"Ms. Collins plays trumpet and flugelhorn like a twenty-first century Miles Davis"
Derek Ansell - Jazz Journal International
"...one of the best out there on the current trumpet community. Your section playing, tone, control, and solo chops, outstanding!!"
Eric Miyashiro
"Her phrasing, sound and lyricism remind me of great singers. For me, that is one of the best compliments that I could give to any trumpet player!"
Mike Vax
Kiku Collins has established herself at the heights of pop, jazz and R&B. This former “Jersey Girl” followed music on a journey out of her small town and onto the biggest stages in the world. According to Jazz Journal International, “Ms. Collins plays trumpet and flugelhorn like a twenty-first century Miles Davis.”
Collins’ newest recording, “Red Light” showcases her unique abilities as composer, performer and producer and includes notable guest performances by Michael Lington and Al Chez. This project proves again that she can flex her musical muscles with the big boys. Kiku has traveled the globe as trumpeter with R&B icon Beyonce and pop crooner Michael Bolton, in addition to performances at international jazz festivals with her own group.
As a producer, Collins honed her skills in the recording studios of the New York advertising scene. There she produced music for a plethora of radio and television commercials and a varied list of clients, which include Sony, ABC, Phillips and HBO.
Kiku continues to keep a busy schedule as a performer and clinician for Getzen Musical Instruments and spends much of her time creating new music in her recording studio. Legendary trumpeter Mike Vax said of Ms. Collins, “Her phrasing, sound and lyricism remind me of great singers. For me, that is one of the best compliments that I could give to any trumpet player!”
Kiku is currently playing on a Getzen 3001MV trumpet. , Custom Flugelhorn, Eterna Tenor 998 Valve Trombone and ,3850 Custom Series Getzen Cornet. Thank you, Getzen! Kiku also uses Josh Landress mouthpiece sleeves. Thanks, Josh! Kiku plays on Patrick Mouthpieces and digs the 3z and RB3c on her trumpet, as well as the 3FL on flugel! Thank you to Steve Patrick! And Kiku uses Ultra Pure Oils and slide grease, and Chopsaver Lip Ointment exclusively! Thank you!!! Kiku also plays a Schilke piccolo trumpet, and a no name pocket trumpet. And has completely fallen in love with her Torpedo Classic Nylon case andTorpedo 2.5 Coyote!
Person:
Beyonce, Michael Bolton, Jill Scott, Mary J. Blige, Kwame, Shontelle, Monica, Ledisi, Keri Hilson, Keyshia Cole, Fantasia, VV Brown, Kelly Price, Marsha Ambrosius, Dave Wakeling, Sami Yaffa, Jill Sobule, Davy Jones, Dave Mason, Peter Erskine, Walter White, Robert Gordon, Jonathan Richmond, and on...
Place:
Royal Albert Hall – London, Budokahn – Japan, Yonge-Dundas Square – Toronto, Canada, Brighton Dome – London, Chicago Theater, Earl’s Court – London, Reliant Stadium – Houston, National Arena – Jamaica, Lincoln Center – NY, Asser Levy Park – NY, Irving Plaza - NY, Webster Hall - NY, Highline Ballroom - NY, House of Blues - LV and NC...
Thing:
Headlining Soloist: The Brass Group in Palermo, Italy, The Seacily Jazz Festival in Palermo, Italy, and Durham Brass Festival, UK ...
Actress: leading roles in 2 off Broadway shows in NYC (Fire Island and Degeneracy)... Actress on TV: Commercials for Marshalls Department Store, VH1, NY Sports Clubs ... Musician on TV: Oprah, Grammy’s, America Music Awards, World Music Awards, Today Show, Black Girls Rock Awards on BET, BET Music Awards, Ellen DeGeneres Show, Good Morning America, Fashion Rocks, The View, Tyra Banks Show, BBC, TRL on VH1, NY1Beyonce "Countdown" Music Video (Trumpet), Beyonce "Irreplaceable" Music Video (Trumpet), Beyonce "Green Light" Music Video (Trumpet/Trombone), Michael Bolton "Live at Royal Albert Hall" DVD (Trumpet and Vocals), Brooklyn Rundfunk Orkestrata "Something Good" Music Video (Trumpet), Holidelic "Sugar Rump Fairies" Music Video, Paul Mitchell Trade Video (Model), The Studio TV pilot (Actor), Degeneracy, leading role (Actor and musician) in 3LD multimedia production, "Hiroko" in Fire Island by Charles Mee for 3 Legged Dog (Actor)
PBS, Sprite, Hawaiian Punch, Corn Nuts, Hot Jobs, ABC Nightline, Checkers, Miller, Sony, HBO Latin, Etrade, Nicotel, Visa, Burger King, Ten Pin Alley, Isotoner, Ikea, Carefree, Phillips, Wisk, Certs, History Channel.... and others.
Clinics and Masterclasses:
International Trumpet Guild (2011), Temple University (2011), Bemidji University (2011), Outer Banks Trumpet Retreat (2011), New York Trumpet Day (2008), District 75 NYC (2007), PS11 NYC (2007)
Private lessons are available for beginner-intermediate students in the NYC area. SKYPE is the preferred mode of lesson for consistency and access (as I do travel a bit). My studio is located in Manhattan. I can also travel to you, though there will be a travel fee depending on your location.
Discount packages are available when purchased in bulk.
*24 hour cancellation notice required.
Rates higher for further locations or hard to reach neighborhoods. Rates also higher for check payments. Gift certificates available.
For those who wonder what "Kiku" means, it is Japanese for Chrysanthemum. :)