Teacher Profile: Nicholas Kohn
About Nicholas Kohn
Nicholas Kohn is a violinist, violist, guitarist, conductor, educator, performer, and arts administrator originally from Atlanta, Georgia. He began playing the violin and viola at age nine and quickly developed a passion for orchestral music that has remained at the center of his life and career. In addition to his classical training, Nicholas is also an accomplished guitarist who has performed with various bands and enjoys teaching guitar across a range of styles.
Nicholas earned a Bachelor of Music with Honors in Viola Performance from the Royal Academy of Music in London and an MBA from the University of Southampton. During his studies at the Royal Academy, he performed with the Royal Academy Symphony Orchestra under distinguished conductors including Sir Mark Elder, Marin Alsop, Vladimir Ashkenazy, Edward Gardner, and John Wilson.
As a performer, Nicholas has appeared as Principal Viola with numerous ensembles, including the UAE National Symphony Orchestra, Southampton University Symphony Orchestra, Elgar Sinfonia, and Hornton Chamber Orchestra. He was awarded First Prize in the University of Southampton's Student Orchestra Concerto Competition. One of his most memorable musical experiences was performing at Emirates Palace in the UAE during the state visit of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Beyond the orchestral stage, Nicholas has also performed as a guitarist in various bands, bringing versatility and a broad musical perspective to his work as a performer and teacher.
In addition to performing, Nicholas has extensive experience working with young musicians as both a teacher and conductor. He teaches violin, viola, and guitar, and believes music lessons should be engaging, encouraging, and tailored to each student's individual goals. Whether working with beginners or advanced musicians, he focuses on building strong fundamentals, confidence, creativity, and a lifelong appreciation for music.
Nicholas currently serves as General Manager of Symphony Arlington, where he works to support professional musicians and expand access to high quality musical experiences within the community. Outside of music, he enjoys attending concerts, studying history, traveling, and exploring the arts from both artistic and organizational perspectives.