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 Briggs. New projects include pieces for several Bay Area ensembles, including Earplay and the Left Coast Chamber Ensemble. Upcoming projects include new solo works for percussionist Chris Froh and cellist David Russell. He's also currently working on Unnamed, or, the Unnamed, a chamber opera for Guerilla Opera.
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.