Trumpeter Nicholas began studying piano at 4 years, adding flute and trumpet at 10. He studied trumpet with Marcellus Brown and Brad Peters while attending Boise State University in Boise, Idaho, furthering study through lessons with masters Bobby Shew and Jon Faddis, and masterclass performances for American Brass Quintet and Centre City Brass Quintet. Nicholas began performing and teaching professionally in 1995.

From 2000-2008 he travelled the world and performed as Lead Trumpeter and Musical Director aboard many cruise ships, mostly with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.

In 2008 Nicholas settled in Ottawa, Canada, where he established himself as a first-call lead trumpeter and educator. He founded the Capital Youth Jazz Orchestra in 2009 and was its musical director for 10 years. Nicholas taught at Carleton University from 2009-2021, as well as being on faculty at Carleton Jazz Camp for 10 years. He worked with Alcorn Music Studios to produce Trumpet Bootcamp for 6 years, with masterclasses and concerts with guest trumpeters Ingrid Jensen, Russell Devuyst, Bria Skonberg, John Ellis, Jason Logue, Lex French and Dave Dunlop.

Today, Nicholas is an in-demand private instructor in trumpet, harmony and improvisation, and is an active guest clinician, adjudicator and guest soloist.

After relocating to the beautiful Interior region of British Columbia in 2021,

Nicholas currently leads ENDEE4+, co-leads The Convertibles, and has begun forming Okanagan Youth Jazz Orchestra for high school jazz musicians from Kamloops to Penticton with his company Bastion Education Productions.