Music Department
Nick Fryer (Guitar, Jazz Guitar Ensemble, Jazz Combo)
Assistant Professor of Music (2008)
B.M. College Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati
M.M. Northern Illinois University
Nick Fryer, is a guitarist, composer, and educator. Originally from Cincinnati, OH Nick relocated to Chicago in 2002 and was active on the jazz scene there for six years. Nick recorded his debut CD as a leader, Homespun, in 2011 and has also recorded with the Nick Fryer/Doug Stone Quartet, and the Chicago post-rock quintet Algernon (Familiar Espionage). His composition "Broken Lady" was featured on Algernon's latest record,Ghost Surveillance, which was released on Cuneiform Records in 2010.
Nick has performed throughout the United States, Canada, and South America and has performed at jazz festivals that include the JVC Jazz Festival NYC, Iowa City Jazz Festival, and Jazz in Peru International Jazz Festival. Nick has also performed with many jazz greats including Peter Erskine, Anthony Cox, Mike Clark, Red Holloway,Dennis Mackrel, Rufus Reid, Billy Hart, David Bixler and others.
Nick received a B.M. in Jazz Performance from the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati and a M.M. in Jazz Performance/Pedagogy from Northern Illinois University. Studies also include New York University and the School for Improvised Music in New York City and lessons with Steve Cardenas, Brad Shepik, Pete McCann, Bruce Arnold, Fareed Haque, and drummer Tony Moreno.
Nick has over fifteen years of teaching experience and is currently Assistant Professor of Music at Minnesota State University Moorhead where he runs the guitar program, teaches jazz combos, jazz history, and the MSUM Jazz Guitar Ensemble. Prior to teaching at MSUM Nick held teaching positions at Harold Washington College and the Chicago Academy for the Arts in Chicago. A D'Addario Performing Artist, Nick performs and presents clinics on guitar and jazz to colleges and high schools throughout the United States.