Nick Orso was born and raised in Syracuse, New York. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he studied aviation electronics repair and acquired his private pilot’s license. After completing his enlistment, Nick attended flight school, earning commercial, flight instructor, instrument, multi-engine and airline transport ratings. At the same time, he pursued an apprenticeship, training for electronic and pipe organ repair as a back up career.

After working as a charter pilot, air ambulance pilot, and corporate pilot for seven years, Nick moved to Portland, Maine and decided to pursue a career in organ repair. After several years of working at a Portland music store, he established Nick Orso Organ Service in 1982. He has been repairing and restoring pipe, reed, and electronic organs, as well as player pianos ever since. He is also a registered member of the Reed Organ Society.

Nick and his wife, Lisa, live in Portland and have three adult daughters – Nicole, Elizabeth, and Emily.