A History in Music

Nicholas Fettis, a native of California, began his music career in his junior high school orchestra, where he learned the art of playing and composing on many instruments, including piano. As a high schooler, he felt honored to have one of his first compositions, a string quartet, performed by students in memory of Robert Kennedy in June of 1968. His family life, encapsulated by Greek culture, greatly influences him through music, philosophy and spirituality. He attributes his upbringing to the inspiration he finds in life: a love for the natural world, the theosophical heritages of mankind, and the value of every living being.

After graduating from the University of California Berkeley Music Department in 1973, Baldwin Piano Company contracted Nicholas for four years, and he started his own piano business shortly thereafter. His 40 year career as a music technician and composer has allowed him the opportunity to work with every kind of piano and a variety of artists, with notable clients including Diana Krall, Francis Ford Coppola, Karl Malden, Shelly Berg, David Benoit, Tom Waits, Jonathon Lee and Tony Bennett.

He now resides in Carmel Valley, California, where he maintains a steady music practice of composing and recording. He is a veteran at the annual Big Sur International Marathon, where he serenades thousands of athletes running along the scenic Highway One. He frequently plays for local events and concerts, such as the Fisherman’s Wharf “Whalefest,” where he synchronizes his music with Humpback whale calls.

Nicholas composed the wedding music for his marriage to Mary Alice, and has composed seven full-length albums since then; his most recent is an eponymous tribute to Yosemite National Park, titled “Yosemite: the Soundtrack.” His son Peter started singing before he could walk, and he transposed those songs into piano compositions, such as “Wake Up the Rainbow” and “Cook Bananas!”

Nicholas’ next step is to record an album on acoustic piano and convert it live to MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface), a first in the music industry. It is his lifetime goal of sharing a love for music that continues to inspire him.