J. Andrew Nelson
Andrew Nelson began piano lessons at age five and picked up his father’s guitar at age twelve. Early exposure to his parents’ music collection sparked a broad musical curiosity, leading him to explore styles from rock and blues to ragtime, classical, and jazz.
Largely self-taught on guitar, Andrew later pursued formal lessons through private instruction with University of Utah faculty prior to earning a Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Performance. During this time, he began teaching, composing, and performing professionally, working in a variety of ensembles while also developing as a solo performer.
In 2015, Andrew co-founded Pixie and the Partygrass Boys, a nationally touring band that has released six albums, including one considered for the 2023 Grammy Awards. The band was voted Best Local Band by City Weekly Utah for three consecutive years. Years of touring and festival performances have shaped Andrew’s versatility, professionalism, and ability to connect with audiences in a wide range of settings.
Alongside his work with the band, Andrew maintains an active career as a solo guitarist, pianist, DJ, and composer, with ongoing work in music production. He provides live music and DJ setups for weddings, corporate events, and private functions, as well as private guitar and piano instruction for students of all ages and experience levels.
Whether performing, teaching, or creating, Andrew’s approach is thoughtful, adaptable, and rooted in a lifelong dedication to music.