Kristina Nelson began her musical studies at age six. Currently she is a music major at Southern Adventist University, studying piano under Dr. J. Bruce Ashton and cello with Dr. James Stroud.

Nelson studied composition with Pam Rouse, who entered her in the composition competition of the Music Teachers’ Guild where she won a regional award.  Nelson was encouraged in her composition efforts by membership in the Greater Tri-Cities Area Composers’ Consortium, where she met 99 New Songs editor, Evelyn Pursely-Kopitzke.

Prior to college, Nelson studied with Ruth Thomas and played piano in the National Federation of Music Clubs and in the festival auditions of the local Tennessee Music Teachers Association.  She competed twice in the state auditions, winning the high school piano concerto competition and receiving honorable mention in the grade 11 piano solo competition in 1999. She has also earned the "Advanced Bach Award" in the National Piano Guild Auditions.

Nelson began cello studies in Knoxville with Phyllis Steen. She subsequently played in the Knoxville Symphony Youth Orchestra for three years, where she was principal cellist for two years. She has been active in solo and chamber music activity, playing in the International Music Festival at Andrews University, the Southeast Chamber Music Festival at Cookeville, Tennessee, and the Chamber Music Festival at Southern Adventist University. Nelson is currently a member of the SAU Symphony Orchestra.

In the summer of 2002, Nelson compiled a book of Scripture songs composed by members of her family and a few friends and readied it for publication. In addition to community and church performances on both instruments, Kristina maintains an active studio of students.  

2003