Listen & assess
Review your repertoire, technique, musical ear and goals.
Meet Nic
NEURODIVERGENT ARTIST & EDUCATOR · THE STANDARD IS PERSONAL
Depth before display.
Music before everything.
Nic is neurodivergent and brings an individual, attentive perspective to each musician’s way of learning. Beautiful playing begins with understanding. Technique, sound, structure, history and imagination belong in the same conversation.
Nic studied with Dr. Robert Cowan. His students have been accepted to and graduated from Juilliard. A new music performance presentation is scheduled with TED in 2027. Your lessons are with Nic. Your repertoire is chosen with purpose. Your next performance becomes a clear set of musical decisions, rather than a distant ambition.
Meet the artist behind the studioA WEEK BUILT AROUND YOUR MUSICAL GROWTH
Private focus.
Shared discovery.
| When | Experience |
|---|---|
| Monday–Wednesday | Weekly one-hour private lessons · personalized study. |
| Four weekly sessions · one hour each | Four optional one-hour online Performance Labs each week, plus your one-hour private lesson. Attend the classes that support your practice and goals. Times published in the calendar. |
| Thursday | Online aural training and music theory · separate Developing Virtuosos and advanced groups. |
| Friday–Sunday evenings | Required advanced masterclasses alongside the intensive program. Students may be asked to play online or in person; Nic confirms assignments and dates. |
| Selected Friday evening–Sunday evening weekends | All-ages, all-levels piano intensives · five participants each. |
Published session requests
Choose a published time to request it. Private lesson requests are confirmed personally. For an intensive weekend, a confirmed tuition payment secures your place.
ONLY FIVE PARTICIPANT PLACES PER WEEKEND
Choose your weekend.
Give your piano passion room.
Friday evening–Sunday evening. No audition. All ages and all learning levels welcome. Book a place with your $5,000 all-inclusive tuition payment.
Availability reflects confirmed online registrations. November 27–29 is closed for Thanksgiving. Students cover their own travel to Jacksonville; JAX airport concierge is included. Parent/guardian guest and lodging arrangements are discussed for participants under 18.
03 / FROM THE PRACTICE ROOM TO THE STAGE
Your ambition.
A considered pathway.
We begin with your current playing,
then identify the right next performance.
Choose a destination
Match a recital, audition or competition to your level and eligibility.
Build the performance
Develop interpretation, memory, consistency and a workable practice plan.
Prepare the submission
Check repertoire rules, recording requirements and the application deadline.
Competition & performance destinations
FLORIDA · STATE EVENTS
FSMTA Competitive Events
Florida opportunities including concerto competition and piano ensemble events. A possible first destination for repertoire and performance planning.
Official events & requirementsUNITED STATES · STATE TO NATIONAL
MTNA Student Competitions
Junior, Senior and Young Artist pathways. Select the appropriate category and review current eligibility, repertoire and entry requirements with Nic.
Official competition guidelinesDALLAS · AGES 13–17
Cliburn Young Pianists 2027
June 10–19, 2027. Applications due November 17, 2026. An ambitious destination for eligible advanced pianists; precise birth-date and video requirements apply.
Official rules & applicationMIAMI · LONGER-TERM PLANNING
National Chopin Piano Competition
An all-Chopin competition to consider in longer-term repertoire planning. Check the organizer’s published cycle and eligibility before setting an application goal.
Official competition informationIndependent opportunities, not studio partnerships or guaranteed admissions. Fees, travel and competition entry are separate from tuition. Official links reviewed October 11, 2026.
A MUSICAL JOURNEY, WITH A PLACE TO BEGIN
Your home base: St. Augustine
Study locally in Northeast Florida, or connect live online from wherever you are.
Open full mapCity-level destinations. The private studio address is shared after placement.Have a specific competition or audition in mind?
Enroll nowTHE INSTRUMENT. THE OPPORTUNITY. THE WORK.
Practice with purpose.
Prepare to perform.
We practice differently when we know we have an opportunity to perform. Four optional one-hour online Performance Labs each teaching week give advanced students regular opportunities to share their work, listen and refine. Attendance is not required.
All studio lessons and masterclasses are taught on Steinway Model D concert grand pianos. In-person students work at the studio instruments; online students join from their own piano while Nic teaches on a Model D. Familiarity with this concert instrument supports preparation for the competition stage.
Nic represented Steinway & Sons at age 20.
PATTERSON ARTS RECORDS / LISTEN TO NIC
The music behind
the studio.
Explore Nic Patterson’s four albums, available on Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music and other major streaming and download services.
Broken
Listen on Apple Music · Buy on iTunesLandscape
Listen on Apple Music · Buy on iTunesMeditation
Listen on Apple Music · Buy on iTunesI Wonder as I Wander
Listen on Apple Music · Buy on iTunesMake your own next release here. Albums and singles recorded at the studio include distribution to more than 100 streaming and download platforms and an official music video. Artists of every instrument are welcome.
Call Nic for a custom quote · 904-689-3066