BIOGRAPHY
Originally from the Dallas/Ft. Worth area and currently living in Chicago, Nick Roach has established himself as an in-demand musician in multiple styles. With over a decade of jazz, classical, Latin and pop performance experience, Nick has a breadth of experience playing in pit orchestras, big bands, jazz combos, symphony orchestras and many other kinds of ensembles. Having performed in several states and on cruise ships on 5 continents, Nick is an adept and versatile musician on multiple instruments. As a composer/arranger, he has written for groups of all different sizes and instrumentations, from trombone quartets to big bands and everything in between.
Nick has had the privilege of performing with many respected musicians of different genres, such as Arthur Barrow, Cynthia Scott, Brad Leali, Carl Allen, Derrick Gardner, Corey Wilkes, Robert Irving III, Ari Brown, Andy Narell, Al Smith, Geof Bradfield, Reggie Thomas, Camille Thurman, and Tim Warfield.
EDUCATION
He completed his Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Studies at the University of North Texas, where he studied with Steve Wiest and Tony Baker and played lead trombone in the 3 O'Clock Lab Band directed by renowned saxophonist Brad Leali as well as performing with the Jazz Zebras, Jazz Repertory Ensemble, Opera Orchestra and Concert Orchestra. Nick graduated with a Master of Music degree from Northern Illinois University, during which time he performed with the Jazz Orchestra, NIU Jazztet and Philharmonic Orchestra, and studied with acclaimed trombonist, composer and teacher Tom Garling.
As an educator, Nick maintains a private studio as well as teaching brass lessons at the Midwest Music Academy in Plainfield, IL. He has also taught online lessons via Skype and, during his time in Texas, taught through In Home Music Teachers. For the past several summers, he has taught trombone lessons, masterclasses, and led ensembles at the NIU Jazz Camp. As a graduate assistant at NIU, he directed the University Jazz Band and led a jazz combo.