Nigel Clarke studied composition with Paul Patterson at the Royal Academy of Music, where he won many awards including the Queen's Commendation for Excellence, the Academy's top award. On completion of his studies, he spent a year as "Young Composer in Residence" at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts writing music for the dance and drama departments.

Back in the UK, Nigel held a range of appointments including Associate Composer to the Young Concert Artists' Trust from 1990 to 1992, Tutor in Composition and Contemporary Music at the Royal Academy of Music from 1993 to 1996 and the post of Composer in Residence to the world-renowned Black Dyke Mills Band. This latter association led to a number of radio broadcasts. He was, in 1996, made an Associate of the RAM, but then moved to teach composition at the London College of Music and Media.

In 1997 the United States Cultural Attaché nominated Nigel for the International Visitor Programme sponsored by the US Information Agency. He toured the country experiencing different aspects of American culture including jazz, classical and Native American music. The tour culminated in a performance of his work Samurai by the Presidents Own United States Marine Band.

Nigel Clarke's music is performed extensively both throughout the UK and overseas, including concerts and broadcasts. In 1998 he collaborated with Michael Csányi-Wills in composing the soundtrack to the film "Jinnah".