Christopher Nichols

Biography

Critically acclaimed clarinetist Christopher Nichols enjoys a dynamic career as a soloist and ensemble performer in the United States and abroad. As an instrumental soloist, he received praise from The American Prize for his “lovely long line, evocative playing” and “rich and round” tone, as well as his “fine performances” as a skilled artist.

Nichols has performed with the Philharmonia of Greater Kansas City, Pennsylvania Philharmonic, Brandywine Valley Symphony Orchestra, Garden State Philharmonic, Delaware Symphony Orchestra, Lancaster Symphony Orchestra, Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra and Allentown Symphony Orchestra. A devoted chamber musician, he is a member of Tiger Lily Trio and Christiana Winds, both in residence at the University of Delaware School of Music. He also has collaborated with the Serafin String Quartet and Copeland Quartet, as well as members of the Philadelphia Orchestra, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, New York Philharmonic and Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Nichols served for more than two decades in Army bands, performing throughout the United States, Germany, France and Austria. His military career culminated in service as first sergeant of the 287th Army Band in Wilmington, Delaware, before his retirement in 2026.

A dedicated educator, Nichols joined the University of Delaware School of Music faculty in 2013 and is professor of clarinet and director of graduate studies. As an artist clinician, he has given guest lectures at colleges, universities and conservatories throughout the United States, Europe and China. His students have succeeded in competitions, earned positions in military bands and become music educators at all levels.

Nichols has appeared as a featured soloist at conferences of the International Clarinet Association, European Clarinet Association, National Association of Collegiate Wind and Percussion Instructors, National Flute Association and College Music Society. He also has appeared as a headline artist at the International Festival of Clarinets in Costa Rica and the Shanghai International Clarinet Festival. In 2015, the Delaware Division of the Arts awarded Nichols an Established Artist Fellowship in recognition of his work as a solo recitalist. He has released solo and chamber music recordings on internationally distributed labels including Navona Records, Viduus Records and Albany Records. His recordings have received praise in publications including Gramophone, The Clarinet, Fanfare, NACWPI Journal, De Klarinet and Pizzicato.

Nichols is an active member of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, Pi Kappa Lambda Music Honor Society, International Clarinet Association and Music Teachers National Association. He has served as the College Music Society Northeast Chapter’s executive board member for performance and as secretary of the International Clarinet Association Board of Directors. He is currently president of the International Clarinet Association.

Nichols holds a bachelor of music, magna cum laude, from the Boston Conservatory; a master of music from Kansas State University; and a doctor of musical arts from the University of Kansas. His primary mentors include Ian Greitzer, Kenneth Radnofsky, Steven Barta, Tod Kerstetter and Stephanie Zelnick.

A Légère Reeds Endorsing Artist, Silverstein Pro Team Artist and Buffet Crampon USA Artist Clinician, Nichols performs exclusively on Légère Signature Series reeds, Silverstein ligatures and Buffet clarinets. He is also an RCW Artist and plays RCW clarinet barrels and bells.