Nigel Clarke studied with Paul Patterson at the Royal Academy of Music, where he won many awards including the Josiah Parker prize adjudicated by Sir Michael Tippett and the Queen's Commendation for Excellence, the Academy's top award. In 1987 he was invited to take up the post of 'Young Composer in Residence' at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts.
His ability to communicate with young musicians led to his appointment from 1990 to 1992 as Associate Composer to YCAT (Young Concert Artists' Trust). In 1993 Nigel became Composition and Contemporary Music Tutor at the Royal Academy of Music and in 1994 Nigel took up the post of Composer-in-Residence to the Black Dyke Mills Band. In 1996 he became Director of Music to Alder Valley Brass and was made an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music (ARAM). He has recently become a Fellow of the London College of Music (FLCM).
Nigel's music is performed extensively both at home and abroad and has been featured in concerts and broadcasts in Korea, Argentina, USA, New Zealand, Italy, Finland, Australia and Japan as well as in many important London performances.
Nigel has recently been appointed Head of Brass, Wind and Percussion at the London College of Music.