Jonathon Nickell is a versatile American saxophonist, active in performance, teaching, and commissioning new works.
Trained in the United States, he combines a passion for the stage with educational commitment at several Midwestern institutions.
He is distinguished by his mastery of numerous wind instruments and his desire to constantly explore new repertoire.
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Jonathon Nickell is a passionate saxophone and wind instrument educator and performer.
He holds a Bachelor of Music Education and Performance degree from the University of Kentucky, where he studied classical and jazz saxophone with Miles and Lisa Osland, as well as clarinet with Dr. Scott Wright and bassoon with Peter Simpson.
Since then, he has led a full-time teaching studio, saxophone quartets and choirs, and has also performed at several schools throughout Kentucky.
He subsequently earned a Master of Arts degree in saxophone performance from the College-Conservatory of Music in Cincinnati, Ohio.
He currently continues his saxophone studies at the University of Missouri–Kansas City, under the direction of Zach Shemon.
He also teaches weekly at Liberty North High School and Harmony Project Kansas City, and works for Peak Performance Woodwinds.
An active performer, Jonathon performs with numerous ensembles in Kansas City in a variety of styles.
He recently performed André Waignein's Rhapsody for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra with the UMKC Orchestra.
A multi-instrumentalist, he also participates in pit orchestras and chamber ensembles, and regularly commissions new works, notably with Martin Mendez for their percussion/saxophone duo.
In 2022, he distinguished himself at the Aeolus International Competition, placing among the top candidates.
