We love Mr. Heaton. My son is 13 and on the autism spectrum and so focus can be hard for him, he was really struggling in school based orchestra because they couldn't give him one on one attention. He also struggles with fine motor delays (which is why we chose a string instrument). We've been doing lessons with Nicholas for almost a year now. Nicholas always takes his time with my child and is extremely patient. My son has gained SO much confidence since we began taking these private lessons. They work on not just learning to play cello but learning how to really understand/read the music and making sure that the techniques he's learning (hand positions, ways of sitting and moving) are all exactly what he needs to progress successfully in his orchestra and going forward. My son enjoys his lessons and I feel like we always get our money's worth. I can't wait to see where he will be another year from now working so closely with such an amazing musician and teacher.

I’ve taken lessons from Nicholas for about a month now, and he’s a fantastic instructor. As an adult beginner, I appreciate how patient he is and he explains technique/fundamentals in a way I can understan. I definitely feel challenged, and I leave each lesson wanting to practice for the next lesson. He’s also provided a lot of guidance for purchasing a cello and bow. Awesome experience so far.

My son had a very good experience; we had some technical issues in the beginning and Nicholas was very patient and stayed on with us to ensure that my son didn’t miss out on the class. I would definitely recommend Nicholas to my friends and on my local neighborhood Facebook page thankyou!

As an adult student, Nicholas is a fantastic instructor. He corrects technique rather than focusing on small mistakes (like a flubbed note). He's very easy to work with and challenges me each lesson so that I am never bored and never feel like I am wasting time working on perfecting a two note exercise because he pushes me to play further and further in the practice book. Absolutely the best experience for an adult student (any student, really).

a lot attention to detail and technique when playing violin. Great for daughter because until now she has been all about rushing and getting it over with.. Now it will be more about taking time with each piece and aim for perfection. Even tho she is going over pieces she already played she's not complaining.

Nicholas is such an amazing teacher! He is very thorough and makes sure that you understand and learn everything properly. He goes at a pace that is perfect for me and tailors to your specific needs. I look forward continuing my lessons and highly recommend him!

SO happy with my first class - instead of treating me like a beginning 8 year old (I'm almost 30), he willingly focused on technique and accepted my word that I have read music before (I played piano for several years) instead of forcing me to read a treble clef to him. He also immediately addressed my most pressing concerns (such as bow hold) as I am trying to partially self teach in the interest of time and money using online lessons, etc. Focusing on technique instead of how to pizzicato a quarter note allows me to practice and his teaching style, telling me what mistakes I may be making and why I am making them as a beginner (too much pressure, too little, etc) really allows me to try and improve before the next lesson. I am INCREDIBLY happy with his flexibility and teaching style and will gladly continue taking lessons from him. Highly recommend, at least for the adult beginners like myself!

Nicholas is an inspiring teacher who strives for excellence while focusing on the student's individual situation and needs. Beginning lessons as an adult with some musical experience with other instruments as a child and early teen, he has been able to build quickly on what I already knew, and "undo" improper technique which could have caused physical harm if continued. He is able to encourage and motivate in the difficult and frustrating moments common to all students.

I highly recommend Nicholas for any age or level student.

Nicholas began as my son's cello instructor when he was 10, and we are now beginning our third year under Nicholas' instruction. He has a very patient, quiet manner while teaching, though it is common to hear chuckles coming from the room during the lesson. Nicholas is himself an excellent musician, but he has very realistic expectations for his students. My son has made tremendous progress on the cello in a short time. Originally, we were in the same city with Nicholas, so the lessons occurred in our home. Recently, we moved out of state, and are thrilled that we can continue lessons with him online. Some of the things I have especially appreciated about him are his punctuality, being prompt and timely in his communications with us, and his willingness to work out scheduling details with us. Highly recommend Nicholas!