You will stand there and shake your head at what you are both seeing and, more astoundingly, hearing. 'See Sharp' - Mr Lorin Nicholson - had the audience, ranging from Prep through to year 7, totally engrossed in what he had to both say and perform. Throughout the show a multitude of aspects, such as those of people with disabilities, those who are different, and the overall power of what you can do with determination and perseverance, were covered and brought brilliantly to life with the outright talent played before us. From a musical perspective itself, the guitar work was incredible along with the feeling shown by Lorin throughout his performance. If you have the opportunity, don't just take your children to see it - see it yourself!

Sometimes as we go through life we experience something extraordinary and special. It might be someone we meet, or someone who does us a kind favour. Today I had the privilege of meeting you and your father. You both stirred something inside me (and in all my staff I hasten to say). You enriched my life and my work. I thank you for sharing your life with all of us today.

The staff and students of the Bowen State Primary School were extremely fortunate to experience Lorin Nicholson's musical journey. His outstanding talent with the guitar and the inspirational stories of his journey through life combine to render a powerful and uplifting performance. How wonderful it would be if children all over the world could enjoy the Lorin experience! Lorin, please return to Bowen.

Susan Wright (Teacher), Bowen State Primary School, Qld

Thank you so much for your amazing performance at our school this morning. You have such a gift for connecting with people not only through your music but also through your messages of determination, empathy and acceptance of others.
The staff and students spoke of nothing but the performance all day.

Kari Morphy (Teacher), Marlborough State School, Qld

The students and staff at South Perth Primary School were extremely fortunate to be able to experience Lorin Nicholson's unbelievable guitar playing and listen to his positive messages. The rapport which Lorin established with 400 PP-year 7 students, staff and community members was truly inspirational. While at South Perth Primary Lorin also conducted a motivational workshop with staff which was empowering and emotional and reaffirmed the values of honesty, fairness and mutual respect. Without doubt this is one of the very best in-school visiting performances we have had at our school.

Garry Hewitt (Principal), South Perth Primary School, WA

Brilliant! Every child was mesmerized by Lorin's guitar playing and tales of his life experiences. They are still talking about the performance and listening to the CD's. What a success!!

Di Milich (Music Teacher), Strathfieldsaye Primary, Bendigo, Vic

Our students were absolutely amazed by the skill shown by Lorin in his performance, and how he never gave up in his endeavours. He inspired the students to try their best no matter what. I have been playing guitar myself for about 17 years, but I felt like a novice watching the way Lorin entertained us all. I feel that he has inspired a new generation of potential musicians. No matter the age, everyone can benefit from what Lorin says and portrays.

Basil Epiha (Teacher), Merrimac State School, Gold Coast, Qld

The performance by Lorin Nicholson for our Primary aged students was an inspirationally and musically uplifting experience. Lorin used appropriate vocabulary, visual aids, and student involvement during the performance. Not only is Lorin an exceptional musician and composer, but he also shared with the audience stories of how he had coped and won in life despite his disability. Many a heart was touched by Lorin's experiences as he told us stories which we will remember for a long time to come. The students continue to talk about him and to work keenly on the materials provided. I cannot more highly recommend this show. Do not miss it!

Gillian Whitaker (Music Coordinator), PLC Junior School, Vic

Lorin has proved to be an inspirational role model for our students. The students, staff and parents were astounded with Lorins guitar performance. Lorin spoke with modesty and sincerity about his disability and his life experiences. Many of our children are now more accepting of both their own and others' unique personal traits. This is a must see performance and will have a profound influence on the lives of our students.

Andrew Parry (Principal), Clunes Primary School, Vic

We recently had a visit from a performer called Lorin Nicholson. Lorin is not only a talented and versatile performer, but an unbelievably talented guitarist who has been a Golden Guitar finalist. He also happens to have been born legally blind and progressively lost his sight since he was four years old.
Lorin simply mesmerised our students from P-7 with a mixture of music and a unique ability to tell his story which is one of..... No matter what, never give up..... If you try hard enough you will succeed.....Everyone has a few mountains to climb in their life..... You need to set yourself a goal and just do it.
I highly recommend Lorin's presentation as suitable for students from P-12, as his performance covers a range of educational and personal development outcomes which everyone is sure to benefit from. If you would like to know more, feel free to give me a call.

It has been an extraordinary day for our school. Lorin really connected with the kids. He related his life journey through exceptional music and frank, open discussion at a level to which the children could relate. I commend his performance to anyone wishing to break down barriers, and for inspiration for students and teachers alike.

Craig Thorne (Deputy Principal), Boronia Heights State School, Qld

Lorin, you have amazing talent. The children and I left your performance in awe of your abilities and achievements. I absolutely had to purchase your CDs and I will be playing them as soon as I get back to my classroom.

Selena Roberts ( Year 7 Teacher), Boronia Heights State School, Qld

Great music and great messages!!!

Jim O'Leary (Principal), Robina State School, Qld

What an inspiration you are!!! I was one of the teachers who attended your presentation at Harbord Public School today. I was blown away by your performance (especially after spending many of my formative years watching Tommy and Phil Emmanuel, Mark Knoppfler and many other guitar greats in pubs, concerts etc).
I know you inspired many children today. I think your performance for schools is fantastic.
Also a special Thank You for playing some of "The Man from Snowy River". I found it spine-chilling. Thank you, thank you, thank you to you and your team.

Nicole Herrmann, Harbord Public School NSW

Lorin quickly established a rapport with the students through his contemporary music and his natural conversation with the audience. His sense of timing was spot on - knowing when it was time to play and when it was time to speak. His skill with the guitar and his ability to deliver his message of empathy and respect made his presentation a positive experience for everyone. The students were mesmerised by Lorin - as can be measured by the number of them who wanted to find out more about him after the presentation.

Stephen Green, Principal, Bassendean Primary, WA

Just a few lines to let you know that our staff felt the performance by Lorin Nicholson was inspirational and insightful. Inspirational in that it totally captivated the children for the whole time of the performance and insightful in that as Lorin went through some of the life experiences he has had as a person with very impaired vision, the sincerity in his presentation drew the children into the world of the visually impaired and gave them an understanding of what a person with his disability has to deal with.

Robert Prew, Deputy Principal, Guildford Primary School

SEE SHARP is a performance that every student must see.

Lorin Nicholson's outstanding talent with the guitar enables him to capture audiences of any age. More importantly though, Lorin presents a profound message about acceptance of difference and belief in self, and relates his own experiences to wonderful effect.

A truly enjoyable and powerful performance.

Jeff Hay (Principal), Annandale State School, Townsville

I found SEE SHARP one of the most inspiring & impressive performances I've seen in over thirty years of teaching. Lorin Nicholson's presentation was well-planned and captivated both children and teachers for an hour. We were enthralled!

Carmel Ceglar, Roselea Public School, Sydney

Mr. Nicholson was at Schimelpfenig in early May this year (2006). He did a wonderful job in engaging all of our student body-all 950 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. He was able to effectively engage not only the students but our staff as well. Musically, Mr. Nicholson is very talented and our students really liked the music. But it was the message that really made an impact. After his performance, it was difficult to get the students to go to class as they wanted to talk to him personally. His is an entertaining program with a meaningful message.

Cathy Taylor (Principal), McCall Elementary School, Plano, Texas, USA

Thank you for the wonderful musical performance today! More importantly, thank you for inspiring all of us with your determination and strength. Your message touched all in attendance, teachers and children alike . As Montessorians, we strive to find the unique gifts in every child and you are a role model for encouraging children to try hard and not let obstacles keep them from their dreams. I appreciate the time you took to listen to the children and answer their questions. You really connected with them. I hope you can visit us again in the future.

Susan Dendinger (Principal), Pebblecreek Montessori Elementary School, Plano, Texas, USA

"Lorin Nicholson recently performed at our school and our students were enchanted by his artistry and his message about the empowerment of the individual. He related well to all our students from year one to year seven and his performance was lively and engaging throughout. Lorin is an excellent musician and a lively public speaker and children relate well to him. I am pleased to recommend Lorin to my teaching colleagues."

Greg Wilkes (Principal), Mt Archer State School, Rockhampton

It's been a long time since I've heard teachers comment so enthusiastically about a school performance of this type. That says a lot!"

Gillian Begbie (Principal), Roselea Public School, Sydney

"Thank you so much for your wonderful performance today. The music was amazing but the message you gave to all of us was very special. I have been teaching at St Mary's for 12 years and have always tried to instil in the children that if they believe in themselves anything is possible. You are a living example of this and we will always remember your visit."

Robyn Bourne (Year 3 teacher), St Mary's School, North Rockhampton

Lorin appealed on so many levels. He entertained us with his music and inspired us with his stories. He was very down to earth and related well to the kids and adults there. Stories about his life were inspiring and encouraged the kids to follow their dreams no matter what their peers or others may think. By involving the children he really got the message across. I had tingles up my spine.

Theresa Mitchell (Assistant Principal), St Joseph's School, Tamworth West

Lorin Nicholson is a role model to all children, especially those who need assistance to cope with the challenges in their lives. In his multi-age performance to our schools he held us all spellbound for over an hour. His CD's now play as background music for many of our classroom tasks.

Lorin also gave a short presentation to seventy primary principals recently in Armidale. Again he achieved the same level of interest from this group.

Chisholm Bloch (Principal), Gum Flat Public School, NSW

Lorin Nicholson's show "See Sharp" is a fantastic combination of guitar playing and information about coping with blindness. It is one of the most worthwhile and stunning shows for school children that I have seen! Lorin's guitar skills, playing a wide range of musical styles, is superb. He mixes his music with great stories and practical activities connected with growing up legally blind. If your school has the opportunity to book this show - grab it! It's sensational!

Maretta Wood (Casual Teacher), Clarence/Coffs Harbour area

From staff at Calliope State School

Really great. Kept the children's interest the whole time - great involvement.
Kristine Booth (Year 2 Teacher)

Loved the music! Children were very interested as it was aimed at their level.
Marjorie Foster (Year 2 Teacher)

The children truly enjoyed it as it was informative, entertaining and relative to their experiences. I personally loved Hotel California...... fantastic!
Karyn C

I'd like to pass on my thanks and congratulations for such a wonderful performance.

My name is Ben Kidd. I am the Principal of Mulgildie State School just outside Monto. After rave reviews from Goovigen State School and hearing others who attended his concert I am enquiring to see if we could be included in Lorin's schedule for next year. My students would greatly appreciate the opportunity to see and hear Lorin's presentation.

Ben Kidd (Principal), Mulgildie State School

The group listened attentatively throughout, a testament to the captivating message. The simulation of visual impairment for students really made them think about the difficulties faced by Lorin and appreciate his achievements.

What a breath of fresh air for the students, staff and parents of St Joseph's today as they experienced the expertise of a talented blind guitarist Mr Lorin Nicholson. Lorin uses his disability to demonstrate to school students the plight of the blind and to help students become more aware of the challenges and needs of the disabled. Lorin showed us that being disabled is no barrier and if you want to achieve something it is always possible.

Last Wednesday we were given a taste of inspirational classical guitar playing as Lorin Nicholson played to our students. Lorin played many tunes that many of us knew and what made it even more amazing is that he is blind. He played and spoke to the children for over an hour and gave an insight into the day of a blind person. The event was a memorable and moving experience.

Wyandra State School Newletter

The children loved it - were amazed. They really enjoyed the stories and all the music played.

Year 1 Teacher, Guyra Central School

I found the event stimulating, enjoyable and thought-provoking. Lorin is a gifted guitarist who has a great ability to relate to children. I would wholeheartedly commend him to any school or group that has the opportunity to hear him.

David Greeff, Vicar of Collarenebri

Thank you so much for your visit last week. I've had some great discussions with each class about relating to people with disabilities and making the most of their lives. You are a great role model and inspiration, Lorin, and I'm so grateful for your input into our school children.

Linda Weatherhead (Music Teacher), Silkstone State School (Ipswich)