American composer Monica (Niki) Houghton grew up in Reno, Nevada. She earned A.B. and A.M. degrees from Harvard University and an M.M. in Composition from the Cleveland Institute of Music. She served on the CIM and Joint Music Program with Case Western Reserve University faculties before moving back to Nevada in 2011. In 2007 she was named Composer of the Year by the Ohio Music Teachers Association and that same year was also honored with an Individual Excellence Award from the Ohio Arts Council.

Among the large ensembles which have performed her works are the Cleveland Chamber Symphony, Contemporary Youth Orchestra, Reno Philharmonic and San Francisco Choral Artists. Nevada Chamber Opera presented the world premiere of her opera The Big Bonanza in 2016.

Houghton solo and chamber works have been presented live in concerts throughout the country and around the world and at music festivals including AKI Festival of New Music, the Nevada Chamber Music Festival, Oregon Bach Festival, Virginia Arts Festival, and Shanghai Spring International Music Festival.

Recent commissions have come from Toiyabe Chamber Music Society, Sierra Watercolor Society, clarinetist Joshua Anderson, the Reno Arts and Culture Commission, and Reno Philharmonic Association.

Her most recent album releases A Breath of Air: American Art Song, Consolations featuring pianist James Winn and Of Time & Place, an album of mixed chamber works are available for listening on streaming services everywhere.

Ms. Houghton’s music has been described as “evocative” and “full of feeling.” She has incorporated non-Western instruments and musical practices into several of her compositions. A glance at her catalog reveals a wide range of influences inspiring her works, including nature, poetry, the visual arts, language, science and world events.