Nic Patterson

Piano, Passion, and Purpose: The Transformative Power of Music

“Music helped show me that I could build again. Find your song, find your voice, find your music because you will find your power there.” - Nic Patterson.

The distinguished career of Grammy-nominated concert pianist, recording artist, creative director, and TedX speaker Nic Patterson continues to reach new heights with new music, innovations, exciting collaborations, and multi-faceted creative projects.

At just thirteen, Nic started NicNac Design, a multimillion-dollar marketing company. When he was in his twenties, he served as a United Methodist pastor, where he founded and directed choirs, praise teams, and instrumental ensembles of all ages that established the first United Methodist completely online campus.

As a concert pianist, Nic Patterson majored in Piano Performance at the Alabama School of Fine Arts and the University of Montevallo, representing Steinway & Sons for a time. Nic's passion and dedication to music allow him to positively impact people's lives, which have earned him a reputation as a leading advocate for the transformative power of music.

With over 25 years of ministry, music, and media experience, he established Nic Patterson Music and the Storm Foundation with an unwavering commitment that has inspired countless lives. Because of Nic’s own experience with incarceration, he was able to rebuild his life transformed by music as he was dealing with loss, anxiety, and depression. To cope, Nic was given the opportunity to play the piano, which led him to go further and create a music appreciation program for his fellow inmates. The program helped over 400 inmates learn music theory, play instruments, and compose songs. It was this very experience that inspired him to establish Nic Patterson Music.

The program provides personalized instruction and support that caters to the student’s unique needs and learning style. Nic Patterson Music promotes creativity, collaboration, and excellence, inspiring students to unlock their full potential and achieve their dreams. Nic's commitment to his student's success has fostered a supportive and inclusive environment where individuals can flourish and grow. Nic’s foundation is currently producing content for the class to be available to more than one million inmates in the United States and Canada.

Since his release, Nic has continued using music to rehabilitate those incarcerated and improve their lives after prison. In recent years, Nic founded The Storm Foundation. This faith-based non-profit organization supports individuals struggling with substance abuse, homelessness, and involvement with the criminal justice system.

With the heart he has to connect people with faith through worship, discipleship, and music, he currently serves as Director of Music at The Village Church in World Golf Village, St. Augustine, Florida.

Nic teaches at-risk youth leadership and public speaking skills as a motivational speaker. While serving as Vice President of Education, his Toastmasters club Nikos Toastmaster Club was ranked among the top ten international clubs for education awards. Currently, he serves as Division A Director for Toastmasters International, serving northeastern Florida. He competed in the International Speech Contest and the International Championship of Public Speaking while serving as president of the North Jax Toastmasters Club. As a creative communicator, he maintains an active speaking schedule with inspirational and motivational workshops on Advanced Speech Writing.

On January 2023, he gave a TEDx speech entitled “The Transformative Power of Music,” where he shared his experience in developing a music course while incarcerated. This course propelled hundreds of men to learn college-level music theory including how to play instruments. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. He is currently writing a book about his journey.

At present, Nic is completing dual degrees in Artificial Intelligence and Industrial/Organizational Psychology at Harvard University Extension School. Along with his academic pursuits, he has performances lined up as a concert pianist. On January 19, 2024, Nic will perform his first solo recital at Carnegie Hall, one of the most renowned concert venues in New York City which is known around the world for hosting some of the best musicians from all genres of music.

On December 31, 2022, Nic Patterson will also be releasing his new album, “Broken,” a powerful musical statement that reflects his own complex journey of transformation. His new album is a collection of original compositions that capture the raw emotion of his experience and offer a message of hope and redemption.

As the CEO and Creative Director of NicNac Creative, Nic Patterson also offers a range of services for various events and occasions. Whether it's a private concert, a corporate event, or a special celebration, Nic's musical talents and expertise in communication provide a well-crafted and personalized message for various audiences. With his powerful “prison-to-Harvard” story and the transformative power of music, Nic will never fail to inspire and motivate others toward life and hope.