Victoria Nelson is a percussionist and educator located in Raleigh, NC. Classically trained, she currently serves as the principal percussionist with the Fayetteville and Durham Symphonies, and the principal timpanist with the Raleigh Symphony. Victoria can frequently be seen performing on stage with other orchestras in the state including the North Carolina Symphony, Tar River Orchestra, and Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle, as well as in the pit for the Carolina Ballet. Outside of the symphonic stage, Victoria is a founding member of the contemporary music ensemble earspace, an ensemble dedicated to creating invigorating multi-sensory performances of new music. As a member of earspace, Victoria has participated in two residencies at UNC Chapel Hill, in addition to performances at CAM Raleigh, Kings, and The Fruit in Durham. Victoria also frequently performs as a soloist, with recent memorable performances at NCMA in Raleigh, and with the Asheville Ballet. On the slightly more frivolous front, Victoria also plays drum set with the Durham Flash Chorus, and the all-girl rock band Kinda Nice.
As an educator, Victoria has maintained a private percussion studio for students of all ages and disciplines since 2009, as well as working as a Teaching Artist with Kidznotes since 2017. Victoria also instructs at UNC Pembroke as adjunct faculty. She has worked with numerous schools in the triangle area in various capacities including providing lessons, giving masterclasses, and instructing percussion ensembles, drumlines, and front ensembles.
Victoria received her Bachelor’s degree in music from UNC Chapel Hill before going on to receive her graduate degree from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. Her primary instructors include John Tafoya, Michael Spiro, Kevin Bobo, Juan Alamo, Cameron Britt, Lynn Glassock, and Matthew Richmond. Further information on current projects and featured discography can be found at VictoriaNelsonMusic.com.
