Music education

Private Lessons, Teaching Clinics, Music Camps, & Master Classes
Book Lessons

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 Carleton University Jazz Camp and occasionally runs his own Trumpet Bootcamp.

Master Classes

Nicholas is available to delivery master classes on request and occasionally organizes master classes with visiting musicians for his students.

Hi! I’m Nick Dyson.

I have loved music all my life and for the last 25 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.

“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

What Students Are Saying

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, Since 2016

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, Since 2016

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

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 LESSONS on ZOOM

$60

60-minute lessonS in person

$80

Get Started

Note that private lesson spaces are limited. I will do my best to accommodate your scheduling needs.

1 + 2 =

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is your lesson cancelation policy

Please provide 24 hours notice if you wish to cancel a lesson. Lessons cancelled at the last minute, or no shows, will be charged.

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.