Biography
Sean Nimmons-Paterson, M. Mus., is a musician, composer, and producer whose music is featured worldwide in films, TV shows, and commercials. With over 15 years of experience as a screen composer, he has created original scores and songs for more than 50 films and series, broadcast on networks and platforms including PBS, CBC, Netflix, CityTV, Family Channel, and The Hallmark Channel. His album production work includes co-producing The Stella and Sam Album, which won the Juno Award for Children's Album of the Year in 2013. As a pianist with skills on multiple instruments, Sean has an extensive performance and recording history, including international tours and festival appearances.
Born in Toronto, Sean's passion for music began early, nurtured by his family's strong musical background. This foundation led him to a full-time career as a performing musician on stages across Canada and internationally. In 2025, he was selected to participate in the OP100 celebrations at Massey Hall, honoring Oscar Peterson’s 100th birthday. Sean also performed alongside astronaut Col. Chris Hadfield during Coalition Canada's annual Music Monday event, which featured the first live space-to-earth national sing-along. An honors graduate of Humber College’s prestigious Music program, he later earned a Master of Music in Jazz Performance from the University of Toronto. Sean started composing for film and TV in 2009, beginning at the audio house Silent Joe before becoming a sought-after freelance composer.
In 2020, Sean founded The Nimmons Tribute, a group dedicated to celebrating the legacy of his grandfather, clarinetist, bandleader, and composer Phil Nimmons O.C., O. Ont. The octet has released two well-received albums: Vol. 1 - To The Nth (2020) and Vol. 2 - Generational (2023). As arranger, producer, and pianist, Sean crafted albums that connect his musical heritage with his own artistic voice. Supported by some of Canada's most esteemed musicians, the recordings feature arrangements of his grandfather’s compositions alongside Sean’s original works. Both albums have garnered positive reviews and airplay in Canada and abroad, appearing on year-end best jazz recording lists in outlets like The Ottawa Citizen and Jazz.FM91.
Sean continues to work full-time in Toronto, performing, composing, recording, and producing music from his studio.
