Tessa came to London to study at the Royal Academy of Music as a scholar, and later at the Royal College of Music.
She studied piano, harpsichord and piano accompaniment with professors including Lamar Crowson and John Lill, and was awarded many prizes at both institutions.
Tessa’s career began in her teenage years, with performances on BBC radio and television, and two appearances as soloist with The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra in performances of the Grieg Piano Concerto and Franck’s Symphonic Variations. Subsequently, she was awarded several scholarships to study in Italy with Maria Tipo and Guido Agosti. On her return to London, she worked intensively with the renowned teacher, Maria Curcio, pupil of Arthur Schnabel.
Tessa Nicholson has performed widely in the UK and abroad and has been invited to South Korea to give recitals and masterclasses. She has also given many performances at London’s Wigmore Hall and on the South Bank and has made several recordings for BBC Radio 3 and the World Service.
Tessa’s outstanding skills as a teacher are well recognised and reflected by the numerous successes of her students, which include many prizes at national and international level. Her students have recently performed at venues such as the Royal Festival Hall, Wigmore Hall, Cadogan Hall, St John’s Smith Square and Regent Hall.
Outside of her busy teaching schedule, Tessa regularly performs both as soloist and in chamber music ensembles.