Hi, I’m Nick!

With over 10 years of teaching experience, Nick is a passionate music educator specializing in piano, percussion, and music theory. Since 2014, he has worked with students of all ages and skill levels, teaching in both group and one-on-one settings. Nick holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Theory and Composition from Montclair State University, where he was recognized with the Outstanding Undergraduate Composer Award. His expertise spans piano (Western Classical, Pop, Rock), drum set (Pop, Rock, Progressive Rock), and concert percussion, as well as marching percussion.

Nick takes a patient, methodical, and student-centered approach to teaching. He believes in building strong fundamentals and encourages critical thinking through the use of open-ended questions, allowing students to reach conclusions on their own terms. Through both his teaching and music arranging, he has elevated numerous high school band and percussion programs across New Jersey, leading many of them to great success, including winning multiple national championships. Whether guiding beginners or advanced musicians, he tailors his lessons to meet each student’s unique needs, ensuring they grow confidently and enjoyably.

My Approach To A Typical Lesson

I believe in giving my students the resources and building blocks to learn and understand concepts on their own. This can help them to grow organically and not feel as if they are simply being spoon-fed information. I also love posing questions to my students to encourage critical thinking. I am a huge proponent of the fundamentals: a good foundation in technique and music theory can support the student as they grow into the type of musician that they would eventually like to be!

My Advice For Students

Discover what you like about music, and strive to learn more about it. Exploring new concepts and developing your taste can become a huge part of the fun! We have an incredible amount of music both past and present available at our fingertips. Even if you spent your entire life playing, you would never run out of things to learn. It may seem intimidating, but everyone needs to begin somewhere!

My Favorite Local Places

NJPAC in Newark, NJ
Rockwood Music Hall in NYC
The Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC

My Music

I’m a composer who loves percussion, electronic music, and minimalism. This is a recording from my Senior Composition Recital of a jazz piece titled “Frazil”. It was written about ice crystals that form under moving bodies of water called “frazil ice.”