Nick Rousseau

Nicholas Rousseau is a Brooklyn based guitarist, composer, educator, and mixing engineer. As he found out in his teenage years, he has a passion for music and has since pursued multiple pathways and disciplines within the field.

As a guitarist and composer he seeks to bring thought provoking and emotionally compelling music to whomever he gets the pleasure of sharing with. Influenced by musicians from Wayne Shorter to Shai Maestro, The Beatles to Led Zeppelin, Foo Fighters to Circa Survive, he attempts to utilize every part of his musical upbringing and style into his compositions and improvisations. He attempts to fuse simple lyrical melodies above intricate harmonies with subtlety shifting rhythms. His ultimate goal is to make the intellectually sophisticated sound simple and accessible while still having an explorative, reaching nature. And most importantly, creating an emotional connection with the listener.

In May 2017, he acquired a Bachelors Degree in Jazz Performance from Florida International University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. He currently is attending New York University, where he is pursuing his Masters of Music degree in Jazz Studies. In addition, he is an adjunct instructor of non-degree jazz guitar lessons at NYU. He has studied privately with musicians such as Alvaro Bermudez, Tom Lippincott, Gary Campbell, Eric Hofbauer, Ben Schwendener, Ari Hoenig, and Alex Sipiagin, Alan Ferber, and Chris Potter.

Tags

Primary Instrument

Guitar

Location

New York City

Willing to teach

Beginner to advanced

Credentials/Background

Primary Instrument

Guitar

Location

New York City

Willing to teach

Beginner to advanced

Credentials/Background

I'm a guitarist, composer, and educator who is currently based out of Brooklyn, NY. In my life I've had many opportunities to play with, study with, and get to know many fantastic musicians who have been so generous to share their precious knowledge with me. Most of the reason that I teach is to give back to the community that has helped me so much and helped me build into the person I am today. As a teacher, I believe that we all have our unique gifts to give to the world, and it's my job to be able to identify that and encourage it, delivering materials to help the student grow while developing their unique musical and personal voice. My background is in jazz, composition, and improvised music, but no matter who or what I'm teaching, I like to get to know a student and their musical tastes first and foremost. In my experience, a student can grow the most when in an environment where they're encouraged, challenged, and in a realm of music that they are passionate about. I’ve taught at many schools in Miami, Florida (The Hit Music Studio, Sounds of Excellence), Boston, MA (Boston School of Music Arts), and I have experience teaching undergraduate students at New York University. I’ve played my original music live in various venues from Miami, FL to Boston/Cambridge, MA, Brooklyn, NY and Manhattan, and I even got to perform a short tour in Costa Rica the summer of 2017. I’ve released two self released EPs under my own name entitled “Peace in Pieces” (2019) and “Tales From a Broken World” (2020) where I feature all original compositions, which can be found on most streaming platforms. As far as education goes, I have over a decade of experience playing guitar. I’ve been teaching for many years, and I currently hold a Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Studies (guitar performance) from Florida International University (Magna Cum Laude) and I’m currently finishing up my last year of my Master of Music degree in Jazz Studies at New York University (Spring 2021). I look forward to working with you!

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