An alumnus of UNLV, Nathan Tanouye holds a bachelor of music degree with dual concentration in applied trombone and jazz studies. He also holds a master of music in trombone performance degree from Texas Tech University.

As a freelance trombonist, he has performed with artists such as Natalie Cole, Johnny Mathis, Tony Bennett, The Temptations, Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo, Andrea Bocelli, Donny & Marie Osmond, Bette Midler, Aretha Franklin, Barbra Streisand, Usher, and Jennifer Hudson. In addition, Tanouye has been the principal trombonist in the Las Vegas Philharmonic since 1998, and has performed on the Las Vegas Strip in shows such as Hairspray, The Producers, and Steve Wynn’s Showstoppers. Since 2005, Tanouye has performed and recorded with Las Vegas' premier horn band, Santa Fe & The Fat City Horns, a 15-piece band for which he also writes and arranges.

As a composer, Tanouye has written works for many different ensembles, ranging from jazz trio to symphony orchestra. He has received commissions from numerous groups including the Las Vegas Philharmonic. Tanouye has also done extensive work as an arranger and orchestrator for entertainers including Human Nature, Bette Midler and Celine Dion. He also regularly writes for and directs the 34-piece Las Vegas Jazz Connection, which has now recorded three CDs of Tanouye’s compositions and arrangements.

Currently, Tanouye holds the position of associate professor of Jazz Studies and Studio Trombone at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and is the featured trombonist with Celine Dion.