About Ian Ortega Nussdorfer
Ian Nussdorfer is a graduate of the Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University and current Masters Student at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami. Affluent in several instruments, Ian incorporates a plethora of genres into his music. At Vanderbilt, Ian studied with Jeff Coffin, a current member of the Dave Matthews Band and master improviser, saxophonist, and woodwind doubler.
Ian's compositional pursuits come in many forms; he released his debut EP, Still as Stone, as the frontman and songwriter for the rock band The Badlands. He composes and arranges music for both jazz small and large groups, and has had his composition, Behind the Eyes, performed at the 2025 JEN conference as well as had his composition, Sunrise in the Spring, released onto streaming platforms. As a member of the Miami music scene, Ian’s compositions are influenced by hispanic roots, and he finds himself crossing between Timba and other cuban genres.
Ian plays both upright and electric bass, as well as tenor saxophone allowing him to be an incredibly versitle performer and composer. In 2023, Ian participated in the Jack Rudin Jazz Championship as the 1st Tenor Saxophonist for the Blair Big Band, where the ensemble was selected as a finalist. During his time in Nashville, he played gospel bass at Lee Chapel AME church and also performed with folk/pop artist Amelia Day, showing his versatility across genres.