About

Oliver Nelson Jr, is a flutist, teacher and lecturer. He received a Bachelor of Music degree in education from Andrews University, a Master of Music degree in classical performance from Butler University, and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in jazz performance at the University of Illinois. He has studied with David Baker, Distinguished Professor of Jazz Studies at Indiana University, Karen Moratz, Principal Flutist of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and Jonathan Keeble, Professor of Flute at The University of Illinois.

 

He has performed with the Smithsonian Masterworks Jazz Orchestra, Benny Golson, Jamey Aebersold, David Baker, James Williams, Bob Crenshaw, Grady Tate, Doug Carn and numerous other jazz legends. Oliver recorded with banjo great, Bela Fleck for a tribute CD dedicated to his father, the late great composer, arranger, and saxophonist Oliver Nelson Sr. He performs with his jazz quartet and woodwind trio. Oliver was guest soloist with the Ball State University Jazz Band and Orchestra performing music from the album “The Kennedy Dream". He was featured both as performer and conductor with big band at the Savannah Jazz Festival and at the Allerton Barn Music Festival, where he played with the University of Illinois Jazz faculty. Oliver performed last spring in a Tribute to Hoagy Carmichael concert in Cologne Germany.

He presently is a Adjunct Lecturer at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, teaching Jazz for Listeners, a jazz history class for non music majors, and Jazz theory and improvisation for non music majors. He also teaches Music Industry classes in the Arts Administration department of the Indiana University O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. Oliver has conducted jazz improvisation workshops at conferences and school corporations nationwide. He has made presentations on music business for The University of Illinois and
Indiana University, as well as adjudicated and performed at the Rowan Jazz Festival and Northeastern State University.