Nicholas Kenney, D.M.A.

Dr. Nicholas Kenney is Professor of Horn and Chairperson of Music at Southeast Missouri State University, where he has served on the faculty since 2014. Recognized as an award-winning performer, educator, advisor, and academic leader, he has built a national reputation for student mentorship, program development, and innovative approaches to music recruitment and engagement.

A native of North Carolina, Dr. Kenney’s path to the horn was anything but conventional. On the first day of seventh-grade band, he quit. Without an instrument to play, he saw little reason to stay. His band director quietly loaned him an old trumpet, setting in motion a journey that would eventually take him to concert halls throughout North America, Europe, and Australia. Two years later he switched to horn because of a middle-school rivalry. The rivalry faded. The horn remained.

As a performer, Dr. Kenney has appeared in venues around the world, including Carnegie Hall in New York, the Conservatorium in Brisbane, Australia, the historic Waterford Opera House in Ireland, and performance venues throughout Italy and Mexico. An award-winning soloist, he is a two-time winner of both the North Carolina and Nebraska Music Teachers National Association competitions, winner of the Western Carolina University Concerto Competition, and a finalist in the University Division of the International Horn Competition of America.

He has appeared as soloist with the Duke University Symphony Orchestra, Jackson Symphony Orchestra, Savannah Philharmonic, Southeast Missouri State University Wind Symphony, Southeast Missouri State University Choir, and the Nebraska All-State Choir. His recital and masterclass appearances have included institutions throughout the United States and abroad, including the University of Virginia, Oklahoma State University, Middle Tennessee State University, Alabama State University, the University of North Alabama, and the Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo in Morelia, Mexico.

Dr. Kenney has performed with numerous professional ensembles, including the St. Louis Symphony, Kansas City Symphony, Omaha Symphony, Lincoln Symphony, South Dakota Symphony, Savannah Philharmonic, Memphis Symphony Orchestra, Chattanooga Symphony and Opera, Charlotte Symphony, and many others. In 2022, he co-founded Duo Sonus with former student Dr. Jordan Redd, Assistant Professor of Horn at the University of North Alabama. Together they commissioned and recorded James Naigus's Odyssey for Two Horns and Mixed Media, which serves as the centerpiece of their ongoing recording and performance projects.

While maintaining an active performing career, Dr. Kenney is perhaps best known for his work as an educator and academic leader. Since arriving at Southeast Missouri State University, he has expanded the horn studio, established the SEMO Horn Choir as an official university ensemble, and developed numerous outreach initiatives serving students throughout Missouri, Illinois, and the broader Midwest. He is the founder and director of SEMO Horn Day, an annual event that brings together horn players of all ages for a day of instruction, performance, and community building.

As Chairperson of Music, Dr. Kenney has led significant growth in enrollment, recruitment, fundraising, and student engagement. Under his leadership, the department successfully completed its NASM accreditation review, expanded recruiting efforts throughout the United States and internationally, launched new academic offerings, and increased participation across multiple ensemble areas. He has secured substantial philanthropic and institutional support for scholarships, student opportunities, and program development while helping position the department for continued growth and success.

His commitment to student success has earned recognition from both students and colleagues. In 2023, he received Southeast Missouri State University's Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award and was nationally recognized with a Merit Award from the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA). He has also been recognized for excellence in recruitment, mentorship, and experiential learning initiatives that connect students with meaningful professional opportunities.

A sought-after clinician and speaker, Dr. Kenney regularly presents masterclasses, workshops, and leadership seminars throughout the United States. His presentation, Solutions for Success: Effective Strategies for Short- and Long-Term Achievement, has been presented to music programs, student organizations, athletic teams, and educational institutions. His former students have gone on to successful careers as performers, educators, military musicians, arts administrators, and leaders throughout the profession.

Prior to his appointment at Southeast Missouri State University, Dr. Kenney served as Director of Instrumental Studies at Cresset Christian Academy in Durham, North Carolina, and held collegiate teaching positions at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, UNC Pembroke, and Concordia University.

Dr. Kenney earned the Doctor of Musical Arts and Master of Music degrees from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and the Bachelor of Music degree from Western Carolina University. His primary teacher and mentor is Dr. Alan F. Mattingly.

He resides in Jackson, Missouri, with his wife, Lindsay, their children, Amelia and Elliot, and their Bengal cat, Barnaby.

Awards and Honors

• 2023 SEMO Outstanding Faculty Advisor
• 2023 Experiential Learning Award, SEMO Show Band
• 2025 Provost Award for Teaching Excellence - Student Recruitment

Best Advice for Students

• Take care of your body.
• Find joy in your daily routine.
• Be consistent.
• Invest in people.
• Take ownership.
• Stay Curious.