Western Carolina University - Nick Beltchev

Dr. Nick Beltchev is a performer and educator based out of Cullowhee, North Carolina. He is currently Assistant Professor of Tuba and Euphonium at Western Carolina University. Prior to his appointment at WCU, he held positions at Oklahoma State University, Texas A&M University- Kingsville, Texas A&M University- Central Texas, and Temple College (Temple, Texas).


Dr. Beltchev joined the 5-time Grammy-nominated Dallas Winds in 2019. He will also join the Brevard Philharmonic as their principal tubist for the 2024-2025 season. He has previously held the position of Principal Tuba with the Macon Symphony in Macon, Georgia. He has appeared as a soloist with the Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra, the University of Michigan Symphony Band Chamber Winds, and the University of Michigan Marching Band. In addition to this, he has been awarded prizes and received honors at several international competitions.


In his teaching, Dr. Beltchev strives to help each student find their authentic voice on the instrument. His students have ranged from middle school to college graduate students. His students have been accepted to some of the most prestigious music programs in the country, earned TMEA All-State honors, earned spots at reputable summer programs, and have been offered contracts at World Class DCI drum corps.


As a researcher, Dr. Beltchev's interests lie in creating methods that synthesize a student’s music education, enabling them to realize and communicate well-formed and effective musical ideas through the medium of tuba and euphonium playing. He has presented on the topic of Marcel Tabuteau’s systematic approach to phrasing at numerous universities and the Virtual Tuba-Euphonium Conference in 2021. His latest research project is focused on the use of kinesthetic experiences to heighten musicianship. In addition to these academic pursuits, he is a frequent contributor to the “New Materials” column in the International Tuba Euphonium Association Journal.


Dr. Beltchev received his Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Texas at Austin, his Master of Music from the University of Georgia, and his Bachelor of Music from the University of Michigan. His primary instructors include Charles Villarrubia, David Zerkel, Fritz Kaenzig, Don Little, and Dr. Roy Couch.