Nolan Ortinau

Nolan is a musician and educator from St. Louis, Missouri, with adeep passion for all things music. Coming from a musical family, he has beensurrounded by music his entire life. He started singing from a young age andbegan exploring instruments at 11, eventually settling on guitar as his primaryinstrument at 14 while singing in various musical settings. Growing up, he wasactively involved in church music, which played a key role in shaping hismusicianship and versatility.

     Nolan is passionate about education and has anatural ability to connect with students. With several years of experiencetutoring students K-12 in math, he discovered that the key tolearning—whether in academics or music—is making the process engaging andenjoyable. He carries this philosophy into his teaching, emphasizing patience,self-expression, and the importance of having fun while learning. He believesthat music is not just about technical skill but also about using it as apowerful outlet for creativity and personal growth.

     Currently pursuing a degree in the prestigiousJazz Studies at UNT, Nolan has developed a strong foundation in jazz whilecontinuing to explore a wide range of styles, including funk and R&B. AtUNT, he has gained skills in arranging, producing, improvisation, and musictheory, and has played in a wide range of ensemble instrumentations, fromaccompanying a string orchestra to being one of five guitarists in anall-guitar ensemble.  Whether performing as a guitarist, vocalist, orboth, he brings energy and creativity to every musical setting.

     He is excited to help students develop theirmusical skills, gain confidence, and find their own voice through music.Whether working with beginners or more advanced players, he tailors lessons toeach student’s goals and learning style, making sure they enjoy the journey asmuch as the destination.

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