Born in Boston, double bassist Nicholas Schwartz began his studies at Boston University. His teachers included Edwin Barker and Matthew McDonald. He has worked regularly as a substitute with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Boston Pops Orchestra. During the 2012–13 season, he took part in the Berlin Philharmonic Herbert von Karajan Academy.
Schwartz has won various prizes, including first prize at the International Society of Bassists and the Stulberg International String Competition.
Since August 2013, Nicholas Schwartz is a member of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra.
He has spent many summers playing in the Verbier Festival Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra. With pianist Anna Fedorova he forms the Oyster Duo.
Nicholas Schwartz plays a a James Cole bass built in 1855 from the collection of the RCO donors’ foundation Stichting Donateurs. RCO Foundation.