Nicholas has been a musician in some form or another for as long as he can remember. His musical journey started when he was only six, with a delve into the realm of classical piano. While there, he studied under world class child prodigy Josh Cullen. The composers that he studied include Bach, Beethoven, Barton, Hayden, and many others. From there, he progressed to playing jazz trumpet, studying the Jamey Aebersold method under Paul Finkbeiner, the lead trumpet player for the Paul Keller Ensemble.
Then at the age of 11, with the help of his grandfather, he discovered the guitar. He learned quickly on his old SR guitar. He quickly discovered that he had a natural taste for blues phrasing, and his soloing abilities quickly blossomed. 2 years later, he had formed his first band, Spherical. It was through this band that he found the bass.
After a year in Chicago, where he was enrolled as a student in the Columbia College school of Music as a jazz studies student, he dropped out and has now relocated to Toledo to finish the degree on a full-ride scholarship at Bowling Green State University, studying under Jeff Halsey.
During his time as a performer, he has worked at a steady pace of over 175 shows/year, as well as sharing the stage with groups, such as Tesla, Candlebox, Bret Michaels, The Sick Puppies, 3 Doors Down, and many others.
During his musical career, Nicholas has played almost every style of music, from folk to experimental to jazz to rock. One thread holds true through all music -- it has to groove.
As a teacher:
Just as every player has their own musical personality and voice, so too does every lesson that Nicholas gives. In a supportive, patient environment, every lesson is custom tailored to the student.
Being musical is inherent to being human, so when a student's musical abilities fail to progress, it is the teaching method that has failed, not the student. While my educational background allows me to offer my students a high level of instruction in instrumental technique, my first priority with every student is to foster their love and understanding of music through playing their instrument.
During the course of a lesson, he will cover a broad range of topics, starting from the basics and moving into ear training, sight reading, theoretical knowledge and most important for any player, groove.See more
