Nick Martellacci
Organist, Composer & Arranger
Nick Martellacci is currently Organist and Director of Sacred Music at The Cathedral Basilica of St. James in Brooklyn, New York. He has served since January 2023.
Biography
Nick was hired as organist at St. James Roman Catholic Church in the University City section of Philadelphia during his Sophomore year in High School back in 1972. A native of South Philadelphia, he studied piano with Georgette Basile Garifo and, later, organ with Anselmo Inforzato.
During his studies at Daylesford Abbey in Paoli, PA Nick continued his organ lessons with Mary Fenwick, AAGO. In 1979 he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from West Chester where he studied with Dr. Harry Wilkinson, FAGO. After arriving at St James, Nick studied Improvisation for one year with NCOI winner Kalle Toivio.
Between college graduation and the start of his tenure at St James, Nick served for mostly Episcopalian and Lutheran congregations. His interest in composing and arranging grew out of his desire to survive a situation common to many organists: a library filled with four-part music, a choir with only Sopranos and Altos… and no music budget!
For over fifty years I've had the great honor of making music when people are reaching out to God.
Catalog
Six libraries, freely offered
All PDF scores are free for download and performance
Featured scores
The Musician
Director of Sacred Music
The Choir Loft
The Organ
The Rehearsal
Music Direction