Nicholas was exposed to Byzantine chant by his Father, the Very Reverend Fr. Paul Baba at a very young age. Fr. Paul instilled a foundation of chant in Nicholas by teaching him the basics of the eight modes, vocal technique, and structure of services. At the age of 9, Nicholas became more intentional in his church choir and chanted under the tutelage of his mother, Khourieh Jean. She further instilled confidence in young Nicholas. At the age of 13, he assumed the role of head chanter and choirmaster at his church, Holy Virgin Mary Antiochian Orthodox Church in West Sacramento, CA, where he remains today.

In college, he taught himself Byzantine notation. Some years later, he refined his theory under the esteemed Masterchanter, John Michael Boyer, the Protopsaltis of the Metropolis of San Francisco in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

Nicholas has taught Byzantine chant to his students from across the Sacramento area. His mission, with God's help, is to inspire the youth to pray and to chant!

He has chanted with Cappella Romana Choir on various projects, and led the chanting on the recently released CD of the Vigil of the Eighth Ecumenical Council. He very much enjoys chanting in the Sons of Antioch choir alongside his dear friends. He hopes to continue to grow in the sacred art and aims to take up composition in English!