Nicky Hind was born in 1962 to parents who were both classically trained pianists. He began composing and playing the piano at an early age. In his early teens he took up the electric guitar, formed a band with some friends and began writing songs. By his late teens he was an active participant in the New Wave scene in Edinburgh, performing gigs around Scotland, and signing with a small label. By his early 20s he was exploring jazz fusions, non-Western musics, and minimalism. After the 1987 release of Hindsight and performances with his nine-piece ensemble, Nicky Hind began to receive commissions, and to collaborate with artists from other media such as choreographers, playwrights, and filmmakers. At age 25 he enrolled at Glasgow University to study composition. Graduating with first class honours in 1992, Nicky Hind continued his musical education; in 1993 receiving a masters degree from City University, London; and in 1997 a doctoral degree from Stanford University, California, where he studied at the Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics. His teachers have included Graham Hair, Simon Emmerson, and John Chowning; his musical heroes include Bob Marley, John Lennon, Arvo Pärt, and Randy Weston. Nicky Hind continues his work independently as a composer, developer of music performance software, and videographer.