Piano Emergency
Not your average piano teacher. Not your average lesson.
Start Learning
Not your average piano teacher. Not your average lesson.
Start Learning
I'm Nicholas Clarke — a pianist, composer, and dedicated music educator with over 15 years of experience working across Canada and Southeast Asia.
I work with students of all ages and goals, from ARCT candidates to adult beginners. My lessons are structured yet creative, blending method books with expressive freedom.
Whether you're pursuing formal goals or exploring music for personal enrichment, I’m here to help you grow musically with confidence, clarity, and inspiration.
Born in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Nicholas Clarke is a pianist, composer, and educator with over 15 years of international teaching experience. He holds an Honours Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance (First Class Standing) from Lakehead University.
He served as Director of Music at the British International School of Northern Thailand, before returning to Canada where he operated a private teaching practice for 10 years. Most recently, Nicholas returned to Thailand to design and implement a comprehensive academic program for an orphanage in the north of the country, introducing students to music, art, science, and literature.
Nicholas’s teaching combines formal rigor with creative flexibility. He specializes in both the Royal Conservatory of Music and Conservatory Canada curriculums, from beginner to ARCT levels, while also nurturing improvisation, composition, and personal expression.
🎁 Free Trial Lesson: All new students are entitled to a no-obligation trial lesson (30–45 minutes).
Lessons are offered online or in-person. All ages welcome. Materials are customized for your needs and goals.
Nicholas’s personal studio features a rare 1936 Chappell grand piano, originally commissioned for the RMS Queen Elizabeth. This historic instrument offers rich tonal depth and a unique legacy, making it the heart of every lesson.
Below are two original compositions by Nicholas Clarke. The first was recorded on electric piano, while the second features the studio’s historic Chappell grand with imagery from Prince Edward Island.
Q: Do you prepare students for exams?
Yes. I teach both Royal Conservatory of Music and Conservatory Canada curriculums and have successfully guided students from beginner levels to ARCT exams.
Q: What if I just want to play for fun?
That’s welcomed and encouraged. Some students aim for grades, others for joy. I tailor lessons to your goals, even if that means creating music from scratch or exploring your favorite styles.
Q: Can you teach improvisation or composition?
Absolutely. Improvisation is a core part of my method, and I often help students develop their own pieces. My YouTube channel includes examples of my own work created live in the moment.
Q: Do you teach adults or beginners with no background?
Yes. I’ve taught students from ages 7 to 75+. You’re never too old, too late, or too inexperienced to begin.
Q: Do I need a piano to start?
No. A simple 61-key keyboard is enough to get started. I can guide you through purchasing or upgrading later on.