Adopted from Bulgaria at the age of four by his American parents, Nikolai grew up in Georgia.  He attended Piedmont College, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance with a Piano/Organ Concentration in 2015.  Just prior to coming to First UMC in 2018, Nikolai graduated from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music with a Master of Music in Organ & Sacred Music.  In May, 2021, Nikolai was honored to be appointed Sub-Dean of the Evansville Chapter of American Guild of Organists.

Nikolai leads the Chancel Choir and Chancel Handbell Choir and invites all who have a heart for leading worship through music to join, regardless of skill level.