MUSIC EDUCATION
Private Lessons, Teaching Clinics, Music Camps, & Master Classes
PRIVATE LESSONS
There’s no substitute for private one-on-one instruction. Whether you’re a complete beginner, or an old pro, it always helps to have personalized instruction.
TEACHING CLINICS
High school bands, summer camps, community bands, etc. Nicholas can teach and direct a variety of genres and musical instruments.
SUMMERS CAMPS
Nicholas is a faculty member of the RCA Jazz
Camp in Kelowna, DIrector of Brass Bootcamp (launching 2024), and was on the faculty of
Carleton University Jazz Camp in Ottawa from it's start in 2009 until 2020.
MASTER CLASSES
Nicholas is available to delivery master classes on request and occasionally organizes master classes with visiting musicians for his students.
Please visit BastionEducationProductions.ca
HI! I’M NICK DYSON.
I have loved music all my life and for the last 28 years I have been lucky enough to make a career out of my passion. I believe that anyone can learn how to play a musical instrument. All it takes is the drive to learn, a solid routine, and the persistence to keep going when things get difficult. Of course, having a good teacher to help guide you also helps.
When working with students one-on-one, I tailor each lesson to the student’s needs. I try hard to accommodate their interests while going at a pace that is comfortable for them, only pushing my students out of their comfort zone when I know they are ready.
I love sharing the joy of music with others. Nothing makes me prouder than seeing a student achieve their goals and reach levels they never imagined possible.
If you think you are ready for one-on-one lessons then I would love to meet you. Send me a message in the contact form below and let’s get started.
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FLEXIBLE LESSON OPTIONS
Choose an option that works for your budget and your schedule. Lessons can be weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or as-needed.
45-MINUTE PRIVATE LESSONS
ON ZOOM
$65
60-MINUTE PRIVATE LESSONS
IN NICHOLAS'S STUDIO
$70
90-MINUTE PRIVATE LESSONS
ON ZOOM
$120
60-MINUTE PRIVATE LESSONS
IN YOUR HOME
$80 + travel costs
WHAT STUDENTS ARE SAYING
“I started off as an anxious third trumpet who always doubted her skills, but in the 2-3 years I worked with Nick I improved immensely. The most valuable aspect of Nick’s teaching was his patience. Nick would break things down in a way that was easier.The drills, exercises, tips and tricks on how to hit the right notes helped me develop the confidence I needed to sign up for band, orchestra and jazz band all the way until graduation.
Nick taught me to tackle the hard licks in fast songs and to improvise, and as a result, I was well-prepared for my final recital. Nick is patient and knowledgeable, and I certainly would not have been successful in concert band, orchestra, or jazz band without him.”
Kimiko Y.
Trumpet Student, 2013-2016
With only a very rudimentary knowledge of reading music and not having ever played any instrument before, I started taking trumpet lessons with Nick about 2 years ago. At 61 years of age it was quite the learning curve. Nick has been a thoughtful and encouraging teacher. He has managed to lay down a solid musical and technical base without overwhelming me and guided me towards an enjoyable experience of making music.
Gabriele T.
Student, Since 2018
Nick is a fantastic teacher for jazz improvisation; he taught me everything from first-time introduction up to advanced techniques. Trading solos during lessons was a great source of inspiration, as Nick is a melodic, thoughtful and complex soloist. Nick also helped me tremendously with my technique. He is an accomplished lead player, who understands the mechanics of trumpet-playing inside-out and backward. On top of this, Nick is a patient and encouraging teacher who always makes lessons fun.”
Jaye M.
Student, 2010-2013
I’ve grown so much as a musician in the four years that I’ve studied with Nick. Not only have I gained valuable knowledge, but he also showed me how to translate that knowledge into my playing.
Nick is an incredible teacher!
Atcheleh A.
Student, 2016-2020
After putting away my horn for 34 years I decided to try again. Nick was a trumpet clinician for the New Horizons jazz band. I enjoyed the way he taught the group and asked if he would try to teach me how to improvise. I had some musical training previously (drum and bugle corps and a little in high school), but no theory. I enjoy my lessons and find my playing and most importantly musical theory has developed. Nick’s approach has been one of patience and persistence.
Mark D.
Student, 2016-2021
Nick is experienced in many styles of music, but he tailored his lessons to focus on my interest in jazz and improvisation. Nick further enhances his lessons with masterclasses with many current trumpet greats, including Ingrid Jensen and Bria Skonberg. Nick Dyson’s enthusiasm and excellence inspired my lifelong passion for music and trumpet.
Megan V.
Student, Trumpet Student 2013-2016
Studying with Nick has improved every aspect of my trumpet playing – from technique to tone to jazz playing – as well as my theory knowledge and overall understanding of music. I have gone from barely understanding a major scale to being able to take confident improv solos using much more complicated concepts. He is an excellent and patient teacher.
Owen D
Student, Since 2017
HOW IT WORKS
Once you review the lesson options listed above, send me a message and let me know a little bit about you and what you would like to accomplish. Lessons are scheduled on an individual basis and take place online using Zoom videoconferencing. I will send you information on how to get started.
While my schedule can get pretty full, I will do my best to accommodate you. If we can’t for any reason make it work, or if you decide that I am not the right fit for you, I’ll be happy to refer you to another suitable teacher.
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WHAT IS YOUR LESSON CANCELATION POLICYPlease provide 24 hours notice if you wish to cancel a lesson. Lessons cancelled at the last minute, or no shows, will be charged.
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WHAT ARE YOUR PAYMENT METHODS?Prices are in Canadian dollars and payments can be made by cash, check or e-transfer. If you wish to use a different method please let me know and we can discuss the options.
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RECORDINGSNicholas frequently writes and records for a variety of artists, and has contributed to many albums, including: Solomon Douglas Swingtet Tilda That’s The Spirit SoulJazz Orchestra’s ‘Rising Sun’ (2011 JUNO nomination) SoulJazz Orchestra’s ‘Solidarity’ (2013 JUNO nomination) Bank Street Bonbons The Cooper Brothers Slim Moore & the Mar-Kays Mike Essoudry’s Mash Potato Mashers The Yohawks Orienteers Phil Motion & the Easy Lo-Fi Pete Foret KJ Thomas Kayla Howran Janie Renée Good Advice Krystal Jyl & The Jacks Live concert recording for Radio Canada with Los Gringos Prime Rib Big Band 2020 release: “Choice Cuts” His Ottawa-based Jazz band, The Beeched Wailers, recorded their album, “The Johnson Lake Sessions” in 2015.
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CURRENT PROJECTSNicholas performs regularly with The Prime Rib Big Band, Los Gringos, Bank Street Bonbons, and Mackenzie Rhythm Section, and he occasionally performs with the National Arts Centre Orchestra Pops. Nicholas’s jazz quintet, The Beeched Wailers, hosts a weekly Tuesday Night Jazz Jam in Ottawa.
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PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTSNicholas Dyson has worked with numerous musical legends including: Dave Brubeck, Roy Hargrove Big Band, Barbra Streisand, Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, Natalie Cole, Jamie Cullum, Kim Massie, Paul Anka, The Temptations, The Coasters, The Platters, Solomon Douglas Swingtet, Patrick Watson, Dan Mangan, and Broken Social Scene. Nicholas also played with the National Arts Centre Orchestra Pops, Ottawa Symphony Orchestra, Orchestre Symphonique de Gatineau, Capital Brassworks, and in the pit orchestras of many musical theatres shows like Book of Mormon and Motown The Musical.