Nicola Patterson

Associate Music Director

Growing up in Scotland as the daughter of a Presbyterian minister, Nicola was exposed to great church music (and wonderful pipe organs) from a very early age. She began piano lessons at age 6 and, after her family emigrated to the U.S., she began organ lessons with the abundantly-talented Margaret Budd, organist of Second Presbyterian Church where Nicola’s dad was the pastor. Nicola graduated from Duke University with a B.A. in Political Science, but then returned to music full-time, obtaining a B.Mus in Organ Performance from Peabody Conservatory of The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.

In addition to playing the organ for SPUMC services, Nicola enjoys working with the Sanctuary and Contemporary choirs, the SPUMC Praise Bands, children’s groups and the many gifted soloists and instrumentalists who share their talents in worship.

She lives in Annapolis with her husband, Noel (fellow Duke alum), and their two children, Bronwyn and Andrew.