In the past five years gifted Australian guitarist and public speaker Lorin Nicholson has presented more than 2000 concerts across Australia and America to an estimated audience of half a million.

Global interest in Lorin’s inspiring presentations have come from New Zealand, Hong Kong and the United Kingdom, while repeat bookings from the United States have now broadened his fan base there.

In January 2005 he was named one of Australia’s finest musicians as an instrumental of the year finalist in the CMAA Country Music Awards of Australia, along with Tommy Emmanuel, who took out the much prized Golden Guitar that year.

Christmas Eve 2006 was made memorable with Lorin’s live performance to an audience 10,000 at Melbourne’s Sidney Myer Music Bowl and millions viewing the Vision Australia Carols by Candlelight from their loungerooms.

In 2007 Lorin rode a tandem pushbike from Tamworth to Port Macquarie in a day and a half, raising more than $7000 for charity.

He’s now poised to enter the recording studio to put down his fourth CD of guitar instrumentals.

Five years ago he packed up his family and left a thriving practice as a massage therapist in Tamworth, treating clients ranging from local farmers to Olympic athletes, to pursue a new career as a professional entertainer.

In hindsight, that decision was more than sound. It was made to order.

What makes Lorin Nicholson’s achievements so much more remarkable is the fact he was legally blind from birth.

Retinitis pigmentosa is a genetic eye condition that causes the light-sensitive retina, located at the back of the eye, to degenerate slowly and progressively. Its severity can vary greatly. Many people with RP retain limited vision throughout their lives, while others lose their sight completely.

Whether riding a bike, playing before thousands at a concert hall or inspiring an auditorium packed with school students and teaching staff, Lorin’s vision is crystal clear when it comes to sharing his remarkable story and gift of music.

The winner of three out of four NSW Frater awards for outstanding contribution to the touring school performance program, Lorin loves life and never backs down from a challenge.

Hearing Lorin’s inspiring story and performance can be a life changing experience for many.

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 – Jenny Ryan (Principal), Beecroft Public School, NSW.

We had a full school assembly this morning, ranging from Year 7 to Year 12 and it is the first time I have never had to ask anyone to be quiet or to pay attention. Our students are always well behaved and respectful but this morning was quite amazing. There was a genuine sense of interest and respect shown by the students and Lorin’s message and his talent shone through. Lorin's music workshop afterwards was attended by over 30 students who would have stayed all day to hear and watch Lorin and his message about the importance of consistency and the musicality they can develop in their playing. Our senior students in particular and the staff who attended have been thankful for the experience. They are truly in awe of his skills. – Ros Mattner (Music Co-ordinator), St Francis de Sales College Adelaide.