Like many bass players Mike Nichols first took up the bass because no-one else in the band wanted to do it and someone had to. Fortunately he loved it.
Mike studied jazz and contemporary music at Leeds college of music, followed by a postgraduate diploma at the Guildhall school of music and drama. As a freelance bass guitar and double bassist Mike has worked with many artists over the years including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Joe Brown, The Supremes, The Drifters, Opera North, Sam Brown, Mark Knopfler, Dennis Locorriere (Dr Hook singer/songwriter), Jools Holland, The Novello orchestra and Toyah Willcox.
Mike has also worked on many west end shows including Avenue Q, Dirty Dancing, Grease, Les Miserables, Jersey Boys, Wicked, Never Forget, Sister Act, Shrek, Spamalot, The Rocky Horror Show, Book of Mormon, Motown, Fame and School of Rock.
Mike is the regular bassist for 80s pop punk icon Toyah Willcox. Mike also plays bass guitar/ jazz double bass for the Novello Orchestra, whose recent 'movie with live orchestra' tours have included La La Land, Beauty and the Beast, the world premiere of the Italian Job live in concert, and the recent arena tour of the original Star Wars movie.
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Shake rooms and arenas with your Bass
As a bassist, you’ll know that mastering the four-string is harder than it looks – but at ICMP, we’ve been training the best for over three decades. You’ll get to lock in with a faculty of top-class tutors, learning not only the secrets behind a great groove and performance, but also the business, music theory, production, marketing and additional skills you’ll need to get noticed. As an ICMP student, you’ll also join a community of new collaborators, friends, and industry contacts – and access our amazing rehearsal rooms, gear, masterclasses, industry events, and recording studios.
To start your music career today, email our friendly Admissions Team at enquiries@icmp.ac.uk or give them a call on 020 7328 0222.
Bass courses
As a bassist, you’ll know that mastering the four-string is harder than it looks – but at ICMP, we’ve been training the best for over three decades. You’ll get to lock in with a faculty of top-class tutors, learning not only the secrets behind a great groove and performance, but also the business, music theory, production, marketing and additional skills you’ll need to get noticed. As an ICMP student, you’ll also join a community of new collaborators, friends, and industry contacts – and access our amazing rehearsal rooms, gear, masterclasses, industry events, and recording studios.
To start your music career today, email our friendly Admissions Team at enquiries@icmp.ac.uk or give them a call on 020 7328 0222.