Performer, Educator, Entrepreneur
Performer
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of the New Alchemy Trombone Quartet, and an active performer in the greater NY area and with professional orchestras around the world.
When she is not performing, she is spending time with her husband and fellow trombonist, Colin Williams, as well as their two boys, two cats and one dog. A video game enthusiast, her mustached cat is named Mario, and their princess pooch is Zelda.
Entrepreneur
Nikki is also an inventor and entrepreneur. She has created a slide extension handle for the trombone called, Extendabone. As a short trombonist, she knew this is a tool that must be available for herself, and other trombonists around the world.
Educator
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Interlochen Arts Camp, Southeast Trombone Symposium, University of Kentucky, Jackson State University, and Youngstown State University.
Her young students have gone on to study trombone performance at such institutions as The Juilliard School, Northwestern University, New England Conservatory and Boston Conservatory. Others now hold positions in major symphony orchestras and have gone on to have active performing and teaching careers of their own.
Nikki Abissi is an Shires Sponsored Artist as well as a Long Island Brass Co. Artist.
Nikki the Soloist
In addition to her ensemble performing, Nikki is a passionate soloist. She commissions arrangements, like the one above, as well as original works for the trombone. Nikki enjoys recording for her YouTube channel, but especially enjoys live performing opportunities.
Nikki is a composer’s dream to work with – the best possible combination of inspirational and helpful in tailoring a piece to the capabilities of the instrument.
She brings to performances of our piece, “From a Mother’s Journal,” all the joy, beauty, hardship, tenderness, and humor that make up the human experience.
--Lauren Bernofsky, composer
Nikki The Teacher
Evelyn Carlson, Principal Trombone, Kansas City Symphony
“Incredibly dedicated to her craft and her students.”
Victoria, Former Undergraduate Student, Montclair State University
“An insightful and musically-oriented teacher.”
David, Amateur Trombonist, PA
“Makes you a more confident player that takes on challenges. ”
The Compound Interest of Practicing
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One of the most common problems we all face is that of impatience. Joseph Alessi will tell you that I came into my freshman year at Juilliard ready to be excellent immediately. I was in such a hurry that it was both hilarious and unhelpful. It wasn't until I embraced the process of practicing that things started to click. There is no end to this journey we are all on. Every top musician will tell you that they are not done improving. So why are we rushing to get to a finish line that does not exist? If you don't like to practice and get better, then music is not the right hobby or profession for you because that is the entire, never ending journey.
So, how do we tame our impatience? We focus on smaller goals. Every practice session that you improve at all is a successful one. Doug Yeo once pointed out in a lesson that if we improve one percent every day, in a year we will be almost four times as good as when we started. This seems obvious once it's pointed out, but it is an important thing to remember. One doesn't need to have an etude perfect after one day. One instead needs to try to improve one thing at a time each time one works on it. Similarly, one doesn't need to try and win the first audition one takes. I believe it is more important to focus on practicing in a way that sticks, which means slow, methodical, and thoughtful, than it is to worry about a deadline. A student recently told me that he doesn't have time to practice slowly. I responded that he doesn't have time to waste practicing too fast.
Something I admire about my husband, Colin Williams, is that he is a dedicated practicer. He never neglects his routine, and is always trying to find pieces to work on that will stretch him. I will admit, that there are many days I wake up and just don't feel like playing. Now that I freelance instead of have a full time orchestra job, it's easy to want to give in to that desire if I don't have work on the books in the immediate future. Watching Colin practice has helped inspire me to focus on my own craft, even when there is no one who will hear me but me. I think most of us could use refocusing on the love of improving our craft.
Nikki is the inventor of the trombone slide extension handle, Extendabone.
Full Utility Patent
Manufactured in NJ
Made out of recycled plastic
Packaging is compostable
Everyone Can Play Trombone
Work with Nikki today
