Mitchell Nissen
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Mitchell Nissen is an Australian trombonist, educator, and arts-administrator whose career spans major orchestras, international study, and extensive teaching across Australia. From 2018 to 2024 he served as Principal Bass Trombone of the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, appearing regularly in concerts, recordings, and as a featured soloist. His work with the TSO includes a close collaboration with composer Mark Holdsworth through the TSO Composer School, contributing to the development of a new major work for bass trombone and orchestra. He also performed widely viewed digital recordings of Steven Verhelst’s Devils Waltz and Angels Tango for the TSO’s Daily Dose and Friday Night Live series.
Mitchell’s musical development has been shaped by significant exposure to some of the world’s leading trombonists. During his Master of Music at Northwestern University, he studied with renowned artists Michael Mulcahy , Randall Hawes , Timothy Higgins , and Douglas Wright. His early training with Scott Kinmont (Sydney Symphony Orchestra) and Christopher Harris (Sydney Symphony Orchestra) at the Sydney Conservatorium laid the foundation for his technical and artistic approach. A formative period of post graduate private study with Stefan Schulz (Berlin Philharmonic) further refined his sound concept, orchestral style, and interpretive depth. His approach has been enriched through masterclasses and festivals across Australia, the United States, and Europe, giving him a broad and diverse musical perspective.
Mitchell is an experienced and committed teacher. Before joining the TSO, he taught extensively as a private trombone tutor, and worked with young musicians through The Arts Unit (NSW Department of Education) — an organisation he himself graduated from. He later taught at the University of Tasmania and served as an instrumental tutor for the Australian Youth Orchestra National Music Camp, supporting aspiring musicians at pivotal stages of their development.
Mitchell brings to the Rising Stars program a deep commitment to brass pedagogy, a passion for building strong technical foundations, and a belief in supporting young players as they discover their musical voice. He is dedicated to creating a positive, curious, and musically rigorous environment in which emerging trombonists can thrive.