Teaching
Teaching
A passionate teacher, Chris loves sharing his musical knowledge and skills with students of all ages and abilities. For those just beginning their musical journey or looking to hone their skills, Chris provides patient guidance and support.
His lessons cover foundational techniques like scales, arpeggios, and technical exercises. But Chris also focuses on developing musicality, challenging students to grow as musicians.
Drawing on his expertise in both classical and folk, Chris teaches a diverse range of topics. His lessons can incorporate music theory, ensemble playing, and more. With his encouragement and insight, students are able to realize their potential and create meaningful music.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or an advanced player, Chris tailors his teaching approach to your individual needs. His goal is to instill a lifelong appreciation for music and enable you to reach new heights.
In addition to his face-to-face teaching Chris now offers lessons online, via Google Meet and Zoom.
For availability and lesson prices, please get in touch!
Ensembles and Workshops
As the director of Elgar Strings, Chris works with beginner string players who meet weekly to improve their rhythm, note reading, and ensemble skills through fun activities and music.
He also directs the FolkActive Youth Ensemble (FAYE), teaching traditional folk tunes and the genre’s unique style via hands-on workshops and games. FAYE has grown in popularity, impressing audiences at local events and concerts like Winchester MayFest and MAST Mayflower Studios, as well as a performance at EFDSS Youth Folk Takeover in 2023.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or an advanced player, Chris tailors his teaching approach to your individual needs. His goal is to instill a lifelong appreciation for music and enable you to reach new heights. He’s proud to be part of his students’ musical journeys.
Want to learn from Chris or know more about his ensembles?
Reach out to him through the contact page and take the next step on your musical journey!
Testimonials
During the eight years that Chris has been my son’s violin tutor, he has expertly guided him through his violin grades, Music GCSE and helped develop his overall performance confidence, both individually and in an orchestra setting. We would highly recommend Chris as he has the unique ability to get the best out of his students with fantastic energy, enthusiasm and support.
Chris is an engaging and inspiring teacher. Both our sons thrive on his input; his instructions are clear and his examples easy to follow. Lessons with Chris are a highlight of their week and their improvement is obvious after every session with him.
I can certainly see that my daughter has improved quite a lot since she started 1-2-1 lessons with Mr Nichols. I think the fact that Mr Nichols is also involved with school music teaching and the ensembles at Southampton Music Hub makes him more experienced and accessible to his students. My daughter has never been shy from communicating with Mr Nichols, which I feel is very important between a student and their teacher.
Mr Nichols is such an amazing music teacher! I wanted a kind, funny and energetic teacher. He’s all of them!
Chris teaches me lots of new stuff every lesson and encourages me to use more challenging techniques and pieces. To finish off, Chris is very friendly and funny!
Our daughter likes learning with Mr. Nichols. It is fun and efficient teaching.
We are thrilled to have Chris Nichols directing the FolkActive Youth Ensemble!
A gifted and inspirational music teacher, he has a naturally infectious positive energy which motivates and encourages young people to enjoy exploring new ways of learning and playing creatively with others. As a member of one of the top folk bands on the national ceilidh circuit, Chris connects the ensemble members with the contemporary folk scene.
Something very special is definitely evolving!
Chris is an exceptional fiddle player and a wonderful human being: as a Cornish step dancer, I love working with Chris as my go-to expert on Cornish music whenever the opportunity arises.