nick.zielinski@mcnallysmith.edu
Since earning his bachelor’s degree in performance from the University of Minnesota at Duluth (’00) and his master’s degree in Improvisation from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor (’04), Nick has become an active performer and composer in rock and jazz.
He keeps busy in a variety of different independent projects throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin including: The Restoration Jazz Band, ARP of the Covenant, Le Boom Boom, Ingo Bethke, Kilometers Davis, Brenda and the Holsum Family Fiscal Planner, The Stefan Kac Quartet, Rontana, Justhis, and About Ouch!. He has also performed extensively in musical theatre projects and orchestral ensembles such as: The Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra, Minnesota Repertory Theatre, Lake Superior Chamber Orchestra, Arrowhead Chorale, Itasca Symphony, Bloomington Medalist Band, Carlton College Musical Theatre, Renegade Comedy Theatre and the Twin Ports Wind Ensemble.
Currently, Nick is finishing coursework toward a M.A. in Music Composition at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. His composition “Mr. Li Poses with His American Birthday Cake.” was featured in the October, 2005 issue of Jazziz Magazine In September of 2011 he was commissioned by the Minneapolis Institute of Arts to compose a piece based on a work of art for their collection. This piece (entitled “Sans Mention”) was premiered at the MIA in April of 2011.
His previous teaching experience includes positions at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (Rock and Roll History), University of Minnesota at Duluth (percussion, jazz, and improvisation), Residential College of the University of Michigan (percussion, Afro-Cuban drumming, and “found” instruments), Paul Green School of Rock Music (drum set, assistant director for KISS and AC/DC shows), East Metro Music Academy (percussion), Minnetonka Community Education (percussion), Michigan Arts Council (improvisation), John Duss Conservatory (percussion), North Shore Summer Music Experience (percussion, head counselor), Superior High School (percussion), Esko High School (percussion), Duluth East High School (percussion), and the Duluth-Superior Symphony Chamber Ensembles in the Schools (percussion).