Biography
 Daniel Nix began his musical studies at the age of ten in Dallas, Texas. First expressing interest in the violin, he began lessons in the Suzuki program. Earning many accolades as a young violinist, Daniel gave his solo debut with orchestra at the age of eleven. Upon several relocations with his family, Daniel was forced to change music schools which led to him eventually parting with the violin at the insistence of his orchestra director in Richardson, Texas. Daniel was persuaded to begin studying the double bass a few months before his fourteenth birthday. After having played the double bass for only one day, the director of the orchestra concluded that Daniel demonstrated too strong an affinity for the instrument not to continue. After much reluctance, Daniel focused his efforts on studying the double bass but longed for the gorgeous melodies he so easily played on the violin. Daniel found the double bass massive, uncomfortable, and extremely difficult for producing a beautiful and satisfying sound.
Upon hearing famed bassist Gary Karr in concert, Daniel, at the age of seventeen, realized the enormous potential of the instrument. After this brief encounter, Daniel, without the aid of a teacher, began to experiment and learn how to produce what he considered a gorgeous sound. Daniel went on to study music performance at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. In the summer of 2003, Daniel played for Karr in Victoria, British Columbia while attending an intensive course on double bass studies. Karr immediately expressed strong interest in working with Daniel privately. This encouraged Daniel to move to British Columbia in order to study with Karr while also attending the University of Victoria to study with Mary Rannie, principal bassist of the Victoria Symphony.
Daniel has made a continued effort to establish the double bass as a respected solo and chamber instrument through the arrangement of new repertoire and creation of many new chamber ensembles. In addition to The Saturna Trio, Daniel also founded several classical string quartets and performed the cello parts on the double bass to much critical acclaim. In addition to his solo repertoire of classical music, Daniel has also commissioned new works by contemporary composers to showcase his unique talents with the instrument. His collaboration with British composer Gavin Bryars gave rise to Silva Caledonia, Daniel’s solo debut album performing concertos with orchestra and Male Choir.
Strad Magazine 'Launch Pad'- November 2008
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