Drums/Percussion

Nick Landon has been playing set for nearly a decade, getting his start playing at local clubs in Minneapolis under the mentorship of NEC graduate and jazz guitarist Paul Renz. Nick quickly became one of the premier young adult drummers in the Twin Cities, playing in top youth jazz ensembles in the area. This included sets at Jazz Central Studios and the Dakota Jazz Club. During the summers, he perfected his craft under the tutelage of faculty at NEC and Berklee.

Nick was admitted to the Bienen school of music at Northwestern University to pursue a jazz performance degree under the guidance of Director Victor Goines until 2022, preceded by Director Earl Gardner. During this time, he participated in big bands and combos directed by Chicago musicians Darius Hampton and Kevin Fort. In 2022, he decided instead to pursue a degree in music education, studying instrumental and general classroom music with leading field experts. Nick applies the concepts he learns in his lectures to his private teaching, which he has been doing intermittently for 3 years.

Nick is still an active drummer on and off campus. Along with other musicians, he works with the Wirtz Center for the performing arts to provide live pit orchestra for their musical productions, a gig he’s held for 2 years. He is also an active freelancer for bands, playing with student groups at Evanston and Chicago venues such as Beat Kitchen. These encompass many genres: rock, hip hop, funk, Latin, and even K-pop. He continues to study under premier jazz drummer Willie Jones III in private lessons. Nick is currently pursuing a Major in Music Education at Bienen school of music.

To contact/schedule a lesson with Nick email metzgermusicstudio@gmail.com or call 773-744-1156