Nora Free is a jazz saxophonist, composer, educator, and experimental improvisor based in Oakland, California. Her music explores the intersection of improvisation, spell-casting, and spiritual ritual.

Previously an active member of the NYC jazz scene and a frequent studio musician, she has shared the stage with Macy Gray, Tony Allen, Bobby Few, Rasul Siddik, Ichiro One, and Lawrence “Butch” Morris; and has performed as an opening act for David Murray, Geri Allen, Dave Liebman, Joe Lovano, David “Fathead” Newman, and many others. Nora has appeared domestically and abroad at: SFJazz, the Blue Note (NYC), The Bitter End, Le Poisson Rouge, Z’avant-garde (Paris), The UPercut Jazz Club (Marseille). She has also been featured at: The Malcom X Jazz Festival, The Healdsburg Jazz Fest. (2024) the Sheboygan Music Festival, JazzFest Berlin, Jazz à Liège, and the Rochester International Jazz Festival.

She holds degrees in saxophone performance and composition from the Eastman School of Music and the University of Pittsburgh, respectively.

Nora has lectured in jazz history and theory at the University of Pittsburgh, where she was a fellowship recipient. She has also taught classes in improvisation and music composition in the US and abroad.