Sam Nichols is a composer who lives and works in Northern California.
His music has been performed by eighth blackbird, the Empyrean Ensemble, and the Left Coast Chamber Ensemble, among other groups. Recent projects include Monkey Fist for cellist David Russell, and Crank for pianist Amy Dissanayake. New projects include pieces for several Bay Area ensembles, including Earplay, the Empyrean Ensemble, and the Left Coast Chamber Ensemble. He is also working on new solo works for percussionist Chris Froh and cellist David Russell. In September 2009 Guerilla Opera will stage his chamber opera Unnamed, or, the Unnamed.
An ongoing collaboration with sculptor Robin Hill has produced two multi-media installations. One of these, Kardex, was featured at the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts in Davis, CA.
He attended Vassar College and Brandeis University. For the past six years he has worked as a lecturer in the UC Davis Music Department; he also teaches in collaboration with the Technocultural Studies Department.