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Updated 4/25/2024

Michael Nix

  • M

    MA

Institution/Business Type: Performing Group

Michael Nix and the New Classic Banjo Project

 

Michael Nix performs on classical guitar, Banjar, banjo, and mandolin, throughout the United States and Asia; has recorded for the PBS series, "American Experience," several independent documentaries, numerous CD projects; and his compositions are performed internationally. His music has been heard on "Weekend Edition," and other NPR programs. His new solo Banjar album of compositions and commissions, Aperçu was released on PARMA Recordings Big Round Records and distributed by NAXOS. 

A banjo innovator, Nix designed the Banjar; a modern seven nylon string banjo combining elements of the five-string banjo and classical guitar; bringing the classic finger-style banjo of the late 1800's into the twenty first century. His instrumentals, songs, and compositions draw from classic finger style banjo and guitar, infused with folk, jazz and world music traditions.

The New Classic Banjo Project was instituted by Nix to develop and record a modern classical banjo repertoire. Nix’s compositions will form the core of the New Classic Banjo Project works. 

Michael Nix offers these programs as one hour performances, or as a two set full concert:

• A solo program of New Classic Banjo Project music on seven-string Banjar featuring music from hs new solo Banjar album of compositions and commissions, Aperçu was released on PARMA Recordings Big Round Records and distributed by NAXOS. 

• A solo program of classical crossover music for seven-string Banjar and guitar. 

•A NixWorks Ensemble New Classic Banjo Project concert.  Michael Nix collaborates regularly with a number of musicians

In 2017 Nix performed his compositions for New Classic Banjo at the Smithsonian Museum of American History in Washington, DC.

Nix participated in Seegerfest 2014, and other concerts commemorating the life of Pete Seeger. In 2012 Nix performed American music at the Surin International Folkore Festival in Thailand with the Sorvino Dance Project.

 He founded The NixWorks Ensemble in 1999, a flexible chamber ensemble, to explore multiple creative influences and genre. Nix formed The Pioneer Consort in 2005, with violinist Chris Devine, and cellist Greg Snedeker to play World Chamber Music. He currently performs with Chris Devine as the Devine-Nix Duo.

Quotes:

“Essentially crafting a new genre of New Classical Banjo, Nix has us re-think all the possibilities of his instrument…”

Take Effect Music Reviews, July 31, 2023

www.michaelnixmusic.com

Find Me

Michael Nix
Job Title: Musician
Phone: 413-772-0328
Address:
Greenfield, MA 01301

Social Media:

Additional Content:

About

Overview

Institution/Business Type:

Performing Group

Legal Status:

Commercial / For profit - Sole proprietorship

Year Founded:

2000

Overview

Institution/Business Type:

Performing Group

Legal Status:

Commercial / For profit - Sole proprietorship

Year Founded:

2000

Disciplines

Primary Discipline:

Music - New

Additional Disciplines:

  • Music - Traditional

Activities and Services

Activities and Services:

  • Arts Instruction / Lessons
  • Creation of a Work of Art (Including Commissions)
  • Performance / Concert / Reading
  • Residency - Community
  • Residency - In School
  • Residency - Other
  • Wedding / Parties / Private Gatherings
  • Workshops / Demonstrations / Master Class
Seasons Active: spring, summer, fall, winter
Events Per Year: 50

Communities

Populations Engaged:

  • Adults
  • Businesses
  • Elders
  • Families
  • General Public
  • Incarcerated (or Formerly Incarcerated) individuals
  • Nonprofits
  • People with Disabilities
  • School Groups
  • Teens
  • Youth-At-Risk

Geographic Reach:

  • Town / City
  • County
  • Multi-County Region
  • State
  • Multi-State Region
  • National
  • International

Media Gallery

I Have Worked With

Affiliations and Accomplishments

Professional Associations

Professional Associations:

  • Guitar Foundation of America
  • American Banjo Fraternity
  • Boston Classical Guitar Society
  • The Banjo Gathering

Professional Associations

Professional Associations:

  • Guitar Foundation of America
  • American Banjo Fraternity
  • Boston Classical Guitar Society
  • The Banjo Gathering

Awards

Awards:

  • 1991 Massachusetts Music Teacher Association "Composer of the Year"
  • 2001 Americans for the Arts, America Begins to Heal, "Prayer for the victims of Terror" by Michael Nix listed in national registry of works in response to 9/11 attacks
  • 2002 Commission from Greenfield Community College with the Ann Sorvino Dance Project for "Labyrinth" a one year 9/11 remembrance work
  • 1989-92 was selected as a featured performer "The Guitar About Town" outreach program, Connecticut Classical Guitar Society
  • 1989 commission with composer Salvatore Macchia for a children's opera, University of Massachusetts Opera Workshop
  • 1988 was one of four guitarists selected to perform at the Bushnell in Hartford, Ct. to honor Andres Segovia's 1931 performance there.

Education

Education:

  • BM, Guitar Performance, Keene State College, cum laude
  • MM, Music Composition, University of Massachusetts

Artist Info

Teaching Artist

Teaching Settings:

  • Private Studio

Ages Served:

  • Elementary School-age
  • Middle School-age
  • High School-age
  • College-age
  • Adults

Subject Areas:

  • Music

Certifications and Training:

  • BM, Guitar Performance
  • MM, Music Composition

Fee range:

$50 - $3,500

Teaching Artist

Teaching Settings:

  • Private Studio

Ages Served:

  • Elementary School-age
  • Middle School-age
  • High School-age
  • College-age
  • Adults

Subject Areas:

  • Music

Certifications and Training:

  • BM, Guitar Performance
  • MM, Music Composition

Fee range:

$50 - $3,500

Touring Artist

NEST Eligible Artist

Technical Requirements:

  • 1 Chair, no arms, seat approx 19" from floor, OR 1 tall stool with seat approx. 29" from the floor.
  • PA system with one instrumental mic (SM 57 or AKG 1000s) and one vocal mic (SM 58, or SM 58 Beta). Artist can provide PA if necessary. A GROUNDED THREE PRONG outlet at the performance site would be required.
  • Sufficient general or warm lighting on stage to read music, unless other arrangements (candle light concert, etc.) are made.
  • Raised stage (or tall stool) for good audience sight lines.
  • Secure Green Room or waiting area for instrument and case storage.

Fee Range:

$500 - $3,500

State of Residence:

Massachusetts

Minimum Number of Performers:

1

Maximum Number of Performers:

1