Michael Nix, NixWorks

Michael's approach is straightforward as he provides a clear explanation of the music theory and its hands-on application on your instrument. I'm getting real benefit from these sessions. The introduction of learning theory along a horizontal axis has made concepts much easier to understand.

Lessons offered: Once a week, Biweekly, or on a spot-lesson schedule when you can find time basis. I am going to open up in-person lessons for the people who have been vaccinated. Those students who wish may continue to have lessons on line. Students may have the option of moving back and forth between on line lessons and in person lessons.

The 2022 New American Banjo Festival was a huge success due in large part to your efforts. Thank you for all of your support and hard work! Thank you to everyone who attended the live performance at the Shea Theater and to Live Stream Donors. The Festival Concert will take place live at the Shea Theater Art Center in Turners Falls, MA, and streamed live.

Michael Nix performs on the seven string Banjar, an instrument he has designed, which combines elements of the five string banjo and the classical guitar. The Banjar's seven high tension nylon strings sound somewhat like a cross between the banjo and guitar or lute.

Combining lyrical expression with an insatiable musical curiosity Nix has forged an intriguing performance style incorporating various styles and textures drawn from classical guitar and banjo, jazz, blues, folk. His repertoire includes original compositions, jazz, ragtime, Irish and American popular songs from the 1800's, and folk songs.

As a soloist, Nix has performed on guitar, lute, banjo and mandolin, throughout the United States and Asia, and he performs with the Pioneer Consort, a trio playing "World Chamber Music" . For 17 years he played with the folk and bluegrass duo "Whole Wheat". He has composed solo music, songs, chamber music, symphonic works, electronic music, and opera. His work uses traditional classical techniques, with influences from electronic music, folk, jazz and world music. His music has been heard on NPR's "Weekend Edition", and on WGBH's "Morning Pro Musica".

He has five CD recordings including "Barton Cove" for solo banjar, and "World View" and "Noel" with the Pioneer Consort which feature the banjar.

Wonderfully warm and inspiring--Ruth Ehrenberg, Tuesday Morning Music, Springfield, MA "... breathtakingly beautiful to hear." --Peter Mix, "Acoustic Musician" Magazine.