nicole
knorr
nicole
knorr
nicole knorr is an Ann Arbor-based composer-improviser, vocalist, pianist, & interdisciplinary artist. nicole's work resides at the intersection of sound, visual art, and language—continually transforming in the embrace of curiosity and unwavering attention.
In Nicole's eyes, art is at its best when slow-grown. She revels in iterative projects that allow ample time and ample space for layers of complexity to breathe, develop and blossom. Nicole's creative practice is interdependent with her community of long-term collaborators and partners, mutually tending shared ideas and curiosities while growing alongside each other throughout the process.
Cherished collaborations of the upcoming season include her selection for the New Jersey Symphony's Edward T. Cone Institute, her residency with NeuroArts Productions to create a concert-length staged music theater work, and a chamber opera in collaboration with Marinette Gomez (Lyric Opera of Chicago) and the University of North Florida.
Nicole has received commissioned from esteemed organizations such as the Music Teacher's National Association (MI chapter) and the National Association for Teaching Singing. Past highlights include her work with Haven Trio through Connecticut Summerfest, her collaboration with FLYDLPHN, and recognition in Sinta Quartet's annual composer competition.
Nicole is an active performer, contributing piano and vocals to my salamander, a pluralistic band that moves fluidly between indie, folk, math rock, live improvisation, and much more. my salamander's debut album is expected late 2025.
Institutions and individuals that have recognized and shaped Nicole's artistic trajectory include the Edward T. Cone Institute via the New Jersey Symphony, the Cincinnati Song Initiative, the National Association for Teaching Singing, the Music Teachers National Association, Sinta Quartet, Haven Trio, NeuroArts Productions, Connecticut Summerfest, Du Vert a l'Linfini, the Transpacific Trio, FLYDLPHN, VIRID Duo, Brain Pocket Trio, Alba New Music Festival, the Hicks Honors College (UNF), Wildflower Composers, Tom Cipullo, Mathew Fuerst. the University of Michigan (MM) where she studied under Michael Daugherty and Evan Chambers, and the University of North Florida (BM) where she studied under Erin K. Bennett (piano), John Daugherty (voice), Gary Smart (composition) and Joshua Tomlinson (composition, music technology).
from me to you—
hello!
my creative practice frequently investigates transformation, growth, and interconnectedness of all beings, often through the lens of the natural world; organicism and posthumanist perspectives influence my art greatly.
my music engages these themes through experiments with the limits of musical notation, thoroughly integrating visual art with sonic gesture—from music-based card games to scores rendered wholly in colored pencil.
music is a living entity, evolving greatly each time it changes hands: from composer, to performer, to listener. this exchange motivates my work; the translation process is thrilling to me—and abstraction (by way of graphic notation or otherwise) provides us with invaluable insight around the fundamentals of how we communicate via written and spoken gesture.
i am always searching for a single point of connection, a way to meet listeners on common ground. i believe in our capability to cultivate empathy, curiosity, and a deeper understanding of each other and the world we inhabit via art; you can only soften those you are able to reach. art—beauty—paves that path for us.
ultimately, i want to lean into what is good and create more of it.
with love,
nicole
