Brian was born in Madison, Wisconsin and received his Bachelor of Composition from the University of Michigan in 1990 where he studied with William Bolcom, William Albright and Nick Thorne. He completed a master’s degree in composition at the University of Wisconsin, Madison in May 2000. He is a prolific composer of sacred music as well as chamber and orchestral works. Recent works include Elegiac Folk Song for French Horn and Piano – commissioned by Alice Codiek and premiered by her and Ellen Bottorff, piano; Ballade for Violin and Piano; Capriccio for Flute, Oboe and Piano to be premiered by Allégresse Trio, Responsorial Psalms for Advent and Christmas, a collection of responsories based on the Catholic lectionary. This year will see the release of two CDs of Brian’s work. The first is a collection of the responsorial psalms mentioned above, scheduled to be released in November, 2009. The second, entitled Vocalise, is slated for release on March 7, 2009, and will feature a complete representation of his output from chamber to choral to sacred music. Brian is currently a D.M.A. student in music composition at the University of Kansas School of Music, Lawrence, Kansas, where he studies with James Barnes. He is also a Graduate Teaching Assistant for Music Theory there and taught at Benedictine College in Atchison, KS prior to beginning his doctoral studies. A committed Catholic, Brian is known for his cheerful, professional approach. He works well with professionals, amateurs and young people, and feels a particularly strong commitment to local cultural life. brian@nelsonmusic.com 785-218-9075 http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/BrianJNelson http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/BrianJNelson1