​NATHAN MERTENS
Saxophonist・Teaching Artist

I’m Nathan Mertens (he/him), a saxophonist and educator at the University of Colorado Boulder. I’m passionate about mentoring the next generation of musicians to be thoughtful, community-connected artists. Connecting with audiences through sharing music that actually reflects our world is at the heart of everything I do. Next up: touring with UK saxophonist Gillian Blair, performing Maslanka’s Saxophone Quartet Concerto, presenting at the Midwest Clinic, premiering house and dance-inspired works, commissioning Zinia Chan and Anthony R. Green, and sharing the stage at Suntory Hall in Tokyo. As a queer artist and Japanese saxophone scholar, I’m especially committed to spotlighting Japanese and LGBTQIA2S+ voices. Oh, and if you’re curious, I play Yamaha saxophones, D’Addario reeds, and Rousseau mouthpieces. They help me sound like me.