Nicholas Massimo is a New York-based jazz saxophonist currently studying Music Education at the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College. Nicholas graduated from SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Music in the spring of 2023 and holds a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies. He is proficient on soprano, alto, tenor, baritone saxophones, flute, and clarinet. Nick began playing the saxophone at age 9. While in high school, he was accepted to the NYSSMA All-State Jazz Ensemble on tenor saxophone. He was also a Grammy Jazz Camp Finalist and the 2019 recipient of the Louis Armstrong Award.
Musical pit orchestra experience includes productions of The Wizard of Oz, Mary Poppins, Bye Bye Birdie, Gypsy, Hair, Cinderella, and Mamma Mia. Nick has studied under the direction of distinguished musicians including Ralph Lalama, Gary Smulyan, Jon Faddis, John Mosca, Adam Birnbaum, Todd Coolman, Doug Weiss, David DeJesus, Larry Ballereau, and Jonathan Holford. Currently, Nick works as a private music teacher, a session musician, director of the Hewlett High School Jazz Ensemble, director of the Hewlett High School Pep Band, and a substitute saxophonist for the Birdland Big Band where he has shared the stage with esteemed musicians including David DeJesus, Todd Coolman, Kenneth Ascher, and Paul Nedzela. Nick has had the great honor of being named the 2021 James Moody Scholar and the 2022 Manitou Foundation Scholar at Purchase College.