Brandon

Piano
Bachelor of Piano Performance with a Jazz Emphasis, Washington State University

Brandon Nelson began his piano studies at the age of 12 in Mount Vernon, WA. He graduated from Washington State University in 2016 with a degree in Piano Performance with a Jazz Emphasis. During his studies, Brandon studied directly from renowned musicians Brian Ward, Gerald Berthiaume, and Greg Yasinitsky.

Brandon is a prizewinner in multiple competitions, including the Washington State Music Teachers Association’s District One Recital (2011), Phase I Scholarship Competition (2012-2016), and The Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival (2015 and 2016). In 2016, Brandon was also selected as the pianist to play at Hamp’s Club. Currently a working musician, Brandon is playing with groups around Vancouver and Portland.

Q&A
When did you know you wanted to teach music?
When one of my first students had a “light-bulb” moment.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be? Why?
Fly! I want to travel the world and experience life in the air.
If you could only listen to three pieces of music/songs on a deserted island, what would they be?
“Wake Up and Dream” by Hiromi Uehara, “Battle Studies” by John Mayer, and “Source” by Benny Green.
“Music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music.”
- Billy Joel
©Hoffman School of Music 2024

Hoffman School of Music