Nicholas Keirstead studied Music Education at Shepherd University. He has been an active organist and choir director since age 14, working in Episcopal churches in Northern Virginia and the Greater Philadelphia area. In his church music career, he has focused on building youth programs as well as community concert series to help shape the role of music in the life of the wider community.

He is an active member with the Association of Anglican Musicians and performs with Voce Chamber Singers. He resides, with his husband Philip, in Haymarket, Virginia, with their dog Mocha.