Teacher Profile: Nicholas Ugrin

About Nicholas Ugrin

Nick Ugrin is a Northern VA based Guitar Instructor who works with students of all ages and levels! He is versed in many genres and found a lot of joy in his own, unique journey with the instrument. Starting guitar later in life through lessons with his mentor, he quickly developed a passion for the instrument and a desire to pursue music to the fullest.

Nick started his adult life with a military focus (US Marines) up until 2011. After his service, Nick quickly completed a Bachelors Degree in Chinese from George Mason University while also teaching special tactical skills to federal government agents as a contractor with the U.S. State Department. In 2015, Nick transitioned into education and incorporating all his passions into a comprehensive enrichment program that included music, martial arts, and more! To Nick, music is both a creative outlet and a discipline that allows students to develop important life skills through art and learning.

Nick began his own musical journey through his mentor, Tony Mafnas, who also happens to be a martial arts master and military strategist. Mr. Mafnas is a master teacher/trainer who knows how to pass on just about any skill to students with maximum efficiency, which is a skill Nick took to heart greatly and inspired him to be the instructor he is today.

Nick went on to study guitar and sound production at Berklee College of Music, though he attributes most of his success in learning his instrument and enduring practice techniques from his mentor, Mr. Mafnas. Nick has found a love of guitar that he continues to build upon, and in his own journey, he continues to grow more and more every day. This is the passion and love of music he hopes to pass on to his students as they find their own musical path.

Nick's higher goal is make education a part of his efforts to make the world a better place and help others. Because as Jimi Hendrix once said, “Music doesn’t lie. If there is something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through music.”

Most recently, Nick formed a duo with his very first guitar student, Yoko Ono (yes, that's her real name!) The fact that Yoko, in just a couple short years, is able to record and perform music like a professional is a testament not only to Yoko's hard work and intelligence, but also to the type of teaching approach that Nick utilizes with his students. Nick and Yoko's guitar duo is called "Rogue One." They have begun recording music (their latest singles are "Their Finest Hour," and "The One" by Rogue One, which can be looked up on any of the major music sites or on Youtube). Nick and Yoko have performed live in Japan, and in the coming year, they hope to begin promoting themselves and performing live in the U.S. as well.