About

4-Tolled Publishing & Susan T. Nelson

An award winning, creative, and prolific composer, Susan is known internationally for her innovative original compositions and ability to write in a wide variety of styles, from traditional to jazz; gamelan to klezmer!

Whether you are looking for the unusual, traditional arrangements, beginning to advanced, or social distance music, 4-Tolled has you covered.  All 4-Tolled publications are downloadable PDF duplication masters, ready for printing. Browse the “Handbell” menu for unique offerings, such as handbell solo to large handbell suites, and everything in between. The company also offers choral, 21st Century, chamber ensemble, instrumental solo or jazz ensemble, in addition to handbell music. 

Please see “My Music With Other Publishers” for compositions in print with commercial publishing houses. Hard copies may be ordered direct from the publisher or your favorite vendor.If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me.   sue@susantnelson.com

Most of my compositions, beginning with my first piece published in 1991, have optional instruments and/or multiple performance options, such as bell choir and handbell solo/accompaniment. Many include instrumental ensembles like brass quartet, jazz ensemble, recorder consort, string orchestra, etc., which are compatible and completely independent, so they can be performed as separate pieces. These options give greater flexibility, thus stretching your music budget and library.

What people are saying…

“When I listened to “SoundShards” for the first time I had been struck by some similar characteristics shared with contemporary Estonian composers. The work, with its impressive creativity, unique instrumentation, and rhythmic energy, recalls the work of various Estonian composers such as, for example, Raimo Kangro, Jaan Rääts, Urmas Sisask and Peeter Vähi, while retaining its own musical language. The hypnotic, almost minimalistic writing (different somewhat than the minimalism of the American minimalists such as Philip Glass, for example) is a total delight to the ear and also recalls to a degree the composers named above. I can easily understand why “SoundShards” attracted the attention of Estonian musicians and received its European premiere there.”–Dr. Marvin Rosen, Classical Discoveries. 

A Trumpet Voluntary:  “The applause from the audience nearly brought the roof down and without a doubt, it was the highlight piece of the evening.”–John & Jane Heald, Directors, Saint Wulfam’s Handbell Ringers, Lincolnshire, England.

“We like Susan’s creation (Sue’s Blues) as it is beautiful and simple, yet demanding. The public also likes the catchy melody. A surplus a value is that, not only she uses handbells in her creation but many solo instruments as well. On our 5th anniversary concert 3 out of 22 pieces presented were Susan’s, which were selected out of 54.”– Inna Lai, Director, Campanelli Handbell Ensemble, Estonia.

Osse Shalom:  “Melancholic… splendid… powerful.  It was absolutely exciting and melodious. I strongly believe this music pleases the ears and hearts of the audience as well as those of the performers.  I express my sincere gratitude for your excellent arrangement.”– Kim Eui Gon, Director, Daejon Handbell Choir, Korea. 

Divine Office suite: “I’ve also had a chance to see scores for this and listen to the MP3s. It is amazing. It’s a work of substance and is very moving.”–Stephanie Wiltse, Director, Embellish.

“Susan T. Nelson goes where no one has gone before.  Who else writes handbell music that imitates a Javanese gamelan? Or one that puts a Brubeck spin on Jesus Loves Me?”–Cindy Alexander, Feature Columnist, Overtones. 

4-Tolled Publishing

Established in 2003, 4-Tolled Publishing features music for handbells, vocal choir, solo instrumentalists, chamber ensembles, Jazz ensembles, concert band, and 21st Century compositions. All 4-Tolled publications are sold as PDF downloads. No shipping! Permission to play, video record, or live-stream this music for virtual or live church services is included with the purchase of duplication …

Commissions, Clinician

Commissions If you have a special event or milestone to commemorate, why not say it with a commission?  Commissioning a piece need not be a scary venture… it is as easy as sending me an email to begin the process!  In addition to standard hymn settings or “classical” arrangements, I have compositions published in the …

Instructions for Buying 4-Tolled Music

4-Tolled publications come in two formats:  Duplication Masters: Allows you to print multiple copies of music. Single Copy: Purchase a single reference copy for your own use. (This single copy is not for distribution to your ensemble.) Click “Add to Cart” to put your selections into the shopping cart (pick appropriate edition, as listed above). …

Susan T. Nelson

Susan T. Nelson, M.M. Music Technology & Composition, Summa cum Laude, University of Valley Forge, PA (2014). B.A. Music Theory & Composition, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ (1979). Susan has been published since 1991 and has numerous compositions in print with 22 major publishers. Her works have been featured at many festivals such as the …