Nico de Villiers

Dr. Nico de Villiers is the Deputy Head of Vocal Studies at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM), specializing in collaborative piano, vocal coaching, and musicology. He holds degrees from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, the University of Michigan, and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama (PhD). His research focuses on American art song of the early 20th century, cosmopolitanism in music, and the life/works of composer Richard Hageman. He has authored/co-authored books and peer-reviewed articles, curated international performances, and founded the Richard Hageman Society.

Education:

• BMus(Hons), Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama
• MMus, University of Michigan
• MMP, Guildhall School of Music and Drama
• PhD, Guildhall School of Music and Drama

Research Interests: Dr. de Villiers explores neglected composers like Ernst von Dohnányi and André Tchaikowsky, with a focus on Hageman’s transnational career. His work combines biographical research with performance as scholarship, emphasizing the migration of art song traditions across cultural boundaries.

Professional Activities: He has performed at venues like the Kennedy Center, Salzburg Festival, and Edinburgh Festival. He has led masterclasses globally and served as repetiteur for choirs including the Lewisham Choral Society. As an editor, he contributes to On Collaborating and VOICEPrints.

Awards: Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA).

Teaching: Leads vocal coaching, diction (German/French/Italian/English), and chamber music at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. His courses include specialized art song electives.

Labs/Teams: Directs the Richard Hageman Society, leading initiatives like the European premiere of Hageman’s Overture in a Nutshell (2018).