[1] Following schooling at the New England Conservatory and working as an amateur musician in the Boston area, Pierce then led his own band which featured Charlie Mariano from 1949 to 1951.

After working with Woody Herman from 1951 to 1966 as chief arranger and assistant road manager,[1] Pierce took residence in New York City and freelanced with musicians such as Pee Wee Russell, Lester Young, Emmett Berry and Ruby Braff.

He recorded with a number of other well-known musicians as well, including Quincy Jones, Coleman Hawkins and Pee Wee Russell.

Pierce also arranged the music for The Sound of Jazz, a 1954 CBS television special hosted by John Crosby.

[3] As Nat Pierce and His Orchestra With Frank Capp With Louis Bellson With Ruby Braff With Benny Carter With Al Cohn With Freddie Green With Coleman Hawkins With Johnny Hodges With Joe Newman With Specs Powell With Paul Quinichette With Buddy Tate With Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson With Count Basie With Bob Brookmeyer With Woody Herman With Quincy Jones