Pursuing a music career can often feel daunting and isolating, Nikki, a violinist from Dallas, Texas, shares her compelling journey navigating through this uncertainty. With Iranian roots and a passion for violin that stuck with her throughout childhood, Nikki’s path was shaped by a blend of cultural expectations, personal aspirations, and the realities of the music industry.
“I didn’t plan to become a professional musician,” Nikki reflects. “But over time, I realized that’s kind of what I’m really passionate about.” This journey wasn’t without its challenges. Growing up in a family that immigrated to the U.S. in the 70s and 80s, she felt the weight of expectations to follow a more conventional career path. “In a lot of cultures, it’s viewed differently,” she explains, acknowledging the concerns her parents had for her future. “They wanted me to grow up and pursue something stable.” Despite this pressure, Nikki’s determination led her to pursue a conservatory education at the New England Conservatory (NEC), where she deepened her love for music.
College Auditions
Nikki’s journey through the college audition process exemplifies the challenges aspiring musicians encounter. “The recording process is difficult,” she admits, emphasizing the pressure of selecting the right pieces and preparing for auditions. To manage the overwhelming options, she created a list of schools that matched her goals, identifying “safety schools” and “reach schools” along the way. “What really helped me was to sit down and look at all the schools and talk to as many people as I could who have gone to those schools,” she notes. Nikki’s proactive approach included researching faculty and understanding repertoire requirements, demonstrating the importance of preparation and community support. “Ask questions… just gather as much information as you can,” she advises, a sentiment that resonates with anyone navigating a career full of uncertainty.
New England Conservatory (NEC)
At NEC, Nikki encountered a vibrant community, though she observed varying levels of commitment among her peers. “A lot of people are there because they know exactly what they want to do,” she remarks, contrasting her own balanced approach that allowed room for social connections and community engagement. While many of her classmates were intensely focused on practice, Nikki found herself participating in diverse professional opportunities that improved her confidence and skill set. “I ended up playing for a lot more professional events… that really helped me to feel confident upon graduating and knowing where my next step can be,” she reflects.
One of Nikki's favorite memories from her time at NEC highlights her belief in the importance of celebration. During her senior year, she joined a small chamber orchestra of about sixteen musicians, where the intimate setting fostered a sense of community. “After each concert, we’d always hang out and celebrate together,” she recalls, emphasizing the warmth and camaraderie that grew from those experiences.
“At the end of the day, music just brings people together. It brought people together in the past and it's bringing people together right now, and it will in the future as well.”
Career
The transition from student to professional musician was not without its challenges, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nikki candidly shares her experience with self-doubt during this time. “I remember calling my best friend… what am I doing? What am I doing here? Why did I do this?” she recalls, emphasizing how the pandemic reshaped her understanding of the music industry.
“When COVID hit, for example, and like the Met opera musicians weren't being paid. And I'm sitting here thinking like, wow, okay, that's like an orchestra that I would like die to be in.”
This period of uncertainty prompted her to explore new avenues, ultimately leading to the establishment of her musician entertainment agency.
Running her own agency has brought both excitement and pressure. “my friends have prescribed me as a bit of a workaholic,” she admits, as she juggles multiple roles, including teaching and pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration. As the sole operator of her business, Nikki often found herself overwhelmed, leading her to reassess her work-life balance.
“If we're not taking care of ourselves, there is no way we can take care of anyone else around us either.”
Through her experiences, Nikki has come to appreciate the importance of community and mentorship in her career. “Surround yourself… with people who will lift you up,” she advises, highlighting the significance of positive relationships in navigating the often tumultuous world of music. Her mentors played a pivotal role in shaping her journey, pushing her beyond her comfort zone while providing the support she needed to grow.
Nikki also emphasizes the importance of resilience when facing criticism. “You take it, you see if it makes sense to you… it’s just an observation more than anything,” she reflects on her approach to feedback. This perspective encourages growth while maintaining a sense of self-worth, a balance that is crucial for any artist striving to improve.
As Nikki continues down her path, she encourages fellow musicians to embrace their journeys without fear of making wrong decisions. “Whatever decision that you make, it’s not gonna be the wrong decision,” she shares, likening life to a road trip where the journey is just as important as the destination. “We don’t really know what’s gonna happen tomorrow,” she admits, reminding us that uncertainty is a natural part of life.
Nikki’s story serves as a powerful reminder that while the journey through music can be filled with challenges, it is also rich with opportunities for growth, connection, and joy. In a field where success can seem elusive, Nikki’s story highlights the importance of nurturing both personal and professional fulfillment—proving that the path to a fulfilling career in music is not just about the destination but about the journey along the way.
Link to video interview can be found here: https://youtu.be/L8k00D057sk
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