Nick Barkley
Areas of Expertise
- Contemporary Music (Rock, Pop, Reggae)
- Piano and Keyboard
- Recording, Production and Audio Technologies
Biography
I am a versatile keyboardist with a passion for pianos, synthesizers, and organs. My musical journey began at a young age with classical piano training, influenced by my mother, a piano teacher. I grew up in Owen Sound, within a strong classical music community, and studied with Shirley Hawkins, achieving honors on my Grade 10 RCM examination. Competing in regional Kiwanis festivals was also a significant part of my early development.
As a teenager, I discovered blues and R&B, which led to the commencement of my professional performance career and the formation of my first bands. Since then, I have performed hundreds of gigs with diverse artists across various styles, primarily R&B, blues, jazz, pop, and soul.
My experience extends to private music instruction, accompanying, studio musicianship, and performing at numerous wedding ceremonies across various styles. In 2025, I had the pleasure of serving as keyboard instructor for the Kitchener Blues Festival Kid’s Camp, an experience I greatly enjoyed as I shared my knowledge and love of the blues with talented young musicians. I have also had the privilege of playing at the festival over many years with several different bands.
Some of the local projects I am involved with include "The Crazy Diamonds," a Pink Floyd tribute where I have honed my skills as a synthesizer player and programmer. I was also a member of the local folk collective LoFi Mind and collaborated with singer/songwriters such as Alysha Brilla, Conor Gains, and Dylan Wickens, among many others. Currently, I perform with "Supernatural," a Santana tribute alongside John McKinley, and "The Divines," an R&B/Soul/Do-Wop band featuring three women singing leads and harmonies with coordinated dance moves and a fantastic backup band.
As a keyboard player, I have also engaged in extensive studio recording work with many local artists. Additionally, I have taught music production and recording in a group lesson format and at a private school in Guyana, South America. I am deeply passionate about music technology and recording, with expertise in producing, mixing, and mastering.