied composition at Central Michigan University and the University of Michigan, the latter of which he graduated with undergraduate degrees in music theory and music composition, as well as a master’s degree in music composition. During this time he developed an interest in recording music, in addition to performance and composition.

Upon completion of his master’s, Nelson took a hiatus from composition, focusing his efforts on recording and producing music, working with Detroit artists such as Brute Jones (HipHop/Rap) and The Corduroy Job (Blues and Funk), as well as recording many classical musicians in the Ann Arbor area. After receiving several requests for new compositions, Nelson is actively pursuing his composition career once again and is working on several new chamber and orchestral works, including a series of cello miniatures, a piece for brass quintet, and revisions to his concerto for tuba and orchestra. He continues to produce bands and record classical musicians.

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For recording work, please visit Nightingale.Media