Americana Ensemble Director
Biography
Nico is an active guitarist, private teacher, music director, and worship leader in the SoCal area. Influenced by guitarists like Julian Lage, Allen Hinds, and Blake Mills, his eclectic style combines jazz, fusion, Americana, folk, and blues. Between crafting solo guitar arrangements and fronting his own jazz trio, he maintains a busy performing schedule.
Nico’s warm, insightful, and precise teaching style is informed by nearly a decade of teaching experience in academic, ministry, and private settings. He studied under Adam Levy (Tracy Chapman, Norah Jones) at the Los Angeles College of Music, receiving an AA in Guitar Performance. Nico then graduated summa cum laude from Concordia University Irvine with the Outstanding Senior Award in Commercial Music.
When he’s not directing the Americana Ensemble, Nico is also active in ministry, serving as Staff Deacon and Music Director at Center Church in Irvine, CA. He is passionate about integrated discipleship and creative health, leads various workshops and cohorts for local artists, and even preaches the occasional sermon.
You can also find him working with students in the Writing Center!