Nicholas Martin

Canadian musician Nicholas Martin is a Toronto-based educator, composer, and accompanist. Over the years he has worked with some of the top choral ensembles in Canada including the Ottawa Bach Choir and the Orpheus Choir of Toronto. He has performed nationally at the Luminato Festival as well as internationally representing Canada with the Ottawa Bach Choir and Montreal's Ensemble Caprice at the Meet at Beijing Arts Festival. As a composer, Nicholas strives to find a balance between nature and humanism. His film credits include the award-winning short film The Fruit Machine as well as the short film Blue Bird, which were featured at various film festivals including Orlando Film Festival, Hamilton Film Festival, and Canada Short Film Festival.  Nicholas has worked with many of North America's leading musicians including Robert Cooper (University of Toronto), Lisette Canton (York University), Matt Brubeck (York University), and Asher Ian Armstrong (University of Arkansas).  At York University he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a focus in composition and in his final year of study, he was awarded the Marion Lower Prize in Composition.    Nicholas has over ten years of experience teaching piano, voice, theory, and composition. During this time he has helped students reach post-secondary music degrees and win at various music competitions including the Toronto Kiwanis Festival. His teaching approach emphasizes the development of technique but also integrates this with all other musical elements including harmony, melody, and style with consideration of historical practices. He encourages his students to engage critically with the role music plays in their lives and how they can use this art form to express themselves and develop a sense of discipline. Additionally, Nicholas accompanies for Royal Conservatory of Music exams as well as various music festivals. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, cooking, hiking, and watching soccer.