Nan Avant

Nan Avant’s music embraces thematic and rhythmic intentions often reflecting her Latin heritage, encompassing her passion for classical, jazz, world, and ethnic music.

Avant has won numerous awards including two Global Music Awards Silver Medals in 2022, a Finalist in The American Prize in orchestral composition and is a four-time Nominee in the Hollywood Music in Media Awards. Avant’s ’Tributum’ for Celtic Bagpipes and Orchestra, recorded by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, was on the ballot for first-round voting in the 65th GRAMMY Awards® and enjoys airplay around the world, from Ireland’s Public Radio in the UK to Hawaii’s Maui Celtic Radio in the U.S., and already boasts a “Best Instrumental Song Award” at the 13thAnnual Independent Music Vox Populi Awards. Her latest recording Soundness of the Sea for Violin and Orchestra, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, a Navona Recording, appears with 5 International composers on the CD, Symphonic Chronicles V.1. with a release date April 2023.

Media outlets across the music industry have lauded Tributim:

“Recording Avant’s Tributum with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra was a particular delight. One doesn’t often get the chance to record bagpipes and orchestra, and even rarer is the opportunity to record two different types with orchestra.” – Grammy-winning Session Producer and PARMA Senior Producer, Brad Michel

Avant’s Tributum is a “… traditional orchestral tone poem with gorgeous melodic writing and rich string sound (it has that Braveheart / Far and Away quality).” – Cinemusical

“Nan Avant’s 9-minute Tributum… The music has an epic, sweeping quality …” – American Record Guide

She has collaborated with indie filmmakers throughout the United States, creating soundtracks for indie films, documentary, feature, animation, and short films. Avant’s concert music has been performed internationally and in the United States. Her music can be heard on album compilations and digital platforms: Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.

A native of the Pacific Northwest, Avant was brought up in a peaceful pastoral setting amidst artists on her maternal side and the rich South American heritage of Peru on her father’s side. Music was constantly playing in the background of her early years. Symphonies, musicals, South American music, Tangos, and Peruvian waltzes all contributed to her love of music. At an early age, she began studying piano and subsequently composing.

These early life experiences — eclectic musical listening, international living in Lima, Peru, and music study at an early age — established her identity as an Artist and became a catalyst in composing music with melodic intention.

Avant holds a B.F.A. degree in Piano Performance from California Institute of the Arts. Her studies at CalArts included coaching sessions with Leonard Stein, Mel Powell, as well as master classes with Richard Goode and Aaron Copland. Avant’s further studies include film scoring at the Pacific Northwest Film Scoring Program, under the direction of two-time Emmy winner Hummie Man; orchestration, contemporary composition and jazz arranging at Berklee School of Music online.

Avant resides in Seattle WA with her husband, Walt, and their Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Piper. For more information about Avant and her work, links to scores, audio, and albums, visit: www.nanavant.com