Biography
Jacob Nance is a saxophonist and musician based out of East Lansing, Michigan. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Music and Michigan State University with a Masters in Music. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Musical Arts. Through pursuing experience in many genres and avenues of music, Jacob has made a name for himself in many musical circles.
As a classical saxophonist, Jacob has achieved success through merging his own creative aesthetic with the aesthetic presented by composers. These achievements can be evidenced through numerous competition accolades including: winning second place in the Music Teacher’s National Association’s Young Artist Woodwind competition in the Spring of 2021, winning the University of Oklahoma’s Young Artist Competition in 2018, and performing the Glazunov Concerto as the featured soloist with the Conroe Symphony Orchestra in 2018.
As a chamber musician, Jacob performs as the alto saxophonist with Sound Session, a saxophone quartet formed in August of 2021, and the tenor saxophonist with Phlox, a saxophone quartet formed in June of 2023. Sound Session has been successful in numerous competition, including being chosen as First Prize for the 2021-2022 Music Teacher’s National Association Chamber Music competition, being chosen as First Prize in the 2021-2022 North American Saxophone Alliance’s biennial Quartet Competition, and winning First Prize at the 2022 Wagner Chamber Music competition. Previously Jacob was the baritone chair with the Codex Quartet, which was also nationally recognized in chamber music competitions. Jacob is a co-founder and member of the SiP Duo, which is set to release an album of eight commissioned works.
As a proponent of jazz music, Jacob has released an album with his combo The Way Out. He is active in Michigan State University’s jazz program, having been in Jazz Orchestra I under the direction of Rodney Whitaker, as well as in the Jazz Octet and Combo program. He was frequently seen performing piano and saxophone around the Norman and Oklahoma City jazz scene with this group. Jacob is an avid jazz composer as well, having composed and performed over a dozen original works with The Way Out.
An emerging composer, Jacob has harnessed his propensity for the merging of popular music’s stylings within the realm of art music to create music to connect with a broad audience. His works have been performed at various recitals and festivals across the country. He has been commissioned by many ensembles and individuals, including: Joseph Lulloff, Jonathan Nichol, Clap7 Saxophone Quartet, Simian Duo, Lati2de, and Codex Quartet.
As a musician, Jacob can be heard creating music in a pop style as well. His work can be seen on his album From Then Until Here on Out, which released on Spotify in October of 2021. His sophomore album, The Messages I Never Sent, released on Spotify October 1, 2022.
Jacob’s primary teachers include Professor Joseph Lulloff, Dr. Jonathan Nichol, Professor Jay Wilkinson, and Dr. James Barger.
Jacob is an eager collaborator, and is always interested in exciting new projects to be involved in.
Contact Jacob for more info.