About Nick
My dedication and love for performing and writing music is what drives me. With my extensive experience in the performing arts, composing for film and television as well as curating for commercial music libraries. I match the right music to the audience’s needs. I produce music, lyrics, compositions and jingles for any industry, artist or requirement. I also believe in sharing my experience and knowledge with others by means of education and development. I facilitate with teaching programmes as well as in my personal capacity.
My education at Berklee College of Music Standards has forged my career with over 40 years experience. I am focused on passing on my knowledge to other artists and learners in order to let the South African music industry flourish.
Education
Berklee College of Music USA
1975 -1977
Graduate, Berklee College of Music: Major in Arranging and Composition
Activities and Societies: Study Classical String Bass: William Rhine. Boston Symphony Orchestra/Boston Pops. William Curtis: String Bass. Boston Philharmonic. Bass Guitar: Steve Swallow. Improvisation. Gary Burton. Ear Training. Relative Pitch Ear Training Super Course. David. Lucas Burge.
Career
Musical Composer & Facilitator
Jan 1980 – Dec 1988, 9 years
Johannesburg area, South Africa
My main role was bass player for performing artists. I toured South Africa with established national and international artists such as Tom Jones, Richard Clayderman, Cilla Black, George Zamphir, Los Lobos Folk Singers and more. Further to this, I performed live in local stage productions such as Winnie the Pooh, Edith Piaf.
Musician | Composer | Musical Director
Freelance contract composer – Self Employed
Jan 2007 – Present, 13 yrs 8 Mths
Johannesburg area, South Africa
Sound Studio - Owner
Jan 1985 – Jul 1999, 14 yrs 7 mths
Johannesburg area, South Africa
During my time as musician for live performances, I also founded my own record label and recording studio. I composed, recorded and produced music for television drama productions such as Lesilo Rula and Soul City. I also produced albums for local artists such as Randall Wicomb, Judy Victor and Richard Virgotinni. The studio also produced music, themes and jingles for radio and TV.
Musical Director | Facilitator | Teacher
Music Forever Publishing Inc. – Self Employed
Jan 2015 – Present, 5 yrs 8 mths
Johannesburg area, South Africa
Music composition & publishing
CEO - Urban Rhythm Factory
Jan 1999 – Dec 2008, 10 years
Johannesburg area, South Africa
I founded Urban Rhythm Factory, the biggest composition and final mix facility in South Africa to date.
This resulted in agreements with all major broadcasters in South Africa. Subsequently, it led to forming a partnership and incorporation of Urban Brew, a major South African TV Production Company.
During this partnership, we provided music and final mixes for TV productions of over 40 hours a week on major local TV stations.
Our themes and jingle titles included: “Yo TV”, “Woza Weekend”, “Tata Ama Chance Lottery” for the National Lotto, theme for “Friends Like These”, theme for “Lilizela”, theme for “Real Goboza” and more.
Library & Production Music Head
Gallo Music Publishers
Johannesburg area, South Africa
Music Composed for TV & Film
Voete van Goud
TV Movie 1998
Carpe Diem
TV Series 1997
Kalahari Harry
1994
Living the Blues
TV Series 1994
Mooirivier
TV Series 1990
Vleuels
TV Series 1989
Kinders van die Sabbatse
TV Series 1988
Patrys-hulle
TV Movie 1988
Rhino
1988
Dreunkrans
TV Series 1988
The Fiddler
TV Mini-Series 1987
Die Posman
1987
Mr T.N.T.
1985
Upondo no Nkinsela
1984
Survival Zone
1983
Bullet on the Run
1982
Slampampersirkus
TV Series 1982
The Demon
1979
Someone Like You
1978
Mooimeisiesfontein!
1978