NIKO TSARIS

Niko, a 29-year-old saxophonist, hails from Calgary and grew up in North-Central Alberta. They boast a Bachelor of Music Education in Jazz Studies from Capilano University, North Vancouver, and a Diploma in Jazz Performance from Mount Royal University, Alberta. Niko's musical journey began at the age of 13 with the piano, but thier passion truly ignited in high school, where Niko joined the Concert and Jazz Bands, excelling as both a clarinet and saxophone player.

During Nico's high school years, Niko demonstrated leadership and passion for the arts by founding a musical theatre program for children in Grades 3 and 4. This initiative, funded and organized by Nico through the Top Note Music School in Didsbury, AB, provided a nurturing platform for artistically inclined children to showcase their talents. The program culminated in biannual recitals, featuring a blend of music, choreographed dance, and theatrical performances, much to the delight of families and friends.

In their post-secondary years, Niko continued to hone their craft, performing in various ensembles and projects, both as a principal member and a substitute. They also dedicated time to teaching young students privately, focusing on a personalized approach to learning. Niko believes in respecting and empathizing with the unique learning methods of each student, whether child or adult. Niko champions a teaching style that adapts to individual learning preferences, facilitating the acquisition of skills and the development of new ideas in a way that resonates with each student.