He received his early musical step by step instruction around Prague, going to each Prague University and Prague Conservatory. Within 1942 he went to Switzerland, where he exposed at Fribourg University; after 1947 he taught there. Within 1957 he came to a United States, in which he taught at many schools, including the University of Massachussetts Lowell, and a University of Scranton.

Virtually all of his music is for wind instruments or concert band, and virtually all is designed for student performing artist. He utilized non-functional modal writing, pandiatonicism, and drive rhythms extensively.

Additionally to his works for winds, he wrote leash ballets, three operas, and the symphony.

Reference

James P. Cassaro: "Vaclav Nelhybel", Grove Music On the net ed. L. Macy (Accessed June 20, 2005), [http://www.grovemusic.com (subscription access)]