About Richard Nicholson
Lived 1563 – 1638 (aged 74–75). Richard Nicholson was a composer, organist and music professor.
Richard Nicholson (baptised 26 September 1563 – 1638 or 1639) was an English composer and organist and the first Heather Professor of Music at the University of Oxford.
Life Richard Nicholson was baptised in Durham and sang in Durham Cathedral choir from 1576 to 1580. In 1626, William Heather appointed him as the first "Master of the Musicke" for the university, following a donation by Heather of music books, instruments and money for the purpose of theoretical and practical instruction in music. He was succeeded in the professorship by Arthur Phillips in November 1639, but he may have died in the previous year as the Magdalen College account books do not mention Nicholson after 1638.
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Important facts
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Richard Nicholson?
English organist and composer
When was Richard Nicholson born?
Richard Nicholson was born on 26 September 1563.
When did Richard Nicholson die?
Richard Nicholson died in 1638.
What was Richard Nicholson's occupation?
Richard Nicholson was a composer, organist and music professor.
Sources & further reading
· Wikipedia: Richard Nicholson
· DBpedia: Richard Nicholson (musician)
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Richard Nicholson. https://biography.guide/richard-nicholson-composer/
MLA: "Richard Nicholson." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/richard-nicholson-composer/.
Chicago: "Richard Nicholson." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/richard-nicholson-composer/.
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