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Nick Rousseau

Nick Rousseau is a Brooklyn based guitarist and composer He likes to share thought provoking and emotionally compelling music with whomever he can. He’s greatly influenced by musicians across many genres, and whenever he plays he brings all of his influences to the table and creates music that's honest, while bringing out the parts he loves. He enjoys harmonic complexities and polyrhythmic feels, but also lyrical melodies and simple ideas.

In May 2017, he acquired a Bachelors Degree in Jazz Performance from Florida International University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. He also graduated from New York University in May 2021, where he acquired his Masters of Music degree in Jazz Studies. In addition to studying at NYU, he was a Graduate Adjunct Instructor of non-degree jazz guitar lessons. He has studied privately with musicians such as Alvaro Bermudez, Tom Lippincott, Gary Campbell, Eric Hofbauer, Ben Schwendener, Ari Hoenig, Alex Sipiagin, Alan Ferber, Chris Potter, and Wayne Krantz.

Ben Ferrell: Sextet

by Jack Bowers
July 2, 2026

On Sextet, bassist Ben Ferrell's six-member group strives with mixed results to maintain magnetism and diversity in five of his generally low-key compositions, some of which might benefit from an occasional shot of adrenalin. Ferrell apparently knows where he is going, and shares what can be described as a cool journey. There are three detours (Thelonious Monk's “Light Blue," Kenta Nagata's “Dragon Roost Island," Martin O'Donnell's “Never Forget," only one of which--"Never Forget"--appreciably raises the session's overall temperature). ...

Primary Instrument

Guitar

Location

New York City

Willing to teach

Beginner to advanced

Credentials/Background

Primary Instrument

Guitar

Location

New York City

Willing to teach

Beginner to advanced

Credentials/Background

I'm a guitarist, composer, and educator who is currently based out of Brooklyn, NY. In my life I've had many opportunities to play with, study with, and get to know many fantastic musicians who have been so generous to share their precious knowledge with me. Most of the reason that I teach is to give back to the community that has helped me so much and helped me build into the person I am today. As a teacher, I believe that we all have our unique gifts to give to the world, and it's my job to be able to identify that and encourage it, delivering materials to help the student grow while developing their unique musical and personal voice. My background is in jazz, composition, and improvised music, but no matter who or what I'm teaching, I like to get to know a student and their musical tastes first and foremost. In my experience, a student can grow the most when in an environment where they're encouraged, challenged, and in a realm of music that they are passionate about. I’ve taught at many schools in Miami, Florida (The Hit Music Studio, Sounds of Excellence), Boston, MA (Boston School of Music Arts), and I have experience teaching undergraduate students at New York University. I’ve played my original music live in various venues from Miami, FL to Boston/Cambridge, MA, Brooklyn, NY and Manhattan, and I even got to perform a short tour in Costa Rica the summer of 2017. I’ve released two self released EPs under my own name entitled “Peace in Pieces” (2019) and “Tales From a Broken World” (2020) where I feature all original compositions, which can be found on most streaming platforms. As far as education goes, I have over a decade of experience playing guitar. I’ve been teaching for many years, and I currently hold a Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Studies (guitar performance) from Florida International University (Magna Cum Laude) and I’m currently finishing up my last year of my Master of Music degree in Jazz Studies at New York University (Spring 2021). I look forward to working with you!

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