Nick Finzer

Hailed as a “Rising Star” in the world of jazz (DownBeat Critics Poll), Nick Finzer is making waves in the music industry with his dynamic original compositions and trombone artistry. Finzer has toured the globe as a bandleader as well as sharing the stage with some of the most respected names in jazz. As both a headlining trombonist and an entrepreneur, Finzer is on a mission to spread the joy and power of jazz.

Finzer's love for jazz began in his childhood, when he became captivated with the music of Duke Ellington. This passion led him to participate in the annual Essentially Ellington competition at Jazz at Lincoln Center, inspiring him to follow his dreams to move to NYC to pursue a life in music. Finzer went on to study at the renowned Eastman School of Music and then The Juilliard School, where he was mentored by trombone legend Steve Turre.

A highlight of Finzer’s recent accolades include a Grammy nomination with Anat Cohen's Tentet, being named "Rising Star Trombonist '' in the Downbeat Magazine 2020 Critics Poll, and receiving an ASCAP Young Jazz Composer Award. As a bandleader, Finzer has released seven critically acclaimed albums, garnering features in the industry’s top publications and placements in the Top 10 of the JazzWeek’s charts. In 2020, he was awarded the prestigious New Jazz Works grant from Chamber Music America, resulting in his album “Dreams, Visions, Illusions” (2023), which hit number 5 on the JazzWeek’s charts.

Finzer's talent and dedication to the craft have not gone unnoticed by his peers in the industry. Wycliffe Gordon, who mentored Finzer early in his career, has called him "a new voice [in] the pantheon of upcoming trombone greats in the making." In addition to his headliner performances, Finzer has also had the opportunity to perform with jazz heavyweights such as Wynton Marsalis, Anat Cohen, Dafnis Prieto, and Ryan Truesdell's Gil Evans Project. In his international touring, Finzer has played at legendary venues such as Carnegie Hall, Dizzy’s Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center, Sydney Opera House, the Bimhuis, Birdland, the Blue Note, and the SF Jazz Center.

As a visionary in the world of music, Nick Finzer brings a unique perspective to the table as both a record label founder, producer, and a respected consultant in music entrepreneurship. Finzer has made a significant impact on the jazz industry by founding Outside in Music (OiM), an artists focused record label and media company featuring some of the genre’s rising stars around the world.

As a result of his artistry and innovation, Nick Finzer has become a highly sought out authority on jazz trombone and education. In 2018, Nick Finzer made history as the inaugural Assistant Professor of Jazz Trombone at the prestigious jazz program at the University of North Texas. As a leading figure in the world of jazz, Finzer brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the university, having previously served as a Visiting Professor of Jazz Trombone at Florida State University, a sabbatical replacement at Hunter College, and at Jazz at Lincoln Center's Jazz Academy.  Finzer has also made a name for himself as an author and educator, sharing his wealth of knowledge in jazz education and music business with the world through his wide breadth of books, masterclasses, courses, and active YouTube channel.

As someone who always keeps propelling his musical ideas forward, Finzer’s upcoming album "Legacy” which celebrates the centennial of J.J. Johnson releases on April 5, 2024. With his never ceasing drive to evolve his artistry and innovate within the music industry, Finzer continues to inspire and impact musicians and audiences around the globe.

Nick is an artist for Conn-Selmer Inc. and plays a King 3B+ Trombone.

Awards

2011 Eastern Trombone Workshop National Jazz Trombone Competition Winner 2010 Finalist, Carl Fontana Jazz Trombone Competition

Gear

Nick plays a King 3B+ Trombone