Hi, my name is Nick! I am a musician and educator in the area. I teach sax, flute, clarinet, oboe, and piano. Outside of teaching, I play jazz, classical and modern music professionally as well as in the collegiate world. Teaching music and passing down all that has been imparted on myself gives me joy and happiness. Teaching has always been a euphoric experience for me, because of the dialogue we develop as student and teacher. I have experience with both classroom and private instruction, however private instruction has always held a special place for me. I would be delighted to work with you in progressing through all your musical aspirations! I look forward to the possibility of working with you in the future!

When did you begin playing music, and why?

I began Playing saxophone in the 4th grade. I started playing, because both my older sisters were in the school band. I continue to play because it is a passion that fuels my life.

What instruments do you play, and what is your experience with them?

I have collegiate education and professional experience in sax, flute, clarinet, oboe, and piano.

What are your personal goals as a musician?

My primary goal with music is to use it as a tool to enhance a student’s educational and personal life as it did for me. Additionally, I would like to play in more pit orchestras and use my original music as a way to bring people together.

Do you have a memory of a time when a musical concept or technique really clicked?  Something you’ll remember forever?

Back in high school, I was a horrible sight reader. When I performed for an audition, sight reading was always my lowest score. It wasn’t till college that I began to develop a competency for it. This was solely because of the amount of times I did it with someone and not on my own. I won’t say it clicked, because I don’t believe anything musically great happens without multiple efforts of practice and rehearsal. It was definitely a long process of trial and tribulation, not just instant gratification.

What is your favorite piece of advice from one of your past (or current) teachers?

In order to become a well rounded musician, you must practice by yourself, play with others, and listen.

What was your most challenging moment learning an instrument

Making my own oboe reeds was definitely the most intensive and challenging experience I have had with music. I came to a point where I realized my sound would not progress further without my own specifications and understanding of my instrument. I broke through my block after I brought the instrument down to the most basic level of scraping wood, then rebuilding my previous knowledge off of that.

What is your biggest musical achievement?

I am able to independently and comfortably support myself solely through music.

Favorite thing about teaching?

Light bulb moments are my favorite thing about teaching. There is something about the student finally breaking through a mental block and progressing further in their music that makes it special for me.

Personal music projects:

A quintet that plays around the Philadelphia area playing original modern music influenced by jazz harmony and pop accessible world rhythms.