Piano with Nicholas M.

Nicholas is originally from Washington State but is now based in New York City. He began playing the piano at age 5. He first became inspired by jazz when he started playing alto in the 6th grade school band. It was at this point that Nick's grandfather began to teach him the old standards by playing them on the piano and showing his grandson vintage recordings. Starting his first band in high school, he has been leading gigs and recordings ever since. Upon receiving his first tenor saxophone at age 16, Nick realized there were other voices in the world of music. He has since then taken up the lifelong study of flute, clarinet and harmonica. Since moving to New York and graduating from New York University. Nick has had the opportunity to work and study with some of the finest musicians in the world. George Garzone, Joe Lovano, Ralph Lalama, Ralph Alessi, Brian Lynch, Billy Drewes, Jean-Michel Pilc, Kenny Werner and Richard Bona have all helped to contribute to his development as a musician. As a teacher, Nick has taught privately for years. His patience and personality allow him to share his knowledge with students of all ages. He has done work with younger children at schools in the Harlem area and has also taught as a clinician abroad at the Costa Rican Jazz Fest. (San Jose, Costa Rica) and the American School in Abu Dhabi. As a performer Nick has performed at numerous venues and festivals around the world. Some of these include Cornelius St. Cafe (NYC), Blue Note Jazz Club (NYC), The Knitting Factory (NYC), Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival (Moscow, ID), as well as internationally at the Saint-Elpidio Jazz Festival (Saint-Elpidio, Italy), Grand Tour Jazz Fest (Terni, Italy) and the Peru Intl. Jazz Fest (Lima and Cusco, Peru). With the release of his first record "Deep Sea Fisherman" in the fall of 2008, Nick officially started his recording career. He has appeared as a sideman on numerous other recordings and currently works as a woodwind studio musician appearing in films and television created by the "Listen Here Now" production enterprise. *** Lesson Details *** Nick enjoys teaching students of all ages and abilities. His curriculum involves developing a student's inspirations and aspirations for music while improving technical abilities on the instrument. He teaches by inspiring students to practice their skills rather than trying to force them. Nick is originally from a Jazz background but can help students study in the Pop or Classical genres. Music theory, history, and critical listening are all skills that can be taught. Whether you or your child is preparing for an upcoming audition, trying to move to the professional realm, or simply exploring the instrument as a beginner, Nick can help you achieve your goals. *** Studio Equipment *** Digital Piano, Amplifier, Digital Recording Equipment (For taping lessons), Educational and Study Resources (Scale Thesaures, Paul DeVille's Method Book, Transcriptions), Metronomes, Tuners, Music Stand, Extra Soprano Sax. *** Travel Equipment *** I can provide copies of books and learning materials but the student must provide their own instrument. *** Specialties *** As an accomplished improviser on the saxophone I specialize in jazz theory and improvisation. I also teach flute and clarinet as well as classical theory and reading. As a harmonica player I have put much study into the history and sound of the blues and can assist with that as well.