‘People of The Pearl’ series spotlights how Nelson Rios bridges music, science and medicine
If there’s one thing Nelson Rios wants students to know about music, it’s this: music comes from the heart and soul, and is fundamentally intertwined with science.
Music is Nelson’s passion. He’s an accomplished music producer who plays bass, keyboard and guitar. Now, he’s teaching his craft to the next generation of students as The Pearl’s first teaching artist facilitator at the STEM Lab, where students learn and envision new possibilities for their futures and are prepared to lead in tomorrow’s workforce.
Nelson is developing curriculum for all K-12 programming and preparing young minds for future career options through music’s connection to science, technology, engineering and math – also known as the STEM fields.
It’s fitting that his “Rhythm of the Heart” activity at STEM Fest connected the sound of a human heartbeat to a musical experience. Nelson showed students attending the celebration how to produce their own song on a tablet device, using the pulse of a real heartbeat as the bassline. From there, students added their own flare by layering other instruments, sounds and effects until the final mix – and lesson – emerged.
“Music and science have so many things that intertwine – things like collaboration, being assertive, the fact that you need to have a very good ear, very good attention,” Nelson says. “When you go to a medical school or higher education, you can start to think how you can use those skills.”
Nelson teaches that these commonalities make music therapy such an effective source of healing, as each note, frequency and melody can aid in a patient’s recovery. He says music therapy has a unique way of relieving stress, easing pain and creating a sense of calm in ways that other forms of medicine cannot.
“When you listen to music, sometimes your brain takes you back to things and even can sometimes smell like or even give you feelings that you had back in the past,” he says. “So, those sensations and all, it’s related to our brain and music gives you those moments.”
Intro
Playing the bass guitar can instantly transport Nelson back to when he first picked up the stringed instrument as a 9-year-old in Brazil, igniting his lifelong passion for music. He later moved to Los Angeles, California, where he worked as a session musician for other artists. He was also a voting member for the Grammy’s Academy and taught private music lessons.
He relocated to Charlotte in 2014, a city that holds a profound place in his heart. It’s where he became an American citizen and also where his second son was born and his oldest son is growing up.
Before collaborating with The STEM Lab, Nelson first embarked on a career as a music director for a nonprofit organization, a role he held for 12 years. His curiosity about music’s connection to medicine was inspired by his sister, a pianist.
“I was involved with music education and I think the passion with the medical feel started to come when I saw my sister, she’s a nurse, and she was putting together this choir for some of the kids that had cancer,” Nelson says. “That was kind of my starting point.”
Chorus
At The Pearl, Nelson is “teaching artist facilitator.” In this role, he is developing ideas for students that will be involved with the STEM Lab’s curriculum. He collaborates closely with other incredible teammates, including Dr. Richard Cox, director of district education and innovation partnerships at The Pearl.
Much like in music, Nelson sees The Pearl as an ecosystem of creativity, efficiency and innovation. This symphony of collaboration makes The Pearl an incredibly exciting and unique place for students to learn about these multidisciplinary connections.
“As a teaching artist facilitator, my role is to bridge the gap between these subjects and foster greater awareness and understanding within our community and within The Pearl,” Nelson says. “When I see students, the younger generation or even the older generation connect to something, it’s the bright side to all of this.”
Bridge
Nelson says his program also provides a unique experience for students, doctors and teachers, highlighting the importance of arts and music in the medical field and showcasing their tangible benefits.
His passion for connecting music with various subjects can be traced back to his college days, while earning a degree in international relations.
“Initially, I explored the relationship between music and social studies,” he says. “Now, I’m delving into the fascinating connection between music and the arts, and how it intersects with science and medicine, revealing its profound benefits.”
Coda
When he’s not strumming the guitar strings or creating new melodies, Nelson will likely be found grabbing a coffee or bite to eat at The Assembly Coffee Bar, one of his favorite places at The Pearl.
Yet, what really fills his cup is the music, science and passion emanating from The Pearl and the passionate people who bring it to life every day.
“The prospect of embarking on new projects and creating something innovative and creative to help people using technology is incredibly exciting,” Nelson says. “The Pearl is an extraordinary place, home to remarkable individuals who are making a profound impact on our society.”
