While Nicolas Tourte's brother Francois is often credited with modernizing the design of the bow, it is clear now that Nicolas began his career earlier. He apprenticed with his father, Nicolas Pierre, and started collaborating with his brother Francois as early as the 1770's. Demand for modern bows were serious at this time, and a period of rapid development by the Parisian makers followed to meet the new technical demands by performers. It is widely accepted that after 1780, the majority of his bows were made in collaboration with his more famous brother, Francois Xavier Tourte.