Hi, I’m Garrett Nelson. I’m a graduate of Montana State University with a BA in Music Technology, active as a saxophonist and composer. I enjoy collaborating to write original music, record, and perform across classical and contemporary styles while exploring sound design and scoring for film and theater. I believe in my role to bring stories to life through the art of composition. I hope to bring people's visions to life with intimate and fulfilling music. I aim to expand my saxophone playing in scoring projects, apply to graduate programs such as USC Thornton to study screen scoring, and continue working with large ensembles and directors. All while creating content on social media platforms to expand my reach. I value hands-on training, community involvement, and producing well-rounded musicians and digital media artists through performance, recording, and multimedia projects.

Garrett Nelson

Hi, I’m Garrett Nelson. I’m a graduate of Montana State University with a BA in Music Technology, active as a saxophonist and composer. I enjoy collaborating to write original music, record, and perform across classical and contemporary styles while exploring sound design and scoring for film and theater. I believe in my role to bring stories to life through the art of composition. I hope to bring people's visions to life with intimate and fulfilling music. I aim to expand my saxophone playing in scoring projects, apply to graduate programs such as USC Thornton to study screen scoring, and continue working with large ensembles and directors. All while creating content on social media platforms to expand my reach. I value hands-on training, community involvement, and producing well-rounded musicians and digital media artists through performance, recording, and multimedia projects.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Garrett Nelson. I’m a graduate of Montana State University with a BA in Music Technology, active as a saxophonist and composer. I enjoy collaborating to write original music, record, and perform across classical and contemporary styles while exploring sound design and scoring for film and theater. I believe in my role to bring stories to life through the art of composition. I hope to bring people’s visions to life with intimate and fulfilling music.

I aim to expand my saxophone playing in scoring projects, apply to graduate programs such as USC Thornton to study screen scoring, and continue working with large ensembles and directors. All while creating content on social media platforms to expand my reach. I value hands-on training, community involvement, and producing well-rounded musicians and digital media artists through performance, recording, and multimedia projects.

See more

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Drum Line Member at Spirit of the West Pep Band, MSU
August 1, 2020 - August 1, 2025
Performs as part of the Spirit of the West marching band and pep band, including basketball and football game performances and community events.
Performer at Montana Wind Symphony
August 1, 2023 - August 1, 2024
Performs as a wind ensemble saxophonist; participates in performances of new works and community events.
Saxophone Chamber Quartet Member at Montana State University School of Music
August 1, 2020 - December 1, 2025
Saxophone quartet studies and performances; rehearsals and performances at MSU and external events, including collaborations with professional ensembles.
Stage Hand at Lo Jam Presents / Jerico Studios
March 1, 2021 - July 31, 2024
Assisted with live event setup, load-ins/outs, and equipment safety for stage performances; supported stage management and production; coordinated backstage operations.
AV Technician at Five Star Audio
August 1, 2023 - September 30, 2023
Supported live events and performances by setting up, operating, and troubleshooting audio and video equipment backstage and FOH; interpreted stage plots and ensured equipment safety.

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Music Technology at Montana State University, School of Music
August 1, 2020 - December 1, 2025
Bachelor of Arts in Music Technology at Montana State University School of Music
August 1, 2020 - December 1, 2025

Qualifications

WWise Basic Certification
January 11, 2030 - February 16, 2026
Dante Basic Certification
January 11, 2030 - February 16, 2026
AV Technician (Five Star Audio)
August 1, 2023 - September 1, 2023
Montana State University School of Music, Music Technology Innovation Scholarship
August 1, 2020 - December 1, 2025
Wwise Basic Certification
January 11, 2030 - March 22, 2026
Dante Basic Certification
January 11, 2030 - March 22, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services
    paper Coffee Run RESCORE

    a rescore of the short film “Coffee Run”

    This short requires close attention to detail as the life of a young girl is repeated ALMOST exactly the same, but if you look closer there is something much deeper to the story. Here is my interpretation

    paper The Last Light of Elaria (Original Composition) for Orchestra

    Elaria was a world of light, ruled by an older order of Guardians who drew their strength from star beacons — massive towers that harnessed the energy of stars. These beacons protected Elaria from the advancing Void, a dark energy that devours land and memory. There was peace for centuries, but the beacons have diminished, one by one, and the kingdom has crumbled. Cities lie in ruins, forests are dead, and the sky is an eternal twilight.

    But one beacon still exists — the Last Light of Elaria. Its light is said to revive the others, but no one has dared the dangerous journey to reach it in decades. The Guardian, Kael, sets out alone on the impossible journey.

    As Kael continues in his quest, he faces many obstacles. As he reaches the beacon, he is put to one last test—a twisted reflection of himself. To ignite the beacon, Kael must battle his darkness not with force but with acceptance.

    Kael succeeds in igniting the beacon but loses his own life. The beacon erupts into flame, illuminating the sky, a beacon for the scattered remnants of Elaria. As it shines, the kingdom begins to heal. Kael’s heroism becomes a legend—the spark that revitalizes hope.

    This work is broken up into three movements:

    Prologue (Legend of the Beacons):
    Wistful and grand introduction of Kael’s Theme- Nostalgia, burdened heroism, quiet resilience. It’s not about glory — it’s about loss, duty, and the flicker of hope that refuses to die.

    The Ascent & Last Confrontation:
    Cinematic and discordant — Oppressive, tense, relentless — nature and the Void are closing in, the storm rages, and Kael’s will is tested.

    Lighting of the Beacon (Resolution):
    Triumphant and sorrowful, Bittersweet, transcendent, and peaceful. The darkness has lifted, but the cost is felt deeply. It’s not a celebration — it’s a eulogy wrapped in hope. The world begins to heal, and Kael’s legacy lingers like an echo on the wind.

    From the composer: This music aims to give listeners a mental image and an immersive experience. With no visual aspect, the context of how, when, why, and where things happen is open to interpretation. The bare minimum is given to allow listeners to imagine. Here is the setting, now you tell me what happens.