About Pete Nickless

Music struck me like a lightning bolt in my late teens, it grabbed me by the scruff of my neck and knocked my head off. It continues to do the same to me twenty-five years later.

I've always been interested in the capacity of music to move people in some way; to make us feel something, to make connections and to communicate ideas. This is the essence of my artistic practice, I aim to compose and perform music that leaves a lasting impression; I aim for a listener to leave with more than they came with.

I'm a self-taught keyboard player with a passion for Piano & Hammond Organ. I studied music at university, though it was a group of gospel musicians who really taught me to play whilst we wrote and performed together across the UK.

Since then, I have directed, led, written for and performed with a large range of ensembles - everything from northern soul to contemporary jazz.

I've also composed for film, written theme tunes & completed artistic commissions in response to visual artwork. You can hear some examples of my work here.

I'm currently entering the final year of a Music Therapy masters programme focusing on a psychodynamic approach to music therapy. I have experience practising in a SEND school, in an NHS inpatient Specialist Assessment and Treatment service and, am about to start working with an Intensive Intervention & Risk Management Service (IIRMS) operating as part of the national Offender Personality Disorder (OPD) Pathway across the West Midlands.

I am also a music leader currently facilitating inclusive music making. I am particularly interested in how the music can be used in a group improvisational setting to support people to express themselves fully, relate to one another and enjoy making music. I'm also curious about how innovative uses of simple technology might help to reduce disabling barriers to music making.

I'm always looking for interesting people to talk to about the work I do, if you fancy a chat, get in touch.