Testimonials

“Ben Nichols is one of a new breed of super musicians. He is endowed with amazing talent and a great work ethic and has great command of harmonic, melodic and rhythmic skills. Having worked with Ben at New England Conservatory I can honestly say he is one of the most remarkable students I have ever had. He came to every lesson fully prepared to the point where it was a challenge to keep up with him and he was an inspiration to work with.”

Jerry Bergonzi Faculty at New England Conservatory, Legendary Saxophonist for Dave Brubeck, World Renowned Pedagogue

“Always excited to hear Ben Nichols play. He really possesses all the tools that a present day musician needs to make a difference in today’s world, plus the discipline and work ethic to push himself to be better tomorrow than he was today. Check him out.”

Miguel Zenón Multiple Grammy Nominee, MacArthur Fellow, Guggenheim Fellow, SFJAZZ Collective, Alto Saxophonist of the Year 2014 – Jazz Times, Alto Saxophonist of the Year 2014, 2018, 2019 – Jazz Journalist Association

“Ben’s artistic voice is impactful and possesses the level of linear freedom and execution that makes him truly special. He has assimilated a lot of the history and lineage of the music from a linear standpoint, yet has found a fresh, strong, clear and personal artistic voice. His musicianship, collegiality, work ethic and interest in education make him a complete package.”

Chip Stephens Grammy-Winning Artist & Professor of Jazz Piano at The University of Illinois, Pianist for Maynard Ferguson

“Ben Nichols has consistently pushed himself and those around him to achieve the exceptional. He has developed a high level of leadership which makes him a very effective teacher and performer.”

Caleb Chapman John LaPorta Award-Winning Director and Educator, Past President of JEN, Alfred Publishing Author

“Professor Nichols is a great musician and an excellent teacher. It was a privilege to have a chance to work with him. I am a better musician because of this experience.”

Student Course Evaluation Jazz Ensemble (UIS, 5.0/5.0 student rating)

“Professor Nichols is one of the nicest instructors I’ve ever had. He is extremely motivating and always pushes you to reach your potential. He’s clearly a phenomenal musician and really knows what he’s talking about. Every lesson I feel like we accomplished a lot and I can translate everything into other pieces. I have found the way he has showed me how to warm-up and isolate difficult sections extremely beneficial.”

Student Course Evaluation Individual Instruction in Music (UIUC, 4.8/5.0 student rating)

“This course has helped me master down my music theory skills.”

“He gave us great opportunities to use class time in case we had any questions about the assignment. We always used time in class effectively and put great use to any extra time that wasn’t being used for lecture.”

Student Course Evaluation Music Theory III (Lincoln College, 5.0/5.0 student rating)

“Professor Nichols has been the best music theory teacher in my experience, for reasons such as making adjustments to criteria, based on if we’re understanding the material, rather than just pushing forward and telling us to go to tutoring if we don’t understand.”

Student Course Evaluation Music Theory IV (Lincoln College, 5.0/5.0 student rating)

“He has very good techniques and advice on the things we do in quartet that can also apply to saxophone playing in general.”

Student Course Evaluation Saxophone Quartet (University of Nebraska at Omaha, 4.8/5.0 TABS midterm student rating)

“I really enjoy that he teaches us what is beyond the notes. Finding what characters fit the music and matching how you play with how it should feel. I also value the techniques/methods he has given so far to become a better saxophonist…”
“He brings a nice, fresh presence to the UNO community! I’m very glad he’s our saxophone instructor.”
“I’ve gained a lot of confidence in my improv abilities due to Dr. Nichols’ support and guidance.”

Student Course Evaluation Private Saxophone Instruction (University of Nebraska at Omaha, 4.6/5.0 TABS midterm student rating)

“Dr Nichols is very friendly, welcoming, and calm. He approaches the content in a way that is easily accessible…”
“He is kind, intelligent, and good at taking the class in directions that make the topic more interesting and valuable to the students.”
“He knows his stuff, which is great. All my questions were answered and answered effectively.”
“He is very caring towards individual students needs and learning curves.”

Student Course Evaluation Commercial Music Theory II (University of Nebraska at Omaha, 4.3/5.0 TABS midterm student rating)

“All areas appear to be strong on the returned evaluations. Group interaction and individual rapport stand out as being the very highest among all classes and categories. Students appreciate Dr. Nichols’ knowledge and ability to share how to improve as a musician and especially with the saxophone. He goes beyond the book in connecting students with music. Students appreciate the energy and enthusiasm that Dr. Nichols brings to his teaching. His caring for his students and their learning is a strength.”

Kathleen Peterson TABS Consultant (Center for Faculty Development – University of Nebraska at Omaha)