Hello! If you would like to learn music, challenge your abilities, and express yourself by connecting with your inner artist, I can be your guide. If you want to get over the anxiety of playing music in front of others, I can help you transform that tension into confidence. Dr. Nick S. is a native of Landrum, SC and has earned music degrees from Clemson University, Appalachian State University, and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Nick is a student of Dr. John Bleuel, Dr. Stephen Fischer, Dr. Scott Kallestad, and Dr. Paul Haar. Nick promotes the pedagogy of Joe Allard which focuses on embellishing one’s unique sound through a reduction of tension. Nick began his career at East Tennessee State University in 2015 where he taught applied saxophone and directed the saxophone chamber ensemble. Nick also served as professor of saxophone on the faculty of Creighton University in 2017. As a woodwind specialist, Nick has performed with the Newton-Conover Community Band, Johnny Manhattan Orchestra, Lonny Lynn Orchestra, and has appeared in the pit orchestra for Guys & Dolls, Far From Heaven, Bonnie & Clyde, and Lewis & Clark Part One: Manifest Destiny musical productions. Nick collaborates with pianist Zoey Brouthers in the chamber ensemble The Uwharrie Duo which formed in 2020 to offer a blend of traditional and contemporary chamber music performances and educational artistic-development workshops to residents of Stanly County and surrounding communities through recitals, lectures, and masterclasses. Currently on the faculty of Pfeiffer University and Mitchell Community College, Nick teaches applied saxophone and other music courses, and actively works with the Stanly County Concert Band, the Rowan Big Band All Stars, and conducts chamber ensembles in the Stanly County community as both performer and clinician. Nick also teaches music courses at South Piedmont Community College. In addition to his college teaching, Nick has experience working with young students ages 11-14, teaching them the basics of saxophone and reading music.