Nils Franke has held scholarships and awards at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, the University of Reading and the Royal Academy of Music. After the completion of his studies he pursued a dual career in performance and music education.

As a pianist, he has specialized in 19th-century piano music, particularly Liszt, and recorded chamber music by Bortkiewicz and Rachmaninov for Warner Apex (2005). He regularly plays piano quintets with his ensemble, performing a broad range of music from Boccherini to Messiaen.

As an educator, he has taught piano extensively, worked as a mentor on professional development courses for instrumental teachers and is now Director of the BA (Ed) music specialism and MTPP (Music Teaching in Professional Practice) at the University of Reading, UK.