Nick Finzer
@nickfinzer.bsky.social
Jazz Trombonist 🎶
Composer ✍️
Professor 👨🏫 at UNT
Composer ✍️
Professor 👨🏫 at UNT
On this Valentine’s Day,
Discover how Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn reimagined Romeo and Juliet...
A love story told through orchestration, melody, and mood.
Jazz has always known how to speak from the heart.
Discover how Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn reimagined Romeo and Juliet...
A love story told through orchestration, melody, and mood.
Jazz has always known how to speak from the heart.
February 14, 2026 at 4:02 PM
On this Valentine’s Day,
Discover how Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn reimagined Romeo and Juliet...
A love story told through orchestration, melody, and mood.
Jazz has always known how to speak from the heart.
Discover how Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn reimagined Romeo and Juliet...
A love story told through orchestration, melody, and mood.
Jazz has always known how to speak from the heart.
TO DREAM A BIGGER DREAM
I wrote this tune as we were coming out of the pandemic... and speaks to the generation that lost their spark because of it... that fire and desire to reach for your biggest dreams...
I wrote this tune as we were coming out of the pandemic... and speaks to the generation that lost their spark because of it... that fire and desire to reach for your biggest dreams...
February 11, 2026 at 3:02 PM
TO DREAM A BIGGER DREAM
I wrote this tune as we were coming out of the pandemic... and speaks to the generation that lost their spark because of it... that fire and desire to reach for your biggest dreams...
I wrote this tune as we were coming out of the pandemic... and speaks to the generation that lost their spark because of it... that fire and desire to reach for your biggest dreams...
The Guru doesn’t have all the answers.
The farther you go along the path, the more you realize there are more questions than answers.
That’s the moment you keep pushing forward and find them for yourself.
Live at Dizzy’s
The Jazz Orchestra Volume 1
The farther you go along the path, the more you realize there are more questions than answers.
That’s the moment you keep pushing forward and find them for yourself.
Live at Dizzy’s
The Jazz Orchestra Volume 1
February 9, 2026 at 6:03 PM
The Guru doesn’t have all the answers.
The farther you go along the path, the more you realize there are more questions than answers.
That’s the moment you keep pushing forward and find them for yourself.
Live at Dizzy’s
The Jazz Orchestra Volume 1
The farther you go along the path, the more you realize there are more questions than answers.
That’s the moment you keep pushing forward and find them for yourself.
Live at Dizzy’s
The Jazz Orchestra Volume 1
NEW CHART DROP: We the People! (arr. Jack Courtright)
Now available on my store!
https://nickfinzer.store/collections/big-band-charts-1
Now available on my store!
https://nickfinzer.store/collections/big-band-charts-1
February 1, 2026 at 8:01 PM
NEW CHART DROP: We the People! (arr. Jack Courtright)
Now available on my store!
https://nickfinzer.store/collections/big-band-charts-1
Now available on my store!
https://nickfinzer.store/collections/big-band-charts-1
The February edition of the Improviser's Insight is going out tomorrow (Feb 1)!
You can sign up here: https://sendfox.com/lp/3e6n60
so you don't miss it!
You can sign up here: https://sendfox.com/lp/3e6n60
so you don't miss it!
January 31, 2026 at 5:01 PM
The February edition of the Improviser's Insight is going out tomorrow (Feb 1)!
You can sign up here: https://sendfox.com/lp/3e6n60
so you don't miss it!
You can sign up here: https://sendfox.com/lp/3e6n60
so you don't miss it!
This is how to (and how not to) articulate the first phrase of "Anthropology" by Charlie Parker
There's not one RIGHT answer, but there are lot of ways that I would consider "not ideal" for expressing clarity of the phrase, the rhythm, and the swing!
There's not one RIGHT answer, but there are lot of ways that I would consider "not ideal" for expressing clarity of the phrase, the rhythm, and the swing!
January 26, 2026 at 8:02 PM
This is how to (and how not to) articulate the first phrase of "Anthropology" by Charlie Parker
There's not one RIGHT answer, but there are lot of ways that I would consider "not ideal" for expressing clarity of the phrase, the rhythm, and the swing!
There's not one RIGHT answer, but there are lot of ways that I would consider "not ideal" for expressing clarity of the phrase, the rhythm, and the swing!
Here’s a clip of my Jazz Orchestra digging into JJ Johnson’s “Say When” one of the most joyful and iconic tunes JJ wrote!
January 24, 2026 at 8:02 PM
Here’s a clip of my Jazz Orchestra digging into JJ Johnson’s “Say When” one of the most joyful and iconic tunes JJ wrote!
JJ Johnson drops real wisdom on developing your musical concept — inspired by Lester Young.
🎧 Full interview now on my YouTube!
#JJJohnsonCentennial #JazzTrombone #JazzLegends #TrombonePlayer #MusicalIdentity
🎧 Full interview now on my YouTube!
#JJJohnsonCentennial #JazzTrombone #JazzLegends #TrombonePlayer #MusicalIdentity
January 23, 2026 at 4:03 PM
JJ Johnson drops real wisdom on developing your musical concept — inspired by Lester Young.
🎧 Full interview now on my YouTube!
#JJJohnsonCentennial #JazzTrombone #JazzLegends #TrombonePlayer #MusicalIdentity
🎧 Full interview now on my YouTube!
#JJJohnsonCentennial #JazzTrombone #JazzLegends #TrombonePlayer #MusicalIdentity
Happy Birthday JJ Johnson! Drop a comment with your favorite JJ Track or Recording!
To celebrate what would have been his 102nd birthday, I'm relaunching "LEGACY"
https://found.ee/Finzer-Legacy-Extended
To celebrate what would have been his 102nd birthday, I'm relaunching "LEGACY"
https://found.ee/Finzer-Legacy-Extended
January 22, 2026 at 3:01 PM
Happy Birthday JJ Johnson! Drop a comment with your favorite JJ Track or Recording!
To celebrate what would have been his 102nd birthday, I'm relaunching "LEGACY"
https://found.ee/Finzer-Legacy-Extended
To celebrate what would have been his 102nd birthday, I'm relaunching "LEGACY"
https://found.ee/Finzer-Legacy-Extended
What mouthpiece did JJ Johnson play? 🎺
(King M21!)
Thanks to John Kalafas & Tom Everett for sharing this rare JJ interview — full vid on YouTube is a must-listen.
#JJJohnsonCentennial #JazzTrombone #TrombonePlayer #JazzHistory
(King M21!)
Thanks to John Kalafas & Tom Everett for sharing this rare JJ interview — full vid on YouTube is a must-listen.
#JJJohnsonCentennial #JazzTrombone #TrombonePlayer #JazzHistory
January 21, 2026 at 4:02 PM
What mouthpiece did JJ Johnson play? 🎺
(King M21!)
Thanks to John Kalafas & Tom Everett for sharing this rare JJ interview — full vid on YouTube is a must-listen.
#JJJohnsonCentennial #JazzTrombone #TrombonePlayer #JazzHistory
(King M21!)
Thanks to John Kalafas & Tom Everett for sharing this rare JJ interview — full vid on YouTube is a must-listen.
#JJJohnsonCentennial #JazzTrombone #TrombonePlayer #JazzHistory
“You never know who’s listening…” 👂
Hear the wild story of how Rufus Reid landed the gig with JJ Johnson! A true jazz history gem.
#JazzTrombone #JazzBass #RufusReid #JJJohnson #TromboneHistory #LegacyLivesOn
Hear the wild story of how Rufus Reid landed the gig with JJ Johnson! A true jazz history gem.
#JazzTrombone #JazzBass #RufusReid #JJJohnson #TromboneHistory #LegacyLivesOn
January 20, 2026 at 8:02 PM
“You never know who’s listening…” 👂
Hear the wild story of how Rufus Reid landed the gig with JJ Johnson! A true jazz history gem.
#JazzTrombone #JazzBass #RufusReid #JJJohnson #TromboneHistory #LegacyLivesOn
Hear the wild story of how Rufus Reid landed the gig with JJ Johnson! A true jazz history gem.
#JazzTrombone #JazzBass #RufusReid #JJJohnson #TromboneHistory #LegacyLivesOn
Celebrating JJ Johnson’s 102nd! 🎉
Check out my version of “Say When” — featuring legends who played with JJ: Lewis Nash, Renee Rosnes & Rufus Reid.
🎧 Now streaming: nickfinzermusic.com
#JJJohnsonCentennial #JazzTrombone #SayWhen
Check out my version of “Say When” — featuring legends who played with JJ: Lewis Nash, Renee Rosnes & Rufus Reid.
🎧 Now streaming: nickfinzermusic.com
#JJJohnsonCentennial #JazzTrombone #SayWhen
January 19, 2026 at 8:02 PM
Celebrating JJ Johnson’s 102nd! 🎉
Check out my version of “Say When” — featuring legends who played with JJ: Lewis Nash, Renee Rosnes & Rufus Reid.
🎧 Now streaming: nickfinzermusic.com
#JJJohnsonCentennial #JazzTrombone #SayWhen
Check out my version of “Say When” — featuring legends who played with JJ: Lewis Nash, Renee Rosnes & Rufus Reid.
🎧 Now streaming: nickfinzermusic.com
#JJJohnsonCentennial #JazzTrombone #SayWhen
Kicking off JJ JOHNSON WEEK!
(his birthday is this week on January 22! Would have been 102 this year!)
JJ Johnson talks about his SOUND!!!
It’s one of the greatest.
Thanks to John Kalafas and Tom Everett for sharing this rarely heard JJ Johnson interview!
(his birthday is this week on January 22! Would have been 102 this year!)
JJ Johnson talks about his SOUND!!!
It’s one of the greatest.
Thanks to John Kalafas and Tom Everett for sharing this rarely heard JJ Johnson interview!
January 18, 2026 at 6:03 PM
Kicking off JJ JOHNSON WEEK!
(his birthday is this week on January 22! Would have been 102 this year!)
JJ Johnson talks about his SOUND!!!
It’s one of the greatest.
Thanks to John Kalafas and Tom Everett for sharing this rarely heard JJ Johnson interview!
(his birthday is this week on January 22! Would have been 102 this year!)
JJ Johnson talks about his SOUND!!!
It’s one of the greatest.
Thanks to John Kalafas and Tom Everett for sharing this rarely heard JJ Johnson interview!
How important is the college you go to for a music career?
Very.
Not because of the name or the price tag—but because of your peer group.
Your peers push you, connect you, and shape your future in the scene.
Very.
Not because of the name or the price tag—but because of your peer group.
Your peers push you, connect you, and shape your future in the scene.
January 6, 2026 at 8:03 PM
How important is the college you go to for a music career?
Very.
Not because of the name or the price tag—but because of your peer group.
Your peers push you, connect you, and shape your future in the scene.
Very.
Not because of the name or the price tag—but because of your peer group.
Your peers push you, connect you, and shape your future in the scene.
New Big Band Chart - out today - Just Passed The Horizon!
It’s one of my favorites from the record. I always describe it as a blues… though not everyone agrees. That tension is kind of the point 😎
https://nickfinzer.store/collections/big-band-charts-1
It’s one of my favorites from the record. I always describe it as a blues… though not everyone agrees. That tension is kind of the point 😎
https://nickfinzer.store/collections/big-band-charts-1
January 3, 2026 at 7:01 PM
New Big Band Chart - out today - Just Passed The Horizon!
It’s one of my favorites from the record. I always describe it as a blues… though not everyone agrees. That tension is kind of the point 😎
https://nickfinzer.store/collections/big-band-charts-1
It’s one of my favorites from the record. I always describe it as a blues… though not everyone agrees. That tension is kind of the point 😎
https://nickfinzer.store/collections/big-band-charts-1
Work/life balance is real… just not in the moment.
On the macro scale, balance matters.
But in the micro? If you want something done, obsession wins.
Zoom out. Sprint when needed. Recover later.
On the macro scale, balance matters.
But in the micro? If you want something done, obsession wins.
Zoom out. Sprint when needed. Recover later.
December 27, 2025 at 7:02 PM
Work/life balance is real… just not in the moment.
On the macro scale, balance matters.
But in the micro? If you want something done, obsession wins.
Zoom out. Sprint when needed. Recover later.
On the macro scale, balance matters.
But in the micro? If you want something done, obsession wins.
Zoom out. Sprint when needed. Recover later.
The year is rapidly drawing to a close... and there's BIG things coming in 2026!
Including some new performances with the latest edition of the quartet featuring:
Liya Grigoryan (@liyagrigoryan.piano)
Guillermo Lopez (@g_more_11)
Jerome Gillespie II (@jeromegillespie_jr)
📸 by @austinkruczek 👌
Including some new performances with the latest edition of the quartet featuring:
Liya Grigoryan (@liyagrigoryan.piano)
Guillermo Lopez (@g_more_11)
Jerome Gillespie II (@jeromegillespie_jr)
📸 by @austinkruczek 👌
December 26, 2025 at 6:02 PM
The year is rapidly drawing to a close... and there's BIG things coming in 2026!
Including some new performances with the latest edition of the quartet featuring:
Liya Grigoryan (@liyagrigoryan.piano)
Guillermo Lopez (@g_more_11)
Jerome Gillespie II (@jeromegillespie_jr)
📸 by @austinkruczek 👌
Including some new performances with the latest edition of the quartet featuring:
Liya Grigoryan (@liyagrigoryan.piano)
Guillermo Lopez (@g_more_11)
Jerome Gillespie II (@jeromegillespie_jr)
📸 by @austinkruczek 👌
Holiday vibes = ON 🎄
“Christmas Time Is Here” — full playlist on YouTube!
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXD7328p4PAdOPexJ-5xbtVDJxToIRjg3
“Christmas Time Is Here” — full playlist on YouTube!
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXD7328p4PAdOPexJ-5xbtVDJxToIRjg3
December 24, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Holiday vibes = ON 🎄
“Christmas Time Is Here” — full playlist on YouTube!
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXD7328p4PAdOPexJ-5xbtVDJxToIRjg3
“Christmas Time Is Here” — full playlist on YouTube!
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXD7328p4PAdOPexJ-5xbtVDJxToIRjg3
Throwback to ALL HYPE
from "The Chase"
Now streaming on your favorite platforms
Ft. @glennzaleski right here!
from "The Chase"
Now streaming on your favorite platforms
Ft. @glennzaleski right here!
December 23, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Throwback to ALL HYPE
from "The Chase"
Now streaming on your favorite platforms
Ft. @glennzaleski right here!
from "The Chase"
Now streaming on your favorite platforms
Ft. @glennzaleski right here!
Join me live on Monday Dec 22nd to wrap up 2025 with a Q&A - ASKNICK! 1PM EST
Here: https://youtube.com/live/0FTMK7DB98w?feature=share
Here: https://youtube.com/live/0FTMK7DB98w?feature=share
December 21, 2025 at 9:01 PM
Join me live on Monday Dec 22nd to wrap up 2025 with a Q&A - ASKNICK! 1PM EST
Here: https://youtube.com/live/0FTMK7DB98w?feature=share
Here: https://youtube.com/live/0FTMK7DB98w?feature=share
Grateful for my first opportunity to perform at the @themidwestclinic last week!
It was great to share the stage with the fantastic @shah_relle and @dr.aileenrazey
I even got to run into my 8th Grade Band Teacher - Ms. Beth Fabrizio!
Get some R&R this holiday season... !!!
It was great to share the stage with the fantastic @shah_relle and @dr.aileenrazey
I even got to run into my 8th Grade Band Teacher - Ms. Beth Fabrizio!
Get some R&R this holiday season... !!!
December 21, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Grateful for my first opportunity to perform at the @themidwestclinic last week!
It was great to share the stage with the fantastic @shah_relle and @dr.aileenrazey
I even got to run into my 8th Grade Band Teacher - Ms. Beth Fabrizio!
Get some R&R this holiday season... !!!
It was great to share the stage with the fantastic @shah_relle and @dr.aileenrazey
I even got to run into my 8th Grade Band Teacher - Ms. Beth Fabrizio!
Get some R&R this holiday season... !!!
Trying to stay on the nice list… so here’s some trombone Christmas spirit 😇🎄
“Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” — full holiday playlist below!
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXD7328p4PAdOPexJ-5xbtVDJxToIRjg3
“Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” — full holiday playlist below!
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXD7328p4PAdOPexJ-5xbtVDJxToIRjg3
December 20, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Trying to stay on the nice list… so here’s some trombone Christmas spirit 😇🎄
“Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” — full holiday playlist below!
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXD7328p4PAdOPexJ-5xbtVDJxToIRjg3
“Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” — full holiday playlist below!
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXD7328p4PAdOPexJ-5xbtVDJxToIRjg3
Nothing says “Happy Holidays” like a wall of trombones 😎🎄
NYC’s finest slid through to help me bring “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” to life.
Full vibes + more holiday music on the YouTube playlist!
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXD7328p4PAdOPexJ-5xbtVDJxToIRjg3
NYC’s finest slid through to help me bring “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” to life.
Full vibes + more holiday music on the YouTube playlist!
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXD7328p4PAdOPexJ-5xbtVDJxToIRjg3
December 18, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Nothing says “Happy Holidays” like a wall of trombones 😎🎄
NYC’s finest slid through to help me bring “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” to life.
Full vibes + more holiday music on the YouTube playlist!
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXD7328p4PAdOPexJ-5xbtVDJxToIRjg3
NYC’s finest slid through to help me bring “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” to life.
Full vibes + more holiday music on the YouTube playlist!
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXD7328p4PAdOPexJ-5xbtVDJxToIRjg3
Sliding straight into the holiday spirit with “Christmas Time Is Here” 🎄🎶
More holiday trombone goodness over on my YouTube playlist!
➡️ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXD7328p4PAdOPexJ-5xbtVDJxToIRjg3
More holiday trombone goodness over on my YouTube playlist!
➡️ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXD7328p4PAdOPexJ-5xbtVDJxToIRjg3
December 11, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Sliding straight into the holiday spirit with “Christmas Time Is Here” 🎄🎶
More holiday trombone goodness over on my YouTube playlist!
➡️ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXD7328p4PAdOPexJ-5xbtVDJxToIRjg3
More holiday trombone goodness over on my YouTube playlist!
➡️ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXD7328p4PAdOPexJ-5xbtVDJxToIRjg3
This is one of the best sounding cup mutes... too bad they are not in business anymore!!!
(this is a classic version of my new single "With Gratitude" - streaming now!)
https://found.ee/Finzer-Gratitude
(this is a classic version of my new single "With Gratitude" - streaming now!)
https://found.ee/Finzer-Gratitude
December 6, 2025 at 8:03 PM
This is one of the best sounding cup mutes... too bad they are not in business anymore!!!
(this is a classic version of my new single "With Gratitude" - streaming now!)
https://found.ee/Finzer-Gratitude
(this is a classic version of my new single "With Gratitude" - streaming now!)
https://found.ee/Finzer-Gratitude