Passion for Music

picture courtesy of Nicholas N.

"I believe in my talent" -- Nicholas N.

In a world in which the fine arts are increasingly seen as frivolous and impractical for employment, Nicholas N. is going against the grain. He is not only a music major, but envisions himself as a singer, a goal that would have many parents cringing at the bleak prospects for earning a living. Nicholas is not only unafraid; he actually embraces the challenge. He looks for opportunities to be creative. His black and white photography was displayed at the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts while he was in high school. He recently made up a song about primates for one of his college classes, and he performed in the annual City College Talent Show sponsored by Tandy Ward on May 17th.

Where did Nicholas get his zest for music? His father influenced him by being a music fan with a range of artistic sensibilities. Among Nicholas’s varied interests: photography, drama, modern dance, tap, ballet, choir, and musical theatre. “I try to use creativity,” Nicholas conveyed. “I take advantage of every music opportunity I’ve been given.”

His musical training started early on. At the age of eight, Nicholas tested into gifted classes and went to Oak Park Conservatory, where he honed his craft by learning the piano. He stayed focused on the arts throughout school and participated in modern dance, musical theatre, and choir. In his senior year of high school, he enrolled in modern dance classes and thought of majoring in both music and choreography in college. However, he recognized his passion was music. “Singing is more personal. You’re showing somebody what you’re being known for, and I had high expectations for myself,” he said.

Then he had an epiphany. “Originally, I wanted to be the best singer ever, but I realized that art shouldn’t be judged against itself. So I tried to take that expectation off myself,” he related. Now Nicholas sees a future of performing and traveling around the world, influencing the younger generation. “I want to open a visual and performing arts center so young artists can express themselves,” he said. “I want to give them an outlet so they don’t get into negative activities. I want them to have an appreciation for art.”

Where many artists doubt themselves, Nicholas is confident. “I believe in my talent,” he said with the straight up look in his eyes of a seasoned performer. “The point is not to be famous but to express yourself because when you truly love what you’re doing, it’s enough.”