UTA Single Reed Showcase

Bio: Saxophonist Mike Nguyen is an active performer, chamber musician, and educator in the DFW Metroplex. Since 2017, he has served on the faculty of the University of Texas at Arlington as Adjunct Assistant Professor of Saxophone, where he teaches applied saxophone, chamber music, coordinates the saxophone studio class, and directs the UTA Saxophone Choir. Nguyen maintains a vibrant private studio in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and actively encourages chamber music throughout the area by performing it himself, and by organizing engaging performances for his private and collegiate students in modern urban venues. Under his direction, the UTA Saxophone Choir was selected to perform at the Texas Music Educators Association Convention in 2020. In addition to an active teaching schedule, Nguyen is a committed performer. In 2020, he performed John Williams’ Escapades for saxophone and wind orchestra with the Dallas Asian Wind Ensemble, where he holds the position of principal saxophone. He is also principal saxophone of the Allen Philharmonic Orchestra and the Dallas Civic Wind Ensemble, and is a member of the Texas Dixieland Band. In 2019, Nguyen co-founded the Dallas Asian Wind Ensemble, a group dedicated to increasing diversity in classical music by showcasing the highest quality compositions and performances by Asian musicians. Nguyen continues to serve the ensemble as principal saxophone, and as a member of the Board of Directors. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Dallas Civic Wind Ensemble. Nguyen holds a Bachelor of Music and Master of Music in Saxophone Performance from the University of Texas at Arlington, where he studied classical saxophone under professor Timothy Ishii. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Music Arts in Saxophone Performance at the University of North Texas, in the studio of Dr. Eric Nestler. He is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association, the North American Saxophone Alliance, and the Young Saxophonists’ Institute.