Dr. Nicholaus Yee is an accomplished violist, educator, and conductor who earned his doctorate at the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music, where he studied with Dr. Pamela Goldsmith and Professor Donald McInnes. A passionate chamber musician, he has performed with artists such as Midori Goto, Yo-Yo Ma, Bobby McFerrin, and Lynn Harrell, and has appeared on KUSC 91.5. His orchestral experience includes performing under esteemed conductors like John Williams and Esa-Pekka Salonen, and he has been a member of the Redlands Symphony Orchestra since 2009.

As principal violist of Del Gesù Strings, he toured South America, and he continues to perform locally, including a recent collaboration with Up Close and Classical. With more than 30 years of teaching experience, Nick is dedicated to fostering musical excellence. From 2018–2024, he served as Coordinator of the Strings & Orchestra Program at the Orange County School of the Arts, where he taught chamber music, conducted the String Orchestra, and guided program development. His previous educational roles include conducting with the Irvine Young Concert Artists and coaching for the LA Philharmonic’s YOLA program. Outside of music, he enjoys sports, billiards, cycling, and exploring diverse cuisines. He lives in Orange County with his wife, two children, and three dogs.