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Education

• D.M.A. University of Missouri - Kansas City
• M.M. University of Cincinnati
• B.M.E. University of Kentucky
   

Expertise

• Saxophone

• Jazz studies

Biography

Jonathon Nickell is the Assistant Professor of Saxophone and Director of Jazz Ensembles at ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓƵ State University. A versatile woodwind performer and dedicated educator, he appears regularly in pit orchestras and chamber ensembles, and actively commissions new works through his saxophone and percussion duo with Martin Mendez. A recognized competitor in international events, he was invited to the 2022 Aeolus International Competition and has placed in several competitions, including 2nd place at the Southern Illinois Young Artist Competition and winner of the Chancellor’s Competition at the UMKC Conservatory.

Jonathon holds a Doctor of Musical Arts from the UMKC Conservatory, a Master of Music from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, and dual Bachelor’s degrees in Music Education and Saxophone Performance from the University of Kentucky. He previously served on the faculties of Eastern Kentucky University and Benedictine College, and has taught at the Interlochen Summer Arts Camp and Harmony Project KC. His primary mentors include Zach Shemon, James Bunte, Miles Osland, Leigh Muñoz, Scott Wright, and Peter Simpson.