Kristen (Richards) Nelson began piano lessons at age five after her parents decided that the compositions they kept hearing from the piano room could use a bit of training and guidance.  She began in group lessons but quickly progressed to private lessons, where she entertained her teacher with streams of endless chatter and very little music.  However, she did enjoy practicing and passing her pieces.  She studied throughout high school with Dr. Kenneth Drake, a renowned expert on period pianos and Beethoven. 

Kristen holds a Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance and a Master of Music degree in piano pedagogy from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.  Kristen has used her training to provide quality music instruction to students of all ages for the last 25 years.  She wholeheartedly believes that music-making should be accessible and fun at any skill level.

Kristen has served at several Rockford-area churches and performs regularly with various choirs, vocalists, solo instrumentalists and ensembles, including the Rockford Symphony Orchestra. Previously, she served as adjunct faculty at Rock Valley College in Rockford, IL, where she taught group piano courses. A sought-after accompanist, she has previously worked with the Mendelssohn Chorale and is currently with the Nielsen Chorale since their inception in 2019. 

Kristen lives with her husband Jeff, son Beckett (Becks) and Beef, a sheltie.  In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, baking, cooking and reading.