Bret Nelson is originally from Minnesota. In the 1980’s he composed and performed original music in bands in Minneapolis. He completed his Bachelor of Arts in Music from the University of Minnesota and California Teaching Credential from California State University Dominguez Hills. He completed his Master of Arts Degree in Music Education from California State University Long Beach where he also wrote a master’s thesis titled “A Study of Class Piano Instruction in the LAUSD”
He taught piano and guitar at Dana Middle School in San Pedro from 1992-2023 where he presented annual holiday and spring performances in the Auditorium.
In 2004 the Dana Middle School Guitar Ensemble was the only LAUSD musical group to perform at the California State Music Educator’s Association State Convention in Sacramento.
Eastview Music Studio piano and guitar students have participated and been evaluated in the Music Teacher’s Association of California Certificate of Merit program every year since 1995.
His son Alexander Nelson received his Bachelor of Music Degree in Piano Performance and Master of Arts Degree in Arts Administration from Indiana University. Alexander Nelson is currently the Chief Operating Officer for the Pacific Chorale.
His son, Christopher Nelson graduated from Chapman University with a Bachelor of Music Degree in Violin Performance and earned his Master of Music Degree in Violin Performance from Bard College in New York.