(John Nicholson)
Saxophonist and multi-woodwind artist John Nicholson is building a life that blends creativity, precision, and connection. He wears many hats: composer, arranger, performer, and teacher, all while shaping Vancouver’s jazz and contemporary music communities with a deep respect for the past and a passion for pushing forward.
John’s relationship with music began early. He started piano lessons at the age of five, played trumpet in his school band during junior high, and then switched to saxophone in high school. It was during this time that a simple birthday gift sparked something much bigger.
He was given a copy of John Coltrane’s “A Love Supreme” for his fifteenth birthday, and that album became a turning point. It opened the door to other jazz records and a deeper understanding of the music. He soon joined his high school jazz band and knew he wanted to pursue music seriously.
After graduation, he entered the Jazz Studies program at Capilano University and continued to grow as a musician. He later moved to Toronto to earn a master’s degree from the University of Toronto and spent two years immersed in the city’s dynamic music scene, performing and recording with a wide range of artists.
When the pandemic brought live music to a halt, John returned to Vancouver. As the city reopened, he picked up his work again and found a new rhythm in a familiar place.
His days now reflect the reality of a working musician. Mornings begin with exercise and instrument practice. Afternoons are often spent teaching lessons and taking care of administrative work. Evenings are filled with rehearsals or performances, and some days include daytime recording sessions. Each day is shaped by upcoming gigs and projects, keeping things flexible but consistently full.
John finds his favourite part of working in Vancouver to be the people he gets to collaborate with. The local music scene has grown in recent years, and the community has become a meaningful part of his professional life.
“The community is the best part,” he says. “I get to work with so many great musicians and people.”
At the same time, he acknowledges a major challenge. Vancouver’s physical distance from the rest of the country can make travel and touring more difficult compared to the East Coast.
Despite the challenges, he continues to thrive and stay engaged with a broad range of creative work.
When asked what advice he would give to someone just starting out, John offers this: “Be open-minded and versatile while keeping hold of your own style that sets you apart.”
This approach reflects his own path. His foundation is in jazz, but his career is marked by flexibility, growth, and a clear sense of personal identity. Whether he is on stage, arranging music, recording in the studio, or teaching the next generation, John Nicholson brings care and authenticity to everything he does.
His story is a reminder that music is not just about talent or training. It is about curiosity, adaptability, and finding purpose.
@johnnicholsonsaxophone
Written by Alana Black | Evolution Media
Contact: ablack23@my.bcit.ca