Solo Programs

“… breathtakingly beautiful to hear.”  –Peter Mix, Acoustic Musician Magazine

“Michael Nix takes the listener along on a new voyage with a completely different musical vessel. Listeners will discover a shimmering versatility.” —Ritchie Davis, The Recorder

Nix's seven string banjar combines the timbres of the banjo, classical guitar and lute, incorporating styles and textures drawn from classical, jazz, folk, and world music.

Michael Nix offers solo programs as a one-hour performances, or as a two-set full concert:

  • A program of New Classic Banjo Project music on seven-string Banjar featuring music from his new solo Banjar album of compositions and commissions, Aperçu, which was released on PARMA Recordings Big Round Records and distributed by NAXOS. 
  • A program of classical crossover music for seven-string Banjar and guitar to include classical guitar pieces and classic banjo pieces with influences of classical, folk, and international music. 

Devine-Nix Duo

Chris Devine and Michael Nix are innovative multi-instrumentalists, composers, and arrangers who perform programs that combine classical, folk, international, jazz, and bluegrass influences. With Chris on violin, mandolin, guitar, and flute and Michael on guitar, mandolin, banjar, and banjo, their shows are a wild musical ride as genres and styles are meshed, blended, and served up with energy, style, and wit, replete with warmth, humor, stories, and audience engagement.  

 

"Felicitous music making… radiant… subtle"  Joseph Marcello, The Recorder

“Lively, full of energy, high octane; the spirit is infectious” Marvin J. Ward, Classical Voice of New England
 

For a more in-depth look  & listen, see Devine-Nix Duo website. 

For booking information, contact Michael Nix.

New Banjo Project Ensemble

Michael Nix collaborates regularly with a number of musicians to perform concerts of new classic banjo music. These concerts can include bass, cello, percussion, flute, bowed strings, keyboard, guitars, and voice. Musicians in collaboration with New Classic Banjo Project ensembles include: Chris Devine, violin, viola, mandolin, guitar, flute; Greg Snedeker, cello; Mark Fraser, cello; Charles Moser, mandolin, bass, Joe Fitzpatrick, percussion, and Gloria Matlock, voice.  

Workshops, Lectures & Residencies

In addition to solo concerts and the New Classic Banjo Project Ensemble, Michael offers workshops and lectures on the Banjar and compositions created for the New Classic Banjo Project. His lectures can include performances and demonstrations of various types of banjos and styles playing banjos and guitars.

Workshops topics include:

  • Composing for the banjo: A hands-on workshop to learn how to compose music for the banjo.
  • New Classic Banjo Project Playing Styles for the 5-string banjo player: A group class workshop for 5-string banjo players on incorporating the various techniques on New Classic Banjo Project playing. 

Lecture topics include:

  • Presentation:  Design and Commission of 7-String Banjar - A PowerPoint lecture on the design, physics, and aesthetic choices in the commission and construction of the Seeders Instruments #125 custom seven-string banjo.
  • Discussion:  Commissioning a Bespoke Instrument and Compositions - A discussion/lecture on how to commission an instrument from a maker, and how to commission a composition or song from a composer for your instrument. 

Residencies:

  • Residences can be structured in several ways. A typical residency may  include combinations of lectures, workshops and performances over a weekend or a week. 

Instruction

For more than 50  years, Michael Nix has been playing, performing and composing music. His experience allows him to tailor lessons to the student’s interests and needs. He teaches beginners to advanced musicians on Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin, Uke, Theory, and Composition.  Lessons take place in  his studio in Greenfield, MA or can be done online via Zoom. For more information and to sign up for lessons, see the Nixworks Academy website. 

How to Book

For booking information, contact Michael Nix at

NixWorks
PO Box 400
Greenfield, MA 01302
413-772-0328
michaelnixmusic@gmail.com

For information about booking in the New England area and grants that are available to support programs see Michael Nix’s Creative Ground webpage.