TSM’s Student in the Spotlight: Micah Nelson

We’re excited to highlight Micah Nelson, a dedicated bassist and a valued member of the Texas School of Music community.
Micah’s love for music runs deep, shaped by his family, friends, and a growing passion for jazz. We asked Micah to share a bit about his musical story—and here’s what he had to say.

"I have been surrounded by music my entire life, but my interest in music really started at the beginning of middle school when I joined choir and band as a clarinetist. I later chose bass as my instrument for a few different reasons. I had a friend who played bass. I was also inspired by bassists like Flea from Red Hot Chili Peppers and Cliff Burton from Metallica."

Micah says that music has always been part of the environment around him, and the support of his family played an important role in his development. With a strong musical background at home and a circle of friends who share his interests, music became a bridge that helped him connect and grow.

“Almost everyone in my family has some sort of musical experience. Both of my parents and all of my older siblings sang in choir. My mom plays piano. In fact, she was the first person to teach me how to read music and play piano. I have many friends who play other instruments as well, and us all playing instruments serves as a way to build friendships."

Micah now attends Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (HSPVA), where he’s expanding his knowledge of jazz and surrounded by musicians who motivate him to keep learning and exploring new ideas.

"Going to HSPVA changed a lot for me as a musician. Not only am I learning many new things pertaining to jazz—I also get to meet so many people who I can look up to and learn from as well."*

Reflecting on his time at TSM, Micah remembers the moment that stands out most in his musical journey: his very first bass performance at Texas School of Music—a performance that sparked something bigger.

"One of the most memorable experiences I had with Texas School of Music was my first performance playing bass. This was the moment when I fell in love with playing and performing jazz music."

While Micah is keeping his options open for the future, one thing is certain—music will always be part of who he is.

"I honestly don’t know what I want to do as a career, but I will always keep music as a part of my life."

Micah’s story is exactly what we love to see at TSM: a young musician finding his path, building friendships, and discovering the joy of performance. We’re proud to be part of his journey.