Alexander Nickelsen

Alexander Nickelsen serves as head of department for theory, piano as a secondary instrument, and choir at Musikk på Majorstuen. He is also affiliated with Unge Talenter as an associate professor.

Alexander holds a master’s degree in Jazz Performance from the New England Conservatory, as well as bachelor’s degrees in Music Education and Jazz Performance from Berklee College of Music.

Alexander is the creator and author of the teaching material MITOP – Music in Theory and Practice. MITOP is a level-based, interdisciplinary platform in which theoretical and performance subjects are integrated in a way that fosters mutual understanding between the disciplines and provides students with a greater overall learning outcome. In formal partnership with the Barratt Due Institute of Music, the material is currently being further developed for use in several of Norway’s music schools, upper secondary music programs, and other talent initiatives.

Nickelsen teaches piano as a secondary instrument using an integrated method that includes chord symbols, analysis, arranging, composition, and improvisation. He also teaches theory, both at Musikk på Majorstuen and Unge Talenter.

Alexander Nickelsen has previously taught at a number of schools and universities in the United States, Latin America, and Norway. He was affiliated with the Barratt Due Institute of Music when Musikk på Majorstuen was established in 2011, and has been a permanent member of the faculty since 2014.