Thomas Nyfenger

Background

Thomas Nyfenger was born in 1936 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Career

He began his flute studies during his senior year of high school under the instruction of Maurice Sharp, and went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, and Artist Diploma from the Cleveland Institute of Music. Foreign two years, between 1961-1963, Thomas Nyfenger performed as solo piccoloist with the Indianapolis Symphony. He then moved to New York City and maintained a steady career as a freelance musician for four years until 1967.

Among these engagements were performances with the Aeolian Chamber Players, the New York Chamber Symphony of the 92nd Street Y, the New York City Ballet Orchestra, the New York Wind Quintet, the Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra, and the Mostly Mozart and Casals Festival Orchestras.

In 1967, Nyfenger joined the flute faculty of the Yale School of Music and also served as the chairman of the wind department. He held part-time teaching positions at the Manhattan School of Music, Mannes College, Queens College, Sarah Lawrence College, State University of New York Purchase, and Vassar College.

Nyfenger presented master classes and guest recitals at several locations across the United States, including those in Boston, Massachusetts, Kansas City, Kansas, Mill Valley, California, New Haven, Connecticut, and many more. Thomas Nyfenger died at the age of 53 on June 12, 1990.

He committed suicide in his Guilford, Connecticut home after a long battle with chronic depression.

The Thomas Daniel Nyfenger Prize is awarded annually by the Yale School of Music "to a student who has demonstrated the highest standard of excellence in woodwind playing".

Connections

teacher:

Jonathan Baumgarten