Portland, Oregon based bassoonist Nik Hooks has established a wide-ranging career spanning orchestral performance, chamber music, and teaching. Praised for his artistry and musical versatility, he has appeared with leading ensembles throughout the United States and abroad.

Currently Mr. Hooks serves as Acting Section Bassoon of the Oregon Symphony for the 2026-2027 season. Previously he held the positions of Acting Principal Contrabassoon with the Auckland Philharmonia, Acting Principal and Acting Associate Principal Bassoon with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Principal Bassoon of the Glens Falls Symphony Orchestra, and Principal Bassoon of the Billings Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, he has performed with the American Symphony Orchestra, The Knights, Princeton Symphony Orchestra, and NOVUS NY. As an avid chamber musician, he has collaborated with the Chameleon Arts Ensemble, the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society, Manhattan Chamber Players, Spectrum Chamber Music Society, the Oregon Bach Festival, and the Fort Worth Symphony Chamber Series.

An equally committed educator, Mr. Hooks has devoted his career to connecting with students and audiences through meaningful musical experiences. He serves on the faculty of the Manhattan School of Music Summer Program and was a part of Carnegie Hall’s 2020-2023 Ensemble Connect fellowship class, where he designed and presented educational performances, taught weekly in NYC public schools, and developed programming for diverse communities. His additional teaching experience includes the Colburn Conservatory and a private studio that he has maintained since 2016.

Nik Hooks holds a Professional Studies Certificate from The Colburn School and a Bachelor of Music degree from the New England Conservatory. His principal teachers include Richard Beene, Richard Svoboda, and Richard Ranti, with additional studies from Gina Cuffari, Judy Leclair, and Tom Novak.