Nico Schuyt was born on January 2, 1922 in Alkmaar. He died on January 25, 1992 in Amsterdam.
Schuyt received his musical training through private lessons with the composer Jakob van Domselaer (piano, harmony), Eberhard Rebling (piano) and Willem Hijstek (theory). From 1949-1952 he also received lessons from Bertus van Lier, but apart from this he is self-taught as a composer.
Nico Schuyt was active as a music critic for a considerable time and amateur performer. From 1964-1978 he was editor at Donemus, the Amsterdam publishing house of Dutch contemporary music. From 1972-1975 he was chairman of the Genootschap van Nederlandse Componisten (Guild of Dutch Composers).
His style of composition is firmly rooted in tradition and particular mention should be made of the works that he has written for amateur musicians, such as the school opera ‘De varkenshoeder’ (The swineherd, 1951), ‘Sonatine per orchestra giovanile’ (1961) and ‘Hymnus per orchestra’ (1966). Other important works are: ‘Discorsi capricciosi’ for 12 wind instruments and percussion (1965) and ‘Quasi in modo di valzer per orchestra’ (1973).