About Nuvo | Nuvo

MISSION

To enable kids from all walks of life to experience the power of making music.

DESIGN

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.

We create instruments that are:

Suitable

Our instruments are ergonomically suitable for all ages. They are lightweight and easy to handle.

Tuneful

Our instruments are designed to make note production easy for beginners but the quality of the tone is not compromised.

Durable

Our instruments can withstand extreme use making them particularly suited to the classroom. It is safe to keep them assembled and out on a desk stand or wall hanger, which encourages more frequent practice.

Personal

Our instruments can be customised. We provide a choice of colors, styles and special editions.

Practical

Our instruments are easy to carry around, assemble and clean. The materials used are 100% washable in warm soapy water! They are easily maintained.

Accessible

Our instruments are affordable for school programs at all levels worldwide.

British innovation. Expertly made in China.

ENHANCED LEARNING

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!

2019 NAMM Best in Show (Nuvo WindStars)

2017 NAMM Best Tools for Schools (WindStars)

2015 NAMM Best in Show (Nuvo Band Instruments)

2015 NAMM Best Tools for Schools (Clarinéo)

2013 NAMM Best Tools for Schools (Clarinéo, Recorder and Student Flute)

OUR PEOPLE

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 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.

Graham Lyons – Founder

Max Clissold – Founder and CEO

Graham has over 40 years experience in performing, composing and teaching clarinet, saxophone, flute and bassoon while Max has 20 years of designing and manufacturing consumer products. Graham is based in the UK and can occasionally be seen riding roller blades while playing his jSax! Max has his base in Hong Kong but frequently skips time zones on his travels around the world promoting and supporting the work of Nuvo. We have an open and collaborative working environment and love to hear from anyone who has something to say about our products or music education in general.

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/distribution center and organizes WindStars teacher trainings.

Antonio Lao

Sales and Marketing Manager

Antonio is an experienced marketer with passions 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.