About the School
Teaching with love
"With every child, the sky is the limit!"Â
Andreas Nicolaou
Making friends for life
Joanna Nicolaou: passionate about music!
End of Year Concert 2026
Ripley Arts Centre
Pupils from the School in 1974
Andreas Nicolaou inspiring
the next generation
starting out
Summa Cum Laude workshop
Vienna 2026
National Festival of Music for Youth at the Royal
Festival Hall 2001
The joy of performing!
Christmas Celebration 2013
CBSO Hall Birmingham 2018
Neue Staatsoper Vienna 2026
Absolute concentration
Meeting the Queen
From one Generation to another
40th anniversary celebrations 2013
Excitement at the Royal Festival Hall 1996
Platinum Jubilee concert 2022
At Ripley Arts Centre
Music for Youth Regional Festival 2025
National Festival of Music for Youth
outdoor concert 2023
Leading with poise
Smetana Hall Prague 2026
Playing as one
Final bow
Andreas Nicolaou founded his School of Music in Orpington in 1973. The School focuses particularly on nurturing the musical potential of violinists, aged 3 to 18. In 2006, Andreas passed the School onto his daughter, Joanna Nicolaou. Joanna has continued her father's ideals of emphasising the importance of playing musically right from the start of learning and building confidence in every young performer.
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This combination of weekly one to one and group lessons is key to the musical development of the individual pupils - children learn so readily from each other and this has a huge and positive effect on their progress and engagement. The Saturday morning groups are organised according to ability but, in addition, all the various levels of pupils come together regularly in performances, combining repertoire which Joanna arranges, specifically tailored to the abilities within the ensemble. These multi-level programmes of music enable a continuous circular mentoring process of learning and allow the youngest pupils to see the entirety of their musical journey by working with those who are more advanced.Â
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All the pupils follow a programme of learning combining regular performances and ABRSM exams, in which the pupils have a record of 100% Distinction at Grade 8. Performance is an essential part of every pupil's development: concerts are held twice a year at venues such as Ripley Arts Centre in Bickley and All Saints' Church in Orpington. In addition, pupils take part in festivals locally, nationally and internationally and over the years have performed on BBC 1,  Radio 3, Classic FM, ITV and also for various charities.
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Groups from the School have performed multiple times at the Schools' Prom at the Royal Albert Hall and have received special awards from the National Festival of Music for Youth and local festivals, including winning the Senior Orchestra Trophy 22 times at Bromley. In 2001 they met and performed for the late Queen Elizabeth II and this year, they participated in the Summa Cum Laude International Youth Music Festival, giving performances in Vienna and Prague.Â
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Prospective pupils are invited to come along to meet in person and to observe a group lesson.
Pupils attend lessons twice a week, individually and in groups.
Messages from pupilsÂ
"When I began playing the violin it led me into a world where I could be the storyteller; I could convey different emotions through different styles of music and be part of an amazing group of hard-working friends, all sharing joy through music."Â
Annabelle, 16
"Thank you for your patience, professionalism and guidance which have not only led me into a wonderful world but have also given me a lifelong love of music. Thank you for being such an impactful part of my childhood."
Haoming, 14
"Over time, the group has become my second family. I've learned so much, not just about music, but also about confidence, teamwork and having fun whilst performing."
Emily, 10
I would likely not have had a life surrounded by music if my parents had not taken me seriously , aged 4, when I professed a NEED to play the violin because of Peter and the Wolf. Â And I would not be where I am today professionally without the Nicolaou School of Music. I am truly thankful to Andreas, Joanna and everyone at the school for giving me the perfect start to a life in music."
Jack, 35
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