Freelance Trumpet Player Kiku Collins of New York City grew up in New Jersey and began playing the trumpet in the fifth grade in the footsteps of her older brother. "Kiku" means Chrysanthemum in Japanese. Kiku and her brother began taking private trumpet lessons in grade school and Kiku's playing ability quickly developed as did encouragement from her high school music teachers. Kiku attended the Interlochen Arts Academy while in high school and studied trumpet with John Lindenau.

Soon after, Kiku again followed in her older brothers footsteps and attended The Manhatten School of Music where she studied trumpet with Mel Broiles. Kiku states, "Mel Broiles was such a positive influence on my trumpet education. Mel had me work sight reading skills all the time and he was very positive in each lesson with me. After finishing her classical trumpet training at The Manhatten School of Music, Kiku left the music scene for a while as there just wasn't very much work available for a classically trained trumpet player. Kiku got into advertising, modeling and also became a Personal Trainer.

Kiku began playing trumpet again ... first in a local funk band. She then began recording jingles (a union gig) and doubling trumpet and trombone in a blues band. Kiku states that her first big break came when she was chosen to play in Beyonce Knowles band. After performing with Beyonce for a year, Kiku chose to move on and soon found herself playing trumpet with Michael Bolton.

While Kiku has been seen around town, as well as around the world, with major pop stars including Beyonce and Michael Bolton, she has truly found her voice in her debut recording - "Here With Me". This smoothly satisfying album redefines evocative jazzy compositions and rich orchestration. Her multiple tracking on the fluglehorn, muted trumpet and trombone, showcases a level of musicianship of the highest order.

In addition to being a successful professional trumpet player, Kiku enjoys being a Mom to her daughter; reading; writing on her websites blog, modeling and she is still a Personal Trainer with a couple of long time clients. Kiku also teaches private trumpet lessons.

Kiku is now studying private trumpet herself with Laurie Frink in New York City. Kiku states, "I've been getting back to basics such as The Clarke Technical Studies book, long tones and pedal tones. Laurie Frink is the perfect teacher for me at this point in my life.

Kiku Collins equipment of choice includes a Getzen "Mike Vax" Model 3001 Professional Trumpet as well as the Getzen Custom Series 3895 Fluglehorn; an Amati short valve trombone (a great trombone for a trumpet player who wants to double); LOUD Brand mouthpieces ... the Loud 3Z and 3C and on fluglehorn the LM-3F. Kiku uses a Josh Landress Mouthpiece Sleeve, Ultra Pure Valve Oil and Tuning Slide Lub and Chop Saver Lip Ointment.

Kiku is not only a featured Getzen trumpet artist, but her debut album "Here With Me" has been featured on many radio stations, and has gotten tons of press from publications like BBC, Black Owl Music, Le Jazz Affair, Radiophone, WEMU 89.1 in Michigan, NPR, Jazz Colours Magazine in June 2007 (which hails Collins the "Princess of Smooth Jazz"), Vinilemania, The Jazz Suite, Hot House Jazz, Smooth Jazz, CMJ, WMPG, WGBH, Harris Radio, Julian's Flight, The Fevered Brain of Radio Mike... and her Getzen posters and ads can be seen all over in schools, music shops, and in Jazz Times Magazine and educational publications.

In addition to her solo album and work with other artists, Kiku has been heard the world over in television and radio commercials for such clients as Sprite, ABC Nightline, Checkers, Miller, Sony, HBO Latin, Visa, Burger King, Ikea, Carefree Gum, Phillips, Wisk, Certs and many others. Ms. Collins has also produced an impressive number of commercials.

To contact Kiku Collins for Trumpet Lessons ... or other business matters, please visit her website at KikuCollins.com

Kiku Collins "HERE WITH ME" CD

KIKU COLLINS "HERE WITH ME"
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