About.

  • Nathan Kelly is an American composer and orchestrator, known mostly for his work as an orchestrator for films and television. Noteworthy achievements include Visiting Artist at The American Academy in Rome, a Juilliard teaching fellow, and grant winner from the New York Foundation for the Arts. His work with Billboard chart-topping artists from Andrea Bocelli to Kristen Chenoweth demonstrates his arranging appeal for global audiences. He has worked for notable figures such as David Foster, Marc Shaiman, Steven Spielberg, and Stephen Schwartz.

  • Dr. Kelly studied jazz and classical piano at the University of North Texas, assisting the Dean of the college with teaching duties before graduating with a Bachelors degree from the University of Texas at Austin with a major in Music Theory. He concurrently taught piano at the university's 'Extended Campus' division while also instructing low brass and strings in public schools.

    He furthered his education in New York City, studying and collaborating with orchestrators Jonathan Tunick, William David Brohn, and Danny Troob. He also served as a pianist and conductor in over a dozen Broadway productions. He studied Music Composition at the Juilliard School, earning several scholarships and teaching fellowships while mentoring identified young, talented individuals in the greater New York City area.

    He moved to Los Angeles for the University of Southern California’s immersive ‘Screen Scoring’ studies, and chosen by the Dean to be mentored with film composer Thomas Newman. In addition, he gained invaluable experience working as music assistant for 16-time Grammy winner David Foster. He earned his Ph.D. with full teaching grants from the University at Buffalo, graduating summa cum laude. During the pandemic, Dr. Kelly also earned an MBA in Business.

    He also studied music composition at music schools and festivals, such as Tanglewood, the Aspen Music Festival, Bowdoin International Music Festival, June-in-Buffalo, Pacific Northwest Film Scoring Program, the Atlantic Center for the Arts, the Atlantic Music Festival, and both the ASCAP New York and Los Angeles film scoring workshops. He currently teaches privately and at various university institutions, committed to arts education.

  • The 2024-25 season marks a pinnacle chapter in Dr. Kelly’s career. With a background from prestigious institutions such as the American Academy of Rome, the Juilliard School, and the University of Southern California, Kelly has refined his compositional skills, earning recognition as a composer-in-residence and winning numerous awards. With his diverse skill set, influenced by his MBA and his tenure as former Executive Director of Cutting Edge Concerts in NYC, he extends his influence to teaching in multiple roles this year at several college institutions.

    As a conductor, Dr. Kelly has established significant connections with prestigious orchestras and ensembles globally. His creation of his own Pierrot ensemble has been instrumental in shaping the future of contemporary music for emerging composers. Additionally, his role as a pianist in his own swing and big band also demonstrates his versatility as arranger and bandleader. Kelly's conducting experience spans various platforms, including operas, Broadway productions, touring concerts, and recording sessions for film scores, television scores, and recording artists.

    Kelly is well-known as a composer, with his works frequently performed by major symphony orchestras. In May 2023, his work was premiered with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra in Amsterdam. His debut piano album, "Gray and Green Lines," featuring music that originated from his musical sketchbook while at Juilliard, was released in March 2024 to critical acclaim. Albums of String Quartets by the Bergamot Quartet and music for Cello by SWITCH Ensemble’s TJ Borden, are set for release later this summer. Additionally, a textbook on music history and appreciation is to be published by Kendall-Hunt this May.

    Kelly has held numerous titled positions as composer-in-residence, such as at the Hambidge Center for the Creative Arts, the Atlantic Center for the Arts, the Helen Wurlitzer Foundation, the UCROSS Foundation, Kimmel Nelson-Harding, the Virginia Center for the Arts, the Woodstock Byrdcliffe Guild in New York, the Camargo Foundation in Paris, and the Banff Centre for the Arts in Canada. In 2023-2024, he served as an inaugural composer-in-residence at the Mostly Modern Festival in Amsterdam, and from 2015 to 2019, he held the position of artist-in-residence at the Danish New Music Collective.

  • Nathan has a strong interest in various forms of creative expression beyond music. An avid aficionado of the performing arts, he attends live theater, ballet, and opera performances as well as art exhibitions. He draws inspiration from the works of master storytellers, filmmakers, and poetry. He is an ardent reader with a lifelong commitment to learning, exploring diverse subjects from philosophy to science. He is also a skilled amateur painter who finds joy in creation and self-expression, viewing all forms of art as both a window and mirror that illuminates the human experience.

Aesthetics.

“In my music, I aim to blend contemporary and traditional techniques and forms to explore expression, sculpting forward-moving narratives that blur elements across various periods of music history in order to captivate and engage the listener.”

Partners.

"Nathan served as Executive Director of ‘Cutting Edge Concerts’ New Music Festival from 2018 to 2021 and led several successful grant-writing and fundraising initiatives that significantly enhanced the resources of our organization. His invaluable contributions are a testament to his diligent, reliable, and proactive work ethic and energy.”

— Dr. Victoria Bond, President ‘CEC’ New Music Festival
(first woman to earn a conducting doctorate at Juilliard)

Score Samples.

Listen up.

Check out a short list of past recordings showcasing a variety of film scores and songs, featuring contrasting styles, genres, and arrangements.

 FAQ

  • To write a new composition, my process typically begins with improvisation at the piano or through vocalization. During the first week, I immerse myself in the act of inventing new ideas and exploring sounds without any editing or judgment. I often find inspiration from titles, visual art, or reflecting on past musical works or instrumental repertoire — and through the lens of our current cultural aesthetics and approaches to those ideas. In the second week, I transcribe the most interesting segments of the improvisations, utilizing either pencil or Logic. The third week involves layering ideas, deleting, or making new interstitial material. Finally, in the fourth week, I play through the entire work many times and, sometimes, collaborate with performers to assess feedback and make changes. I think about larger forms and structures and motivic development more in this final week. This entire process can sometimes range from a few hours to a few years.

  • Yes, I offer lessons online and would be excited to share my knowledge for serious students. Whether you're a beginner aiming to build a solid foundation or an advanced learner seeking to refine your skills, I am genuinely passionate about teaching. I provide personalized lessons that are tailored to your specific goals and current level of expertise. By focusing on your individual needs, we will create a learning experience that aligns with your unique learning style and pace. Together, we will delve into the subject, exploring its intricacies and uncovering new insights. My commitment is to cultivate a dynamic and engaging learning environment where you can thrive and unlock your full potential. My superpower lies in perceiving the hidden depths, intricate connections, and deeper meanings of a work as it unfolds, allowing me to assist the student in bringing forth the true essence of their composition and creating more impactful musical experiences.

  • My compositional philosophy centers on the exploration of memory and its psychological intricacies. By employing transformative techniques on musical quotations, I evoke emotions and transport listeners to different temporal contexts. Drawing inspiration from diverse sources, including past cultures, childhood fascinations with film scores, and avant-garde techniques, I bridge the gap between modernist and popular styles. Through crafting richly somatic experiences, I create well-crafted and expressive works that emerge from a spiritual place, engaging even the smallest motivic devices. In summary, my approach intertwines memory, transformative techniques, and a fusion of influences, resulting in emotionally resonant compositions that bridge musical traditions. This philosophy underpins my creative work, providing a foundation for engaging and thought-provoking musical exploration.

  • Absolutely! I’d be delighted to have the opportunity to assist you in transforming your musical vision into a reality. Whether you're seeking a new composition, a distinctive arrangement, or a meticulously orchestrated piece, my goal is to surpass your expectations and faithfully capture the essence of your artistic vision. I will work diligently to ensure that every detail aligns seamlessly with your specifications and desired timeline. Simply provide me with the necessary details, including your specific ideas, preferences, and desired musical styles, and together we can embark on a collaborative journey to create a truly exceptional and tailored new musical creation.

  • Aspiring composers can benefit from many online courses, software tools, specific books, and a good teacher. Professional music notation software (Sibelius, Finale, Dorico) assists in composing and arranging. Score study, guided by analysis books, deepens understanding of renowned composers across genres. Music theory books (e.g., "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Music Composition," "Tonal Harmony") build a solid foundation. Online composition courses (Coursera, Udemy, Berklee Online) cover diverse topics. Engaging in online communities and forums fosters feedback and collaboration. Collaboration with performers, ensembles, or filmmakers offers practical experience. Recording and mixing software (Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Ableton Live) enhance production quality. Embracing creativity and passion while exploring diverse genres nurtures compositional skills.

  • Yes, I can certainly assist with transposing a composition to a different key or suggesting changes in instrumentation based on your existing arrangement. Transposing involves shifting all the notes up or down to change the overall key, which can be helpful for accommodating vocal ranges or instrument capabilities. If you provide the specific key you want to transpose from and the desired key, along with any desired changes in instrumentation, such as adding or replacing instruments, I can make the necessary adjustments to create a new arrangement that fits your preferences.

  • Yes, I have a collection of carefully watermarked full scores that I can share with you upon request. I would be delighted to provide them to you for educational purposes only. These scores encompass a variety of genres and styles. If you choose to study them, I kindly ask that you use them responsibly and respect the copyrights associated with the material, especially if you plan on performing them. In such cases, supporting the business of making music through appropriate payment is greatly appreciated. However, my genuine hope is that studying my scores, as well as those of other composers, will inspire and deepen your love for music and the art form itself. Music has a unique ability to enrich and enhance the enjoyment of life, while also benefiting and elevating any other subject or field it touches.

  • The time to complete a composition varies based on factors such as complexity, duration, use of extended techniques, and uninterrupted time. Each composition is unique, taking anywhere from hours to years. Collaborative works involve coordination and feedback from multiple musicians, impacting the timeline. New compositions are often inspired by sudden inspiration or diligent work. The goal is to create a composition that conveys emotions and desired messages, requiring different time for each project. Giving music the necessary time and attention is crucial for developing and exploiting a piece's full potential. The process is akin to solving a jigsaw puzzle, where defining the limitations and essence of the problem guides the composer.

  • Certainly! I am delighted to offer my availability for music composition and orchestration workshops and masterclasses. These educational platforms provide valuable opportunities for in-depth discussions and exploration of the highest levels of artistic expression, fostering a sense of connection and impact in the musical world. Through the exchange of knowledge, ideas, and guidance, I am eager to contribute to the enrichment of compositional skills and the expansion of creative horizons. These sessions act as catalysts for intellectual growth, enabling participants to refine their artistic voices and gain a deeper understanding of the intricate aspects of composition. I am dedicated to creating a nurturing and intellectually stimulating environment that empowers composers to thrive and cultivate their artistic development.

  • Absolutely! I would be delighted, if available, to participate in any interviews, workshops, or similar engagements that explore the depths of the artistic process or the business aspects of pursuing a career in music. It would be a privilege to share insights into my own creative process and convey valuable stories acquired from collaborating with exceptional musical artists, including luminaries like David Foster and André Previn. I eagerly look forward to unraveling the layers of inspiration, emotions, and background narratives that shape my music and the various projects it touches. Through thoughtful conversations, I aim to unveil the intricate nuances and intentions behind the music, fostering a profound connection between the audience and the art. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogues that enrich the understanding and appreciation of the boundless power of music.

  • Absolutely! I have the expertise and creative ability to compose music in multiple languages and seamlessly integrate lyrics from diverse linguistic backgrounds into the final score and individual parts. This allows me to cater to your specific linguistic and cultural preferences, ensuring that the music resonates deeply with your intended audience. When embarking on a composition in different languages, I pay meticulous attention to the phonetics, rhythms, and tonalities unique to each language. By understanding the intricacies and nuances of pronunciation, I can craft melodies and harmonies that complement the natural flow of the lyrics, resulting in a seamless integration of language and music. This approach enhances the overall impact and authenticity of the piece, evoking a powerful emotional connection with listeners.

  • Creating effective music arrangements requires careful consideration and artistic sensibility. My recommendation is to study from insightful books, memorize instrument ranges and transpositions, and seek opportunities to hear your arrangement performed by an ensemble, persisting until it fully captures your artistic intent. Additionally, selecting complementary instruments, utilizing texture and dynamics, establishing a strong structure, incorporating creative interpretation, serving the song's intention, paying attention to detail, balancing complexity and simplicity, experimenting and innovating, and trusting your inner ear are crucial elements. Ultimately, effective arrangements emerge from a thoughtful and creative process grounded in a deep understanding of the music and a dedication to artistic expression.

  • The process of collaborating with choreographers or dance companies is an intricate and fascinating journey that involves deep communication, mutual understanding, and a shared vision for the artistic expression. It begins with immersing myself in the world of dance, understanding the choreographer's concepts, themes, and movement vocabulary. Through dialogue and exploration, we exchange ideas, exploring the interplay between music and movement, finding synergy and resonance. It is a delicate balance of providing musical support while also allowing space for the dancers' interpretation and expression. The collaborative process ignites a beautiful dialogue between two art forms, merging the power of music and the grace of dance to create a truly immersive and transformative experience for both performers and audiences alike.

  • Certainly! I am committed to providing MIDI mock-ups or demos for new pieces as a valuable tool to convey the artistic vision and essence of the composition. By meticulously crafting these digital representations, I strive to capture the intended emotions, dynamics, and textures of the music, allowing both performers and listeners to grasp the full potential of the piece. MIDI mock-ups serve as a bridge between the composer's imagination and the realization of the composition, providing a vivid sonic representation that aids in the interpretation and understanding of the music. I take great care in ensuring that these mock-ups are thoughtfully crafted, reflecting the nuances and subtleties of the composition, and serving as a valuable resource for performers, conductors, and collaborators to fully engage with the music.

  • Yes, I would love to make myself available for live performances and collaborations with musicians, provided it is possible with my schedule, as it is through these transformative experiences that music truly comes to life. The collaborative process is a sacred space where diverse talents converge, fostering a dynamic and symbiotic relationship between composer and performer. I believe in the power of collective artistry, where each musician contributes their unique voice to create something greater than the sum of its parts. By actively engaging with performers, I seek to understand their interpretations, tap into their artistic expressions, and collaborate in crafting unforgettable musical experiences. I would cherish the opportunity to collaborate with musicians, to bring forth the vibrant energy of live performances, and to touch the hearts and souls of audiences through the universal language of music.

  • Yes! I possess the artistic prowess and technical expertise to create music that seamlessly merges the realms of acoustic and electronic elements. By blending traditional instruments with cutting-edge electronic sounds, I craft compositions that transcend boundaries and embrace the limitless possibilities of sound. This fusion allows for a rich tapestry of textures, captivating rhythms, and ethereal atmospheres that elevate the listening experience to new heights. The integration of acoustic and electronic elements not only pushes the boundaries of creativity but also reflects the dynamic nature of our modern musical landscape. Through this innovative approach, I aim to create immersive sonic landscapes that captivate the senses and evoke profound emotions in the listener. The synergy between acoustic and electronic elements in my music is a testament to the harmonious coexistence of tradition and innovation, enriching the artistic palette and forging new paths in musical expression.

  • Absolutely! I offer comprehensive licensing options for my compositions, providing flexibility for various needs and contexts. Whether it's for film, television, advertising, or other projects, I am committed to tailoring licensing agreements that best serve the requirements of each unique situation. Additionally, I offer performance rights and licenses for live performances of my compositions, allowing musicians and ensembles to bring my music to life on stage. Furthermore, I have the ability to create captivating jingles or theme music that captures the essence of brands and businesses, delivering a powerful sonic identity. As an experienced composer, I can also provide valuable guidance on music publishing and distribution, helping artists navigate the complex landscape of the music industry. My goal is to support fellow musicians and creatives in realizing their artistic visions, ensuring that their compositions reach their intended audience in the most effective and impactful way possible.