A Little About Me

My name is Nicolas Merle, and I am a tubist, low brass educator, and band instrument repair technician born in Argentina and currently based in Vancouver, Washington. I perform regularly with community ensembles and musical organizations throughout the Pacific Northwest while maintaining an active private teaching studio for low brass students of all ages and experience levels.

Education/Experiences

Since picking up the tuba in ninth grade and quickly realizing I wanted to pursue a career in music, I have been committed to growing as both a performer and educator. My goal is to help create meaningful musical opportunities for aspiring musicians throughout the Pacific Northwest.
My musical training includes a Bachelor of Music in Tuba Performance from Western Washington University and a Master of Music in Tuba Performance from the University of Idaho, where I served as a teaching assistant and was involved with the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival. I also earned a Band Instrument Repair Certificate from Renton Technical College. Along the way, I have attended the Rafael Méndez Brass Institute, participated in the Marrowstone Music Festival, competed in several Pacific Northwest solo competitions, and performed as a featured soloist with ensembles including the Lower Columbia College Band.

Instrument Repair and Other Skills

In addition to teaching and performing, I work as a repair technician and sales specialist at Rose City Instruments, where I enjoy helping musicians find and maintain instruments that inspire them to express themselves through music. My experience as both a performer and educator allow me to understand the needs of musicians from multiple perspectives and better support their musical growth. I also speak Spanish fluently which allows me to adapt better to the needs of my students and customers.
I’ve had the privilege to work in other jobs outside of music, such as commercial truck driving and construction, and these experiences taught me the value of patience, precision, perseverance, and hard work—qualities I strive to bring to every lesson, performance, and repair.

Life Outside of Music

Outside of music, I enjoy sim racing and flight simulation, as well as hiking and paddleboarding with my dog, Spud, and spending time with my wife, Willow, whose unwavering support has made it possible for me to pursue my dream of a career in music.