Nicholas Cole-Klaes
About
[4.76 rating over 51 reviews from another lesson platform] Nicholas C. K. is a versatile and experienced musician who believes in teaching the language of music, not just individual instruments. Whether you're picking up an instrument for the first time or looking to refine your skills, Nic's approach is tailored to meet you where you are. With a background that includes a full-ride scholarship to Bowling Green State University and formal studies at Columbia College Chicago and Wayne State University, he brings a depth of knowledge that spans multiple genres and instruments.
Nic’s musical journey began at age six with classical piano, and since then, he has mastered piano, guitar, trumpet, and bass. His professional experience includes touring with acclaimed rock acts like Tesla, Bret Michaels, and 3 Doors Down, and he is proudly endorsed by Warwick Basses.
But Nic's real passion lies in helping students discover their own musical voice. He doesn't just teach you how to play an instrument—he teaches you how to express yourself through music. By getting to know each student’s unique interests and goals, Nic crafts lessons that are engaging, challenging, and above all, fun.
If you're looking for a teacher who combines advanced training with a friendly, approachable style, Nic is here to help you on your musical journey.
Reviews from Another Lesson Platform
It was a challenge and that is what I needed. A live instructor to go over the very basics in producing a sound from the trumpet. I have confidence in learning more on how to get better.
Nic is a great bass teacher and a cool dude. He's very understanding and helpful and definitely knows his stuff. I can feel myself getting better with each lesson!
Nicholas is a good teacher my grandson enjoys learning from him. My grandson feels comfortable working with him
My Grandson is very happy learning piano lessons with Nicholas he is a good teacher patient and pleasant
Had 3 lessons with Nick. Great teacher, very positive and observant of things to help me improve.
We are very happy with Nick. He is very encouraging and positive with my son. We look forward to being with him through the new year for recurring lessons.
Excellent human being and very easy to get along as a teacher.
Very personable, high energy, very knowledgeable, great lesson. Highly recommend.
Nic was great communicating prior to the lesson, was punctual for the lesson, and extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic.
Nicholas provided spot on instruction and exercises for my level.
1st lesson was great for my son. He was very positive and related well to my son. Nick was knowledgeable and my son was very happy with the things he learned and looks forward to more lessons.
Great teacher
Patient and on target providing his input.
satisfying first lesson. Good.
Patient and laid back, Nic took time to understand my goals and has created a reasonable plan for this older student to accommodate.
Nicholas has been a passionate, patient, and professional teacher for my son.
He is great
He is professional and patient yet he meets you where you are. I had played piano many years ago and he quickly assessed where I am today and asked what I wanted to accomplish at this point. He showed me things that I was never taught all those years ago. He is kind and so easy to work with. Can't say enough about him. Wasn't sure if I could play again after so many years. I have had hand surgery and can't wait to continue my lessons. He showed me that I can. Great for this old lady, I mean elderly person.
Nicholas’s has Great energy and patient instruction for my son’s very first lesson. He was all smiles and excited to learn more!
He is very professional, cordial and knowledgeable. I played piano many years ago. He taught me helpful information that I hadn't learned at piano lessons in the past Clear and concise. He inspired me to enjoy playing the piano again.
He is the best!
My son really enjoyed his first lesson and seems genuinely excited for more
Helpful, patient and positive with a wide range of student ages. Highly recommend.
Very patient and positive! Will recommend.
The perfect teacher for my stage of development. He really knows jazz, knows how to make my playing better, and is a very supportive teacher.
He is great with my 9 year old son! My son is always excited to go and really enjoys his lessons.
My both boys liked the first piano class with Mr. Nick. They are looking forward for their next classes.
Awesome teacher. He is very patient, with my 11 year old daughter. Nick makes sure to mention her progress, and is always encouraging which also helps her self confidence. I highly recommend Nick.
It was very good. I'm looking forward to my next lesson. Thanks.
Awesome !
Nic has been so helpful helping my son get ready for his Jazz band this fall - working with him on all the new jazz chords he needs to learn, timing and even finding the right chords on YouTube and slowing them down so he can learn them more easily.
Nicholas is very well educated and a extremely patient teacher. I'm very excited to continue learning piano with him.
VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE. ...AND PATIENT....look forward to all my remaining lessons with Nick
My son is 6 years old without any instruction in music and yet Nick was still able to communicate with him. It was great that he could laugh with my son as much as he did. We are both looking forward to the next lesson!
Nicholas knows his stuff. More importantly, he's very patient with this old dude who is trying to get his chops back.
A good first session. I think Nicholas will prove to be a good coach for me.
My son is enjoying his lessons with Nicholas. Nicholas seems to always be well prepared and I love the attentiveness that he has with my son. My son always seems to learn a lot in his lessons and Nicholas helps keeps him engaged and interested to play. Nicholas is a great teacher!
I am beginner at playing the piano, and Nic is an awesome teacher because he's patient and any improvement - no matter how big or how small - Nic recognizes and compliments the achievement. He really breaks things down so it's not overwhelming for a beginner, and he allows me to learn at my own pace but he does challenge me to learn. I've learned to know which keys are which, how to place my fingers on the keys and how to relax and play with both hands. I highly recommend Nic as a piano teacher.
Recommend Nic can relate to the child's ability level and instructs them as such. He is very reasonably priced; flexible which is immensely helpful if I have to chance a lesson; and comes to the house - another bonus. I recommend him.
GreatTeacher Nicholas is such an encouraging, fun, and knowledgeable teacher. He is excellent at teaching how to play guitar-shows the techniques in a patient and fun manner. I highly recommend Nicholas for anyone wanting to learn guitar.
creative yet focused instruction
Piano lessons training I Nic is teaching me a lot I am having a lot of fun he is vary knowledgeable it is fun to learn from him
Thanks for being so supportive and encouraging to the kids.
My 8 year old plays piano. My 10 year old plays trumpet. Neither knew anything about music when they started. Mr. Nick, as my children calls him, is wonderful with them both. They both have progressed faster than I ever thought. His teaching methods are awesome.
I am very pleased at Austins progression.
Rated this class 5 stars.
Rated this class 5 stars.
Rated this class 5 stars.
Rated this class 5 stars.
Rated this class 5 stars.
Rated this class 4 stars.
Teaching Style
I aim to instill a love of music and of the instrument through both student guided song selections from popular genres and movie/video game soundtracks, as well as the pedagogy and technical exercises that are required to play the double bass. I complement this with various etudes and repertoire from both the classical and jazz idioms to create a musician that not only knows how to groove, but has a solid command of their instrument and an open ear.
During my musical career I've has played almost every style of music; from folk to experimental from jazz to rock. One thread holds true through all music, it has to groove. During the course of a lesson I will cover a broad range of topics starting from the basics, and moving into ear training, sight-reading, theoretical knowledge and most important for bass players, groove. Just as every player has their own musical personality and voice, so to does every lesson that I gives. In a supportive, patient environment, every lesson is custom tailored to the student.
Credentials & Affiliations
Bassist/Band Leader
Mar, 2016 - Present
Weekend ComeBack, LLC
Arrange for over 200 live performances a year Conduct music director duties, including but not limited to preparing charts and rehearsing the group
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Music Director
Aug, 2014 - Present
Unity of Farmington Hills
Conduct, rehearse and perform with amateur vocal group as well as small rock ensemble at weekly service.
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Bachelors of Music - Full Tuition Scholarship
Bowling Green State University
Studied with musicians such as: Peter Erskine, Sean Jones, Jeff Halsey, Dave Bixler and many others