Joshua Nichols

Biography

Currently based in Tucson, AZ, Joshua earned a D.M.A. from the University of Arizona’s Fred Fox School of Music in Composition, studying with Professor Daniel Asia. He holds two M.M. degrees, one in Composition (Florida Atlantic University, studied with Dr. Kevin Wilt) and one in Organ Performance (Mississippi College, studied with Dr. Robert Knupp). He received his B.A. in Organ Performance (Studied with Ms. Carol Durham) from Belhaven University. He is Artistic Fellow and Director of Technology at the Center for American Culture and Ideas.

As composer, Josh’s compositions have been featured and sought after around the United States. He has been commissioned to write ballet and dance music, as well as chamber percussion, and chamber orchestra. Critically acclaimed, he released an album on Summit Records titled, “Metropolis: The Piano Music of Joshua Nichols” featuring his major piano works to date. Josh draws on an eclectic musical background in film, commercial, and concert music, as well as classical forms and harmonic structures. Recent notable compositions include: Metropolis, Variations on Hatikvah, the Dover Sonata, and What Tongue Can Tell? His music is exciting, palatable for both regular concert goers and academics alike, and deeply expressive.

As organist, Josh has emphasized his role in church music both as an accompanist of congregational song and service musician to elevate the service and liturgy. He not only prepares solo repertoire, but also is an active clinician in church music, improvisation, harmonization, and directing choirs.

As pianist, Josh continues to play as an instrumental and vocal accompanist, as well as in musical theater. He is also a clinician in piano improvisation, harmonization, and vocal coaching.