In 1595 Nicholson was probably appointed as the organist at Magdalen College. Nicholson's musical life centered around Oxford where in 1596 he received a Bachelor's degree in Music. In 1626 he became the first Master of Musical Practice at Oxford and held this position until 1639. This position was developed into a professorial position. From the extant compositions Nicholson appears to have been quite adept with secular vocal pieces although his "When Jesus sat at Meat" may be his best musical achievement, a consort anthem with viol accompaniment. With a gift for melody even Morley asked him to contribute to "The Triumphe of Oriana" demonstrating the regard with which he was held by his contemporaries though his music did not have a large audience. ~ Keith Johnson, Rovi