Nicolas Hartzell

Nicolas Hartzell, MM in Film Scoring

Nicolas Hartzell

Piano

Teaching Philosophy

“As a piano teacher, my approach is firmly student-centered to empower my students to become complete, confident, and creative musicians. I teach in an encouraging, non-controlling, non-judgmental, and supportive way, ensuring each student feels valued and understood. I believe in proactive, not reactive, teaching. Each lesson and activity is thoughtfully designed to build on what came before and lay a strong foundation for what comes next. This approach helps students see their progress clearly and understand how each new skill or concept fits into their overall musical journey. I want my students to feel nurtured from the ground up, rather than led by the hand.

Making connections between all areas of music is central to my teaching. I integrate aural skills, notation, theory, improvisation, and technique in ways that are appropriate to each student’s development. By highlighting these connections, I help students develop a holistic understanding of music and foster their ability to think creatively and critically. I view music as a vehicle not only for self-expression, but as a template for creative social and communal living at all levels, encouraging students to see their musical journey as part of a broader global experience.”

Biography

Nicolas Hartzell is a pianist, music teacher, composer, and filmmaker based in Danvers, MA. He holds a Master’s of Music (MM) degree in Film Scoring from Berklee College of Music and is a member of the Suzuki Association of the Americas. Nicolas received his Suzuki teacher training through the Virginia Suzuki Institute and the Suzuki School of Newton.

Originally from the Seattle area, Nicolas began playing the piano at age six. During his teenage years, he studied privately with Garry Fukushima, an accomplished jazz pianist and professor of jazz piano at Pacific Lutheran University, who toured with Alphonso Johnson (Carlos Santana, Weather Report) and Chester Thompson (Frank Zappa, Genesis, Phil Collins). With Professor Fukushima’s encouragement, Nicolas received a music scholarship to attend Pacific Lutheran University. While at PLU, Nicolas performed in several ensembles, including a five-piece jazz combo dedicated to performing his original compositions. Due to a family illness, Nicolas took a hiatus from his studies at Pacific Lutheran University, which he later resumed at Berklee College of Music. At Berklee, Nicolas studied composition and theory with Tim Huling and Kari Juusela. Nicolas also studied songwriting with Brad Hatfield, a regular performer with the Boston Pops Orchestra, who has collaborated with artists such as Bono, KD Lang, James Taylor, and Yo-Yo Ma.

Nicolas has performed with and composed for a diverse array of musical groups, ranging from chamber pop to jazz combos to improvisational electronic ensembles. Notably, Nicolas had the opportunity to work with renowned producer Phil Ek when Mr. Ek expressed interest in producing an album for Nicolas’ band, Sporty Lee. Ek, a key figure in the Northwest music scene, has collaborated with iconic bands including Fleet Foxes, Band of Horses, The Shins, Modest Mouse, Nirvana, and Built to Spill. Phil Ek produced Sporty Lee’s album Modern Sailing, which Nicolas co-wrote and arranged.

Nicolas has taught piano lessons in both private and community settings. He began his teaching career through Spaceworks’ Creative House, a nonprofit arts organization based in Tacoma, Washington. Through Spaceworks, Nicolas co-founded The Personal Power Company, a multimedia production company and think tank centered around the idea that creativity is a sustainable resource. In 2010, The Personal Power Company was awarded a six-month Spaceworks residency. During this residency, Nicolas helped open a gallery and workshop in downtown Tacoma, where his work primarily focused on sound installations. Nicolas’ work as a composer extends into multimedia art, with his creations featured in art galleries throughout the Pacific Northwest, including The Tacoma Art Museum, The Fulcrum Gallery, and Alma Mater.

Nicolas began teaching in 2015 and joined Note-worthy Experience in July 2024.