Josh Nelson

Josh Nelson is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Southern California (USC) in the Jazz Studies program, where he teaches piano. As a pianist and composer, Nelson has been active for over two decades, releasing ten albums as a leader and collaborating with artists like Ivan Lins, Michael Bublé, and the late Natalie Cole, with whom he toured and recorded for six years.

His notable achievements include a semi-finalist placement in the Thelonious Monk International Piano Competition (2006) and contributions to two Grammy Award-nominated albums. Nelson is also the creator of the multimedia show “The Discovery Project,” which integrates music, storytelling, and visual elements.

• University: University of Southern California
• Program: Jazz Studies
• Academic Rank: Adjunct Professor

Scientific Awards:

• Semi-finalist, Thelonious Monk International Piano Competition (2006)
• Performer on Grammy Award-nominated albums

As an in-demand artist, Nelson continues to perform and collaborate, with upcoming shows in 2025 across California.