After studying voice under the great opera singer William Warfield at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, Nikki graduated and moved back to Chicago. Once home, she began to study voice with Ed Farran of The Arbors, the famed vocal quartet of the 50' and 60's, known for their version of The Letter, appearing on The Tonight Show and singing the jingles for Jolly Green Giant. She switched her original goal of musical theater and pursued a more commercial career singing pop, rock and then branching out into standards, swing and a variety of foreign languages. Studying with Ed for over 11 years and working with many singers throughout the years of various abilities has been a natural evolution into teaching.  As a band leader and musical arranger instructing 4 lead vocalists and several backing vocalists, Nikki is used to working with singers - new and experienced alike - to bring the very best performance out of them. Adults and children of all ages are encouraged to find their musical voice when studying with Nikki placing an emphasis on proper breathing technique and support to start them with the right foundation. Finding pitch and vocal exercises to strengthen and increase endurance are worked on, along with appropriate song selection. Serving Lake County, please contact me about rates and availability.