I grew up in Trafford, Manchester. and began playing piano from a young age, with my mum initially teaching me, before attending regular lessons with a number of private teachers. I attended Grammar School where I studied Music GCSE (A*). Throughout my childhood I worked my way up through the ABRSM Classical and Jazz Grades achieving Grade 8 Piano in 2007, at the age of 18.

I developed a love of Jazz from watching my Dad work and perform as a professional Jazz Musician on Double Bass. I completed the ABRSM Jazz Grades 1-5 during a hiatus from classical piano, I learnt how to solo and about modes, pentatonics and blues scales. I’ve always loved Jazz Standards and playing from Real Books and Lead Sheets.

In 2006, having completed A-Levels in English Literature, Film Studies and Music (AAB), I then attended music college during my gap year. I undertook a year long Level 3 Vocal Artist Award which I passed with Merit.

In 2007 I was accepted into the faculty of Arts at Glasgow University to undertake a Master of Arts degree. During the degree I studied Composition and The Aesthetics and Philosophy of Music. Aesthetics and philosophy interested me greatly so I wrote my dissertation on modern, avant-garde notation and Beauty in Music. Upon graduating, I remained in Glasgow and began to work as a community musician as well as an Instrumental Music Teacher. During this time I gained a wealth of experience in creating music with people who have ASN. Most notably I worked with a group of SEN children to produce a sonic poem based on the Owl and the Pussy Cat, we released this track and held a launch event to celebrate the track’s release. In Summer 2014, I moved back to Manchester and began to work as a self-employed musician and music teacher. In 2016, I formed NTJQ with my mum, Kristina, on keys.

In June 2018 I had my debut working as a Musical Director with a production of ‘Made In Dagenham’. I continued to work in musical theatre as a MD, and was musical director for an award winning production of Evita in May 2019. Later that year I was MD for Rent.

Since 2023 I’ve been a founding member of Really Rhubarb, in 2024 we began to release music and gain a fanbase, as well as some radio play on the BBC.. You can find our music on all major streaming platforms. I’m in a covers trio, Sounds About Right on bass and backing vocals,, and a function band, Horizon, on keys.

My students are at the heart of everything I do and I’m always trying to find new ways to give students more experience in the music industry. Over the years I have built a strong and loyal client base of one to one students, whilst also gigging and recording original music. I runs music workshops for students and organise an annual concert which features the student band.

If you’d like to book live music, or meet Nikki for your first lesson get in touch!