Vladimir Nilsen studied organ under Isay Braudo at the Petrograd Conservatory between 1927 and 1931. Braudo was one of his primary instructors during this period, alongside Nikolai Richter who taught him piano.
Nilsen is recognized as one of the prominent performers among the many students of Braudo, who was a professor at the Leningrad Conservatory and a renowned expert in organ music.
