Samuel Nelson

Born in Portland, Oregon, Samuel Nelson began his musical journey experimenting with his brother, crafting makeshift instruments and creating songs. At an early age he developed a love for piano and started performing with his brother at events around the Portland area. Nelson’s formal piano training began at Portland State University, where he studied with Dr. Julia Hwakyu Lee before coming to Arizona State University in 2021 to pursue a Bachelor of Music in piano performance.

Nelson’s musical background and performance experience is extensive and eclectic. He has played with several ensembles and bands throughout the Portland and Phoenix metropolitan areas, in styles ranging from classical to blues to bluegrass. He is proficient in multiple genres, and believes curiosity and openness is vital for all musicians. His broad musical background has been essential to the development of his intuitive and adaptable teaching style.

Nelson has been teaching private lessons for six years from ages 5 to 40. He is profoundly grateful for the natural way he fell in love with music, and he strives to instill that deep love and enthusiasm for music in all his students.

He currently performs with ensembles and groups at festivals, weddings, fundraisers, and other events in the Phoenix metro. Nelson was the alternate winner of the 2022 MTNA Arizona Young Artist piano competition and was awarded a full tuition scholarship at the Arizona State University Herberger School of Music, where he currently studies with Dr. Baruch Meir.