Nyan
SaxophoneGuitarPianoMusic Theory
About Nyan
Originally from a little key, south of Miam, Nyan has been playing music for the better part of a lifetime. He learned his first chord on the guitar at 2, and started performing his first songs at 5 (since then he has learned many more chords, and more every day). Nowadays he is inspired by the outdoors and a nice mountain-scape; this being a primary muse for the sounds in his songs/songwriting.
Nyan grew up playing shows with his dad, David Feder, in-town and on the road. By 12 he had co-headlined international guitar festivals in Mexico and toured around the United States as a duo with his dad. High school was much of the same, including many bands and many gigs around town.
He carried on to earn a degree in Jazz at Florida State University, this time studying the Tenor Saxophone. This instrument change offered even more opportunity to play shows around Tallahassee, FL and surrounding areas. Carrying on in this fashion, Nyan moved to Nashville, TN, where he continued to tour for other artists at the professional level for years, until setting his sights on his own project. This shift brought him to LA, where he continues honing his songwriting and performance craft
Q&A with Nyan
Which musician would you like to play with?
Coldplay
Which musician has influenced you the most?
Michael Brecker is my biggest Saxophone influence
What can you teach me better on your instrument than any other teacher?
With saxophone, I’m confident in my ability to teach a strong ear, and the ability to jump into most any musical scenario, with most bands.
How did you learn to play your instrument?
I was self-taught, up until my college audition. Then I went through a rigorous practice regiment to get to the level of my peers. Ultimately becoming first-chair in every ensemble and a successful touring/recording musician!
What equipment do you play on today?
My tenor is a Yanagisawa T992 from the 90s with an aftermarket sterling silver neck, and a vintage Meyer NY hard rubber mouthpiece (refaced), my alto is a Conn "Naked Lady" from the 60s, Baritone is also a yanagisawa!
Which personal trait helped you the most while practicing?
My willingness to slow things down and relax into hours-long sessions, also the focus of starting each practice session with some free-play.
What does your instrument have that others don't?
The saxophone, specifically tenor, is one of the closest sounding to the natural human voice, which is what makes it so enticing to the human ear. In my opinion, it's one of the most (if not THE most) expressive instruments available. It is, after all, an almost direct extension of the voice!
How do you handle children?
I’m great with children!
What has been your greatest experience as a musician so far?
Playing all over the world! But without a doubt the best show was in Madrid, to 4000 very attentive and excited fans. When the audience is tapped in- that's the greatest feeling in the world.
What was the biggest stage you played on?
I played a pop-up show with Steven Tyler once as a 12-year-old, but I think the largest audience was at a festival next to Fenway Park- the whole street was packed as far as I could see
Which record would you take with you to the desert island?
Probably "A Love Supreme"
Besides music, what else is important in your life?
Getting outside, exploring. It's hugely important for me to have time outside (it also influences creativity)
Music style(s)
JazzRockPopReggaeAlternativeNeo-soulCountry
Level(s) Comfortable Teaching
Beginner to Advanced
What languages can you teach in?
English
Videos
Bands, Projects, Notable Performances, Collaborations
Recorded on "Medicaid Fraudd Dogg" with PFunk; Toured with Country artist Stephanie Quayle, Reggae artist Mishka, Played shows with Kendell Marvell, Recorded for artists such as Buck Raines, ggwendolyn, show with Jimmy Buffett
Accolades
Graduated with honors and a Bachelors in Jazz Studies from Florida State University, lead tenor in FSU Jazz ensemble and Small group
Personal Interests
Hiking, Running, Surfing, Car repair