Ep 115 - Nicki Roman

One of the most decorated saxophonists of her generation, Nicki Roman, has won prizes at prestigious competitions such as the North American Saxophone Alliance (NASA) Solo Competition, Music Teachers National Association Young Artist Solo Competition, William C. Byrd International Competition, Fischoff, and the Kate Neal Kinley Memorial Fellowship. 

Her latest album, Unquiet Waters, features expressive works from innovative composers that push the boundaries of classical saxophone.

She has been a featured soloist with the Eastman Symphony Orchestra, Eastman Wind Ensemble, UW-Milwaukee Wind Ensemble, Illinois Wind Symphony, University of North Florida Orchestra, and the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra. 

Across North America, Europe, and Asia, Nicki has shared solo and chamber music performances at venues such as the China National Centre for the Performing Arts, Shandong University of the Arts, Zagreb Academy of Music, Krannert Center for Performing Arts, Rio All-Suite Casino in Las Vegas, Brevard Summer Music Festival, and the Zelazo Performing Arts Center. 

She has collaborated on several projects with Hal Leonard Publishing and has premiered over 30 works for her instrument. 

Nicki proudly serves as the Assistant Professor of Saxophone at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She also presents clinics, recitals, and masterclasses at numerous universities throughout the year. 

She received her Doctor of Musical Arts Degree at the Eastman School of Music, and also holds degrees from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the University of North Florida. 

Her former teachers include Chien-Kwan Lin, Debra Richtmeyer, Dale Underwood, Michael Bovenzi, and Bunky Green. 

Nicki is a Conn-Selmer and Vandoren artist, as well as a member of NASA’s Committee on the Status of Women.

The link to his full biography, along with more Resources for this episode, is on our website.

We talked about:

• Articulation & the biggest articulation mistake most people make
• Her thoughts on a classical vs. jazz set-up
• What Nicki’s practice always starts with & one exercise she always plays
• How the Fuego Quartet formed & how they rehearse when everyone lives in different states
• Nicki’s new album, Unquiet Waters

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