Kiku Collins: Bio
Kiku Collins
CURRENT NEWS
Kiku is thrilled to be featured in a 7 page interview with the International Trumpet Guild Journal - October 2008! Thank you to Del Lyren for the interview! She is currently touring with Michael Bolton, playing and singing backup as part of the Sugarhorns, has recently appeared in a national commercial with her daughter and has also recently filmed and performed as an actor, musician and singer in some acclaimed off Broadway productions.
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Kiku is currently also in the "writing process" phase for album number 2. It might be a long process given her demanding touring and parenting schedule, but it's in motion!
With successful record promotions for "Here With Me" internationally as well as at home in NYC, Kiku also freelances with an eclectic collection of musicians, currently performing on trumpet and backup vocals with J. Viewz, and is also a featured backup vocalist with Adama (of course plays trumpet and flugel on a few tunes!).
Kiku was Beyonce Knowles trumpet player for a very busy year, and is always thankful for the opportunities, knowledge, experience, and friendships that year brought to her. Thank you to Beyonce, Management, Band and Crew!
"Here With Me", a flugelhorn instrumental album featuring oodles of multitracking (on the flugelhorn, muted trumpet and trombone!) is available at www.innova.mu, www.cdbaby.com and itunes, as well as many other places on the internet and on the shelves!
Ms. Collins is a very proud mother to an amazing, beautiful daughter!
Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Valve Trombone, Vocals, and actress!
This former "Jersey Girl" found her way from a small northern NJ town to the prestigious Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, after doing a 2 summer stint at their National Music Camp. From there, she went on to study classical performance at Manhattan School of Music. Her mentor, Mr. Mel Broiles, always encouraged her, as one of the few female trumpet players trying to survive in a man's world. He always encouraged her to pursue her dreams, and his voice has echoed in her head every time she wanted to give up.
Kiku brings professionalism to every job in every style, with her sense of humor and sense of adventure that leads her to play and sing with a diverse group of artists.
While Kiku has been seen around town, as well as around the world, with major pop stars- most notably and recently with Beyonce and currently Michael Bolton, she has truly found her voice in "Here With Me". This smoothly satisfying album redefines evocative jazzy compositions and rich orchestration. Her multiple tracking on the flugelhorn, muted trumpet and trombone, showcases a level of musicianship of the highest order and demonstrates what a band of Kikus might sound like.
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.
Kiku is not only a featured Getzen trumpet artist, but her debut album has been featured on many radio stations, and has gotten tons of press from publications like BBC, International Trumpet Guild, The Brass Herald, Black Owl Music, Le Jazz Affair, Radiophone, WEMU 89.1 in Michigan, NPR, a 3 page article in 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, Trumpetgig.com, 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.
Whether you hear Ms. Collins on the television or radio, with mega-pop stars or local NYC acts, one thing is crystal clear; her passion and love for life come through in her sound, her voice, her eyes, her soul.
Equipment
Kiku is currently playing on a Getzen 3001MV trumpet. and Custom Flugelhorn.
Thank you, Getzen!
Kiku also uses Josh Landress mouthpiece sleeves.
Thanks, Josh!
Kiku is currently experimenting with Loud Mouthpieces and digs the 3z, RB3c, 75M and 10.5c on her trumpet and the LM64 for trombone, while toying around with other models too!
Thank you to the Tuba King, Joe Murphy!
And Kiku uses Ultra Pure Oils and slide grease, and Chopsaver Lip Ointment exclusively! Thank you!!!
Kiku also plays on an Amati short valve trombone, a Schilke piccolo trumpet, and a no name pocket trumpet. And has recently fallen in love with her Torpedo Classic Nylon case .
Trumpet Lessons
With the understanding that I do tour a bit for work, private lessons are now available for beginner-intermediate students in the NYC area. My studio is located in Manhattan.
Rates (cash) for local clients:
$75/hour
5 session package: $350
$50/half hour
5 session package: $225
I can also travel to you, though there will be a travel fee depending on your location. We can also discuss iChat lessons.
*24 hour cancellation notice required.
Rates higher for further locations or hard to reach neighborhoods. Rates also higher for check payments. Gift certificates available.
Personal Trainer
Kiku has also been a personal trainer for more than 10 years. She has lost a significant amount of weight and kept it off for so many years, while building muscle, strength, and flexibility to her body, mind and spirit.
She still trains privately when time permits. Home training with a few inexpensive items is easy and practical. Kiku integrates her technical knowledge of the body and how it functions, form, balance, and nutrition. This multi-faceted approach makes her a clear choice to not only become your personal trainer, but a health coach. Many trainers want a committment of 3 sessions a week. Kiku will see you one time if that's all you desire, and she will strive to teach you as much as you can possibly take in to improve your health. And will encourage you to learn and grow and improve however you can, with her or alone.
National Certifications from ACE, AFAA, and AAAI/ISMA. Specialty is Pre-Natal and Post-Partum. CPR certified, and Associates Degree in Massage Therapy.
Rates (cash) for local clients:
$75/hour
5 session package: $350
$50/half hour
5 session package: $225
When comparing this approach to joining a health club and hiring a trainer in house, you will not only be saving the monthly fee (usually $100+) but also the inflated trainer rates which generally hover between $80-150! And when the trainer comes to YOU, there's no excuse!
*24 hour cancellation notice required.
Rates higher for further locations or hard to reach neighborhoods. Rates also higher for check payments. Gift certificates available.
What's in a name?
For those who wonder what "Kiku" means, it is Japanese for Chrysanthemum. :)