Nick Costa

Biography & Career

Nick Costa is the Percussion Director at Villanova University, and a Senior Lecturer at the University of the Arts. He is also an independent drummer, clinician, and drum technician with both national and international touring experience.

Nick studied at the University of the Arts where he received his Undergraduate in Music Performance, and Masters in Education. During his time at UArts, Nick studied with Clinician/Educator Marc Dicciani, and Philadelphia Jazz great Jim Paxson Sr.

Along with performing and teaching, Nick also has been a drum tech for numerous drummers including Steve Smith, Dafnus Prieto, Brian Blade, Jason McGerr, Bobby Sanabria, Mike Clarke, Marcus Baylor, Bernie Dresel, just to name a few.

Besides performing throughout the greater Philadelphia area, Nick is also teaching privately, has facilitated workshops teaching underprivileged kids music, and has been praised by numerous producers including Mike Watts (The Dear Hunger, Adelita’s Way, Story of the Year) Steve Haigler (Brand New’s Deja Entendu, Fuel’s Sunburn, The Pixies), Jason Elgin (Collective Soul, Terrible Things), Fred Mascherino (Ex Taking Back Sunday), John Naclerio (Brand New, My Chemical Romance, The Audition) and Eric Plesha (Cobra Starship, Valencia) for his consistency and energy while recording.

Nick is an artist for Ludwig-Musser Percussion, Vic Firth, Remo drumheads, and Ultimate Ears In-Ear Monitors.