BIOGRAPHY
NIKK MAY
"The studio is a fusion of vocal coaching, voice (singing) lessons, piano lessons, guitar lessons, songwriting/composition, and music collaboration, combined with a deep inspiration to help students and artists in the most effective and meaningful ways possible."
Background and Story
Nikk has been teaching professionally for over 20 years as a multi-instrumentalist and experienced instructor in voice, piano, and guitar, working exclusively with over 100 students each week both in private and group classes. Nikk has enjoyed the opportunities to share music with some of the producers and songwriters for platinum selling artists such as Rascal Flatts, Colbie Caillat, Carrie Underwood, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Chris Brown, Michael W. Smith, Hillsong United, Mark Schultz, Third Day, and more. His songwriting and production work has made its way into the hands of such record companies/distribution reps including Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Studios Production Company, Indasoul Entertainment, CSM Words and Music, Upscale Records, Centricity Records, and others. He's received radio mention, as well as newspaper interviews (Lansing State Journal, Noise). His original work has received critique and positive acclaim from well recognized writers and artist development teams such as Marc Williams, Shele Sondheim, Don Poythress, James Tealy, and he's shaken hands with those that write and produce much of what's on radio today.
Additionally, Nikk has trained students internationally and shared students with celebrity vocal coaches Brett Manning (credits: Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Leona Lewis, Hayley Williams), Seth Riggs (credits: Michael Jackson, Anita Baker, Stevie Wonder, Barbra Streisand, Madonna), and Mama Jan Smith (credits: Usher, The Band Perry). Nikk has had the pleasure of watching his students connect with Grammy award winning producer Narada Michael Walden (credits: Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin), Rob Thomas (Matchbox 20), and Harry Connick Jr., while others have gone on to sign record contracts, shoot music videos, perform live on television, feature on both American Idol and The Voice, and mature into their own musical successes. Nikk has also helped students succeed at the University level, with those attending schools such as the University of Michigan, Berklee College of Music, Belmont University in Nashville, DePaul University, DIME, Michigan State University, and others across the U.S. In addition, many of Nikk's students are avid performers, songwriters, theatre stars, and are well-recognized in the music community.
Nikk has also been a privately contracted piano accompanist for theatre programs in the Lansing, MI area, as well as having served on staff as a music director for various churches.
Blurb from Nikk
I was fortunate enough to have been born into a family chock-full of accomplished singers and musicians on both sides. Needless to say, I always saw music as an inevitable part of my future. Recognizing many teachers, band mates, producers, managers, and songwriters who've poured into me their knowledge and love of music, I consider myself extremely blessed. Taking what these mentors have helped me to achieve and sharing that with students of my own is far more rewarding than any other credit. The one thing I love about teaching is being able to hear potential in someone even if that person can't hear it in themselves. Whether it be supplementing an awareness and knowledge of vocal mechanics with an already skillful singer, or talking new technique to discover untapped potential, what I enjoy most is imparting inspiration into my students and hearing them say, "I didn't know I could do that!" The more you love something, the more you want to share it with others. Music carries so much passion. To nurture that in a student is awesome. Helping them grow, develop their abilities, and watching them succeed is one of the greatest experiences in the world.
