Hailed as a “Rising Star” in the world of jazz (DownBeat Critics Poll), Nick Finzer is making waves with his dynamic original compositions and trombone artistry. Finzer has toured the globe as a bandleader and has shared the stage with some of the most respected names in jazz. As a headlining trombonist and an entrepreneur, Finzer is on a mission to spread the joy and power of jazz.

Finzer's love for jazz began in his childhood, when he became captivated with the music of Duke Ellington. This passion led him to participate in the annual Essentially Ellington competition at Jazz at Lincoln Center, inspiring him to follow his dreams to move to New York City to pursue a life in music. Finzer went on to study at the renowned Eastman School of Music and The Juilliard School, where he was mentored by trombone legend Steve Turre.

Finzer’s recent accolades include a Grammy nomination with Anat Cohen's Tentet, being named "Rising Star Trombonist” in the DownBeat magazine 2020 Critics Poll, and receiving an ASCAP Young Jazz Composer Award. As a bandleader, Finzer has released seven critically acclaimed albums, garnering features in the industry’s top publications and placements in the Top 10 of the JazzWeek’s charts. In 2020, he was awarded the prestigious New Jazz Works grant from Chamber Music America, resulting in his 2023 album “Dreams, Visions, Illusions.”

Finzer's talent and dedication to craft have not gone unnoticed by his peers in the industry. Wycliffe Gordon, who mentored Finzer early in his career, has called him "a new voice [in] the pantheon of upcoming trombone greats in the making." In addition to his headliner performances, Finzer has also had the opportunity to perform with jazz heavyweights including Wynton Marsalis, Anat Cohen, Dafnis Prieto, and Ryan Truesdell's Gil Evans Project. Finzer has played at legendary venues such as Carnegie Hall, Dizzy’s Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Sydney Opera House, the Bimhuis, Birdland, the Blue Note, and the SF Jazz Center.

As a result of his artistry and innovation, Finzer has become a highly sought-out authority on jazz trombone and education. In 2018, Finzer made history as the inaugural Assistant Professor of Jazz Trombone at the prestigious jazz program at the University of North Texas. Finzer brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the university, having previously served as a Visiting Professor of Jazz Trombone at Florida State University, a sabbatical replacement at Hunter College, and at Jazz at Lincoln Center's Jazz Academy. Finzer has also made a name for himself as an author and educator, sharing his wealth of knowledge in jazz education and music business with the world through his wide breadth of books, masterclasses, courses, and active YouTube channel.

Finzer is an artist for Conn-Selmer Inc. and plays a King 3B+ Trombone.