Harmonising Art and Science
Bachelor Music Studies
From an early age, Sam Nester knew that music was his calling. "I picked up the trumpet and became particularly interested in classical music around the age of 10," he recalls.
Sam’s curiosity about the intricate structure of music led him to a lifelong journey of exploration and creation. "I found myself most absorbed in the structure of music, trying to understand principles of form, harmony, instrumentation, and counterpoint," notes Sam. This deep fascination laid the foundation for his future studies and career in music.
Choosing Griffith University, specifically the Queensland Conservatorium, was a natural progression for Sam. "At the time I began my studies, the Queensland Conservatorium at Griffith University represented the highest-level music conservatory education in QLD," he explains.
Sam had already been part of the “Young Con” program during high school, which made the transition to a full-time student seamless.
Reflecting on his time at Griffith, he fondly remembers the impactful mentorship he received and the many memorable lectures, performances and classes that would ultimately influence the course of his career, and with a particular mention of the engaging music history lectures of Dr Stephen Emmerson, methodical theory lessons of Dr Gerardo Dirié, and rigorous performance classes of Peter Luff.
A diverse and dynamic career
Sam’s career trajectory has been nothing short of extraordinary. Immediately after QCGU, he completed an honours year at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts at Edith Cowan University and was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship and moved to New York. Since then, he has held both administrative and faculty positions at prestigious institutions like The Juilliard School and the Manhattan School of Music.
His performance career flourished, allowing him to play for leading ensembles across the USA, Europe and Asia.
"As a composer and sound artist, the past few years have been particularly busy. My work often focuses on the relationship between humans and the natural world, and I have received commissions from various ensembles, universities, environmental foundations, art spaces, scientific research institutions and government agencies," Sam says.
One of his standout roles is his current position as an ‘Expert Artist’ with the European Commission in Brussels. "In 2022, I was invited, along with a cohort of 20 artists, to attend a weeklong ‘summer school’ at the Joint Research Centre (JRC) in Ispra, Italy," he explains.
This experience led to collaborative SciArt projects aimed at promoting sustainability and climate neutrality. Similarly, his Artist-in-Residence role at New York University Abu Dhabi’s Center for Genomics and Systems Biology allows him to explore the intersection of art and science. Projects include sonifying the human genome – a process of converting genetic sequences into sound; and conducting the first-ever soundscape study of coral reefs in the region – working with scientists and engineers to create discs made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) ocean plastic that will play the soundscapes of dying coral reefs on turntables.
Embracing the unexpected
Sam’s life is a whirlwind of travel, performances and innovative projects. Sam has recently returned to Abu Dhabi from Brussels, where he attended the opening of his new works, illustrating his hectic yet exhilarating schedule. Despite the demands, Sam finds joy in the diversity of his activities. "One of the things I very much enjoy in my career is that there is rarely a ‘typical’ week, and each year is full of surprises," says Sam.
In his downtime, Sam indulges in his love of learning and exploring museum and gallery exhibitions, and tries to start every day with coffee in one hand and a book in the other.
As Sam continues to inspire and innovate, his journey from Griffith University to global recognition stands as a testament to his passion and dedication to music and art. "I encourage all young people to follow their personal passions.” Noting that “there is room in this world for everyone and their interests," notes Sam.
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