We are passionate about improving instrument design. The NUVO design process starts by taking a fresh look at the form, mechanisms and materials commonly found in traditional instruments, many of which have their design roots in the 1800s. Our instruments respectfully preserve the musicality of traditional instruments while adding modern innovations that make learning more effective, especially for children.
Learning to play a musical instrument can be profoundly lifechanging. Besides the joy of making music, it gives increased confidence and a heightened sense of purpose. Numerous studies have revealed that students who participate in music programs at an early age perform better in other subjects and thrive socially. It is equally joyful and rewarding to take up a musical instrument later in life. Our most senior NUVO student is 86 years young! However, learning to play a musical instrument isn’t easy! It requires concentration, frequent practice, an enthusiastic teacher, a suitable instrument and some degree of passion. Many traditionally designed instruments present hurdles that add to the challenges and inhibit the learning process unnecessarily. We produce instruments that minimise those hurdles and make learning easier, faster and more accessible.
AWARDS
Over the years we have been proud to receive numerous awards for NUVO instruments and our WindStars Program. It’s always an honor to be recognized for our hard work and passion for bringing more music and more fun to more kids!
2025 NAMM Best Tools for Schools (WindStars and NUVO Instruments)
2019 NAMM Best in Show (NUVO WindStars)
2017 NAMM Best Tools for Schools (WindStars)
2015 NAMM Best in Show (NUVO Instruments)
2015 NAMM Best Tools for Schools (Clarinéo)
2013 NAMM Best Tools for Schools (Clarinéo, Recorder and Student Flute)
NUVO was founded in 2008 after Graham visited Max in Hong Kong to discuss the redesign of the Lyons C Clarinet. We set up Nuvo Instrumental after discovering a shared passion for helping people of all ages and walks of life to experience the joy of playing a musical instrument. Since then we have developed and produced 6 new instrument concepts and currently ship to over 30 countries around the world.
Max Clissold – Founder and CEO
Graham and Max came together by chance in 2008 and decided to collaborate on the founding of NUVO with a mission to bring more children into music by making instruments more suitable.
It is with sadness that we announce that Graham passed away on 13 June 2024 after a short illness. Read more in the news article here.
Graham was our Founding Father and his legacy lives on in the 100’s of thousands of children who have benefitted from using NUVO instruments over the years. We treasure the memories working and travelling together and will honor him by continuing to innovate and produce instruments that will help bring more music to more kids around the world.
We are proud to be working together to bring more music and more fun to more kids around the world!
Max Clissold
Founder and CEO
Max has worked in product design and manufacturing for over 30 years. Having founded NUVO with Graham Lyons over 10 years ago he continues to create new products and ideas to bring more instruments to kids and enthusiastic amateur musicians around the world.
Bo Choy
General Manager – China Operations
Bo has been working for NUVO since 2008 and manages all production and product development operations at our workshop in China.
Cris Chen
Sales Office Manager (International)
Cris is a dedicated team member and is the first point of call for all our International Distributors around the world.
Brittany Bauman
Office Manager, Director of Music Education (USA)
Brittany is an experienced music educator and project lead for the WindStars curriculum. She oversees NUVO’s US office and distribution center and organizes WindStars teacher training and certifications.
Antonio Lao
Sales and Marketing Manager
Antonio looks after sales and marketing and work with international distributors with his experience in branding and design. He is the point of contact for media inquiries and dealer support.
Bruce Hunnisett
Music Education Projects (Hong Kong)
Bruce is an experienced music educator and exceptional saxophone player while also doubling on Flute and Clarinet. He is based in Hong Kong and is working on a number of new initiatives to help bring more NUVO to classrooms around the world. See Learning Materials.
Ricky Chow
Project Manager – Product Development
Ricky is a graduate of Product Design from the Universtity of Bournemouth, UK and is in charge of product development projects for NUVO.