Nicholas Van Slyck composer / arranger

Nicholas Van Slyck was born on October 25, 1922 in Pennsylvania. His father a lawyer, his mother a homemaker. Neither one thought that music was an acceptable life’s work. He did have piano lessons and eventually went to Kent School in Connecticut, an Episcopal affiliated private school without music instruction at that time (It has since developed a fine music program). After some lessons with George Reeves at the Philadelphia Conservatory, Nick went on to Harvard where he became a student of Walter Piston in composition. World War II caused a break in his studies but when his service was over, he returned to Cambridge, graduating in the war-delayed class of 1944.

Nick loved to teach. He found the perfect place-the South End Music Centre in Boston where he became a director in 1950. During those years he also taught at Milton Academy and in 1962 became Director of the Longy School of Music in Cambridge. During that time the Longy Concert Hall was built and connections made with Emerson College so that students could earn a degree as well as receive a professional music education—all the while keeping Longy welcoming and open to lessons for all.

After goal disagreements with the Longy board, Nick founded the New School of Music in Cambridge. It is a community school, serving a complete range of abilities, beginner to advanced, with the highest musical standards and with a generous financial program.

During this time of music school leadership, he also taught at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, conducted several local orchestras and choral societies (including guest conductor of the Boston Pops), played piano recitals, lecture-recitals and duo-piano recitals with his wife Trudi.

And composed during every spare moment.