Jonathan Nichol is the Assistant Professor of Saxophone at the University of Oklahoma. He holds both a Doctor of Musical Arts degree (2010) and Master of Music degree (2007) from Michigan State University, and a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Central Michigan University (2005). Nichol’s primary teachers have been John Nichol, Joseph Lulloff, Rob Smith, Diego Rivera, and Rodney Whitaker.

Jonathan Nichol was a semi-finalist in the 2009 International Concert Artist Guild Competition and a finalist in the 2012 International Concert Artist Guild Competition with h2 quartet.  He is a recipient of the prestigious Michigan State University Distinguished Fellowship and is a Presser Scholar.  Nichol was the winner of the Central Michigan University Concerto Competition and two-time winner of the Michigan State University Concerto Competition. He has performed Michael Torke’s Saxophone Concerto with the Alma Symphony Orchestra and William Bolcom’s Concert Suite with the Grand Valley State University Symphonic Wind Ensemble.  He has performed with the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, Nelson Riddle Orchestra, Harry James Orchestra, Gene Krupa Orchestra, The Four Tops, The Fifth Dimension, Lansing Symphony Big Band, Flint Symphony Orchestra, Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra, the Machine (Pink Floyd tribute band), and the Nichol Trio.

Jonathan Nichol is a member of the acclaimed h2 quartet, recipients of the prestigious Gold Medal at the 2007 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition and the First Prize Award at the inaugural North American Saxophone Alliance Chamber Music Competition. The h2 Quartet’s CD Generations(BGR 185) was released in August 2008 on the Blue Griffin Recordings label.  h2’s second CD, Times and Spaces (BGR 211) and the Blue Griffin Label received a 2010 Aaron Copland Fund Recording Grant. In March 2012, h2 quartet released its third album, Groove Machine (BG 245), which was named to the 2012 American Record Guide Critics Choice List.

Dr. Nichol has also recorded with Billband, a New York based mixed-chamber group dedicated to realizing Grand Valley State University Professor Bill Ryan’s compositions.  Sparkle, from Billband’s album Towards Daybreak (Innova 841) was selected by NPR music as one of the Best 50 Songs of 2013.

For more information on Jonathan Nichol, visit his website, www.jonathannichol.com