Nancy Zeltsman

Marimba Ones are absolutely my favorite instruments. Their craftsmanship is exquisite; their quality unparalleled.

"The ever-astonishing Nancy Zeltsman... sparkling rhythmic inflection, stamina, speed, accuracy, and a full spectrum of colors." - The Boston Globe

Nancy Zeltsman is a leading marimba performer, recording artist, commissioner of new works, teacher, author and festival director. She has presented numerous recitals and marimba master classes across the United States as well as in Europe, Japan and Mexico. Her recordings include three solo marimba cds: Sweet Song, See Ya Thursday and Woodcuts; a marimba duo CD with Jack Van Geem, Pedro and Olga Learn to Dance; and three CDs with Marimolin.

During their eleven years (1985-1996), the marimba/violin duo Marimolin premiered nearly 80 pieces and sponsored eight annual international composition contests. In addition, Nancy has premiered dozens of marimba solos and other chamber works involving marimba. In 2005, she performed Michael Tilson Thomas' Island Music (as one of two featured marimbists) with percussionists of the San Francisco Symphony on three SFS subscription concerts at Davies Hall, and with percussionists of the New World Symphony in Miami and at Zankel Hall at Carnegie Hall. She also premiered William Thomas McKinley's marimba concerto Childhood Memories with Boston Modern Orchestra Project.

Nancy is Chair of the Percussion Department at The Boston Conservatory and an Associate Professor at Berklee College of Music. She has taught marimba at both institutions since 1993 in positions that were created for her. She is Artistic Director of the Zeltsman Marimba Festival, Inc., an annual two-week summer event. Nancy served as a judge for the International Marimba Competition for Students in Paris, France (October 2003), the Belgium International Marimba Competition (August 2001), and was one of twelve international players featured at The World Marimba Festival in Osaka, Japan (August 1998). Her marimba method, Four Mallet Marimba Playing: A Musical Approach for All Levels is published by Hal Leonard Corporation.

Nancy is a graduate of New England Conservatory where she was a student of Vic Firth. Prior to that, she studied intensively with Ian Finkel. Nancy now lives in Boston, Massachussets.