ABOUT
Growing up in Clayton-le-woods in Lancashire, Nick was introduced to the trombone at the age of nine whilst at primary school, recieving tuition from Daniel Brooks.
Nick quickly became interested in playing and transcribing film music, as well as writing his own melodies before being formally introduced to composition at secondary school.
Honing his craft, Nick played trombone with Eccleston Brass Band as a teenager before pursuing music further at the University of Leeds, studying a BA Music degree and majoring in Composition.
During his time at University, Nick was actively involved in various ensembles as part of the Leeds University Union Music Society, playing trombone in their Brass Band, Wind Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra, as well as performing and arranging pop music in an oompah style with Leeds-based oompah-band, The Brasswürsts. In 2016, Nick won the Leeds University Union Composer’s Competition and premiered his winning orchestral work, ‘The Very Merry Milkman’, in the UK and Europe with the LUUMS Symphony Orchestra.
Since graduating, Nick has been Composer-in-Residence at Elland Silver Band, writing original brass band works and arrangements for them and other ensembles. Some of Nick’s most notable commissions to date include his arrangement of traditional Andalusian folk song, 'El Vito' for Elland Silver Youth Band at the Brass in Concert Youth Championships 2019, 'The Legend of Lambton', commissioned for Easington Colliery Band for the Cory Online Brass Band Championships 2021, and 'Bridego Fiasco!' for Elland Silver Band's programme at the Bolsover Festival of Brass 2023.
Beyond the realm of brass bands, Nick is an avid lover of film music, hip-hop, jazz and prog-rock. His passion for various genres has led him to compose music for moving image, solo piano, comedy songs and choral works. Nick’s first choral piece, ‘At Those Golden Gates’, was shortlisted as one of 24 semi-finalist compositions out of a total of 193 entries from 28 different countries in the Walter Hussey Composition Competition 2018.
TESTIMONIALS
Nick is an extremely talented composer with an uncanny gift for writing melodies that stay with you long after hearing them. With commissions, Nick continues to deliver on his promise every time and his music is emotive and engaging on every level.
Elland Silver Band (MD) & Red Admiral Music Academy (Academy Leader)
We approached Nick with a commission to write a solo euphonium piece for our son Thomas' 21st birthday. Not really knowing what we wanted, Nick asked about Tom's interests, the styles of music he likes and what he enjoys playing. We soon landed on the idea of something quite lively with a science fiction feel running throughout and that would provide a challenge to someone in their 3rd year of a Music performance degree. The result was Odyssey - an amazing piece from start to finish that captures the imagination and has provided Tom with a really enjoyable challenge. There couldn't be a more unique gift.
Mark Cobham
Red Admiral Music Academy (Euphonium)
Nick is relentlessly hardworking and passionate about everything he composes. He created two incredible, unique pieces for my motion graphic videos, and it has been amazing to work alongside such a creative and positive composer. Anyone working with Nick would be extremely lucky to have his talents on their team.
Photographer & Filmmaker