Nathan Tanouye is an alumnus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree with dual concentrations in Applied Trombone and Jazz Studies. He also holds a Master of Music degree in Trombone Performance from Texas Tech University.

Tanouye’s musical career is remarkably diverse, spanning performance, composition, arranging, and education. As a freelance trombonist, he has performed with many of the world’s most celebrated artists, including Natalie Cole, Johnny Mathis, Tony Bennett, Luciano Pavarotti, Plácido Domingo, Andrea Bocelli, Bette Midler, Aretha Franklin, Barbra Streisand, Alicia Keys, Usher, Jennifer Hudson, Kelly Clarkson, Maren Morris, Kanye West, Journey, The Who, The Jonas Brothers, Josh Groban, Jennifer Lopez and Barry Manilow.

He spent nine years as trombonist for Celine Dion, performing in her residency in Las Vegas and on multiple tours throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia. He also performed for five years with Lady Gaga in her Jazz & Piano residency at Park MGM in Las Vegas.

Since 1998, Tanouye has served as Principal Trombone of the Las Vegas Philharmonic. He is also trombonist, composer, and arranger for Santa Fe & The Fat City Horns, the internationally recognized horn band that received the Dean’s Medal at the 2019 Hall of Fame Ceremony at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

As a composer, Tanouye has written works in a wide variety of styles for ensembles ranging from flute and harp duo to full symphony orchestra. His notable commissioned works include Kokopelli’s Dance (2005), 11 Colors (2009), Loki’s Revenge (2010), and Desert Flight (2015), Las Vegas Suite (2017), Three Sketches for Trombone Choir (2021), and Shadows of Jazz (2022). In addition to his original compositions, he has worked extensively as an arranger and orchestrator for internationally acclaimed artists including Human Nature, Bette Midler, Celine Dion, Kanye West, and The Jonas Brothers. He also serves as arranger and trombonist for the Jazz Vegas Orchestra, which regularly performs his compositions and arrangements.

Currently, Tanouye is Professor of Jazz and Commercial Music and Studio Trombone at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He continues to find inspiration through performing, composing, arranging, and teaching. He is a S.E. Shires Artist.