University of North Texas
Denton, Texas
Nick Finzer is a trailblazing trombonist, composer, educator, and entrepreneur whose work places him at the forefront of today’s jazz landscape. Recognized as a “Rising Star” in the DownBeat Critics Poll, he has built an international reputation for his vivid original compositions, dynamic trombone voice, and forward-looking vision for the music. As both a bandleader and collaborator, Finzer is committed to sharing the joy, relevance, and power of jazz with audiences around the world.
Finzer’s passion for jazz began in childhood, inspired by Duke Ellington and nurtured through formative experiences such as the Essentially Ellington competition at Jazz at Lincoln Center. He went on to study at the Eastman School of Music and The Juilliard School, where he learned under trombone legend Steve Turre. These foundations shaped a career defined by continuous artistic growth and an unwavering dedication to the craft.
A sought-after performer, Finzer has toured extensively as a leader and has appeared with prominent artists including Wynton Marsalis, Anat Cohen, Dafnis Prieto, and Ryan Truesdell’s Gil Evans Project. His work has earned numerous accolades, including a Grammy nomination with Anat Cohen’s Tentet, recognition as the 2020 “Rising Star Trombonist,” and a three-week stay atop the JazzWeek Charts with his 2024 release Legacy. He has performed at many of the world’s great venues—Carnegie Hall, Dizzy’s Club, Birdland, SFJAZZ, the Sydney Opera House, and the Bimhuis—and has released eight acclaimed albums, including the Chamber Music America–commissioned Dreams, Visions, Illusions (2023).
Finzer’s influence extends beyond the stage. As the founder of Outside in Music (OiM), he has built an artist-focused record label and media company that supports emerging voices across the jazz world. His work as a producer, label director, and consultant has positioned him as a leading voice in music entrepreneurship and the independent music ecosystem.
In education, Finzer is one of the most prominent advocates for jazz trombone today. In 2018, he became the inaugural Professor of Jazz Trombone at the University of North Texas, home to one of the nation’s top jazz programs. His teaching career also includes roles at Florida State University, Hunter College, and Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Jazz Academy. A prolific author and content creator, he shares his expertise widely through books, masterclasses, courses, and a robust YouTube channel devoted to supporting developing musicians.
Finzer’s newest project, The Jazz Orchestra Volume 1 (released August 22, 2025), marks an exciting evolution of his compositional voice, showcasing his music in a bold large-ensemble setting. With his relentless dedication to artistic excellence, innovation, and mentorship, Nick Finzer continues to shape the future of jazz, inspiring audiences and musicians alike.
He is a Conn-Selmer Artist and performs on a King 3B+ trombone.
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Thursday, January 8, 2026
1:00 PM - 1:50 PM CST
I Thought Recording the Album Was the Hard Part… I Was Wrong
Friday, January 9, 2026
12:00 PM - 12:50 PM CST
Saturday, January 10, 2026
12:00 PM - 12:50 PM CST
