Basson and Contrabassoon

Nashville-based bassoonist Nicole Haywood Vera Tenorio has built a dynamic orchestral career, holding positions with professional orchestras across the country. Alongside her orchestral work, she is committed to contributing to the musical community through education and chamber music. Nicole has served as Acting Bassoon/Contrabassoon with the Nashville Symphony Orchestra since September 2025. She also serves as Assistant Principal and Second Bassoon with the Grant Park Orchestra in Chicago during the summer months. Her previous positions include Acting Second Bassoon with the Kansas City Symphony, Acting Assistant Principal and Second Bassoon with the Oregon Symphony for three years, Acting Bassoon/Contrabassoon with The Florida Orchestra, and Acting Bassoon/Contrabassoon with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra for two years.

Nicole's recording experience spans both the orchestral and commercial music industries. She has worked in Nashville recording studios on projects for video games, films, and Disney Parks. Her orchestral recording credits include projects with the Kansas City Symphony, Oregon Symphony, and Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, featuring works by Brahms, Gabriela Lena Frank, and Alexander von Zemlinsky.

A native of San Antonio, Texas, Nicole holds a Bachelor of Music degree from The University of Texas at Austin, where she studied with Kristin Wolfe Jensen, and a Master of Music degree from Rice University, where she studied with Benjamin Kamins. Her additional major teachers include Sharon Kuster and Mark Rogers. Outside of music, Nicole enjoys exercising, traveling, and exploring new restaurants and bars with her husband, Alfredo.