Nikki Iles

Nikki Iles is a Senior Lecturer at Middlesex University and a prominent British jazz pianist, composer, and educator. She studied at the Royal Academy of Music as a Junior Exhibitioner, focusing on piano and clarinet. Her career spans performances with renowned artists like Stan Sulzmann, Tina May, and Kenny Wheeler, alongside leadership in groups such as Emanon and collaborations with the Creative Jazz Orchestra. She has composed works for orchestras and ensembles, including Printmakers Suite and Ellington Celebrations.

Education: Royal Academy of Music (piano/clarinet scholarship).

Research Interests: Jazz composition, improvisation techniques, and innovative pedagogy. Her work bridges classical and jazz traditions, with a focus on collaborative performance and educational outreach.

Awards:

• John Dankworth Special Award (1996)
• Multiple Jazz Education nominations (Parliamentary Jazz Awards)

Teaching & Grants: Developed jazz exam syllabi for the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (2003 onward). Extensive workshop leadership globally and links with London music colleges.

Labs/Teams: Collaborations with the Anglo Canadian Project, Julian Argüelles Octet, and the Kenny Wheeler Big Band. Leads projects like Renga and The Secret Quartet.