About the Composer: Paul Nasto

Born in 1954, Paul Nasto holds a degree in Music Education from Montclair State College (now Montclair State University) in New Jersey and a Master of Music Composition from George Mason University.

Paul was a New Jersey resident for forty years composing and performing every genre of music. During his time in and around the New York music scene, he composed, recorded, and produced radio jingles and commercials, performed as a back-up singer on locally and nationally advertised commercials, performed as a soloist and as part of a choral group throughout New York and New Jersey, and accompanied various artists. His background also includes performing as a solo pianist and performing piano with various groups at many New York and New Jersey jazz/night clubs, where he made a name for himself as a jazz pianist while performing with an 18 piece 1940’s style swing band.

Paul studied composition with Dr. John Girt, Dr. Deka Newland, Professor Steve Antosca, and Dr. Glenn Smith, and conducting with Mr. David Randolph, the former conductor of the New Jersey MasterWorks Choir and Mr. Leon Hyman, conductor and cofounder of The New Philharmonic of New Jersey. Paul's conducting education includes master classes with some of the world's renowned conductors.

In 1995, Paul moved to Virginia where he has focused on composing. His compositions span various idioms and styles and he calls upon his varied background to give traditional music a modern sound. Paul has moved from composing and the piano keyboard to composing at the computer keyboard.

In 2007, Paul completed work to achieve a Master of Music in Composition. Since then he has actively been working on a new musical, The Count, with writing partner David Whitehead. This new show has just been released and will be appearing in theatres shortly.

Paul is an active member of many local community theater group, where he focuses on all aspects of musical and technical production. In July, 2002, he wrote the musical Let Me Sing (with Susan Devine) which had its regional premier in Fairfax, VA, and its national premier at The National Theatre in Washington, DC. Most recently, he was Musical Director for f Steven Sondheim’s musical COMPANY. In 2008, Paul was conductor for the Young Hearts production of the Stephen Swartz hit musical PIPPIN and in 2009 their production of the Robert and Willie Reale' s musical A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD.

Paul was an adjunct professor at George Mason University where he taught Music and Computer Technology. Paul volunteers his time at a number of local and national organizations and is an active member of the local theatre organizations.