"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

Current News

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 to the Interlochen Center For the Arts, and from there, 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 has performed with Beyonce, Michael Bolton, Jill Scott, Nick Lowe, Gloria Gaynor, Train, et al. She’s performed on the Today Show, Oprah Winfrey, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, at the White House for President Obama (twice), The Rachel Ray Show, The View, The World Music Awards, the Black Girls Rock Awards on BET many times, Ellen Degeneres, the Grammys (and many others), in addition to appearances at several international jazz festivals. Collins boasts two recordings as a leader, to her credit. Innova Records said about her debut recording, “Here With Me” that “Kiku puts a flugelhorn to her lips and animals come to listen, it's so sweet.” Her last recording, “Red Light” showcases her unique abilities as composer, performer, and producer and includes notable guest performances by Michael Lington and Al Chez. A third album is officially in the works. Collins has played leading roles in the off-broadway productions, “Fire Island” and “Degeneracy” with 3 Legged Dog. She has also appeared in commercials for Metro PCS, Marshall’s, VH1, A&E Critics Choice Awards 2016 with TJ Miller, and NY Sports Clubs. In 2012, Collins played the main character of Loretta, while also playing trumpet in the orchestra for Paul Levine's production, "Big Maybelle" starring Tony Award winner, Lillias White. Collins continues to keep a busy schedule as a performer and clinician for Getzen and Edwards 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!” Collins is also a cancer and lymphedema patient and is actively involved with advocacy organizations related to cancer, lymphedema, craniofacial differences, and autism. Ms. Collins is also an ordained minister and is registered with NYC to officiate wedding ceremonies.

Equipment

Kiku is currently playing an Edwards X13 (formerly 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 is currently playing on THE KIKU mouthpiece from Warburton Mouthpieces Facet Mutes has released a line of Ninja Princess mutes, with $20 of each mute sold going to Stupidcancer.org! 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. Kiku is most often seen with her Torpedo Peacemaker case, but also carries a Torpedo Classic Nylon case andTorpedo 2.5 Coyote!

Noun Drop, the short list.

Person:

Beyonce, Michael Bolton, Jill Scott, Train, Gloria Gaynor, Carole King, Sza, Sam Moore, Esperanza Spalding, Queen Latifah, Trombone Shorty, Smokey Robinson, Keb Mo, Lea Delaria, Paul Shaffer, The Manhattan Transfer, Audra McDonald, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Buddy Guy, Kwame, Kathy Sledge, Faith Evans, Cheryl Lynn, Alicia Meyers, Ciara, Blue Six, Ben E. King, Alice Smith, Janelle Monae, Jennifer Hudson, Kelly Rowland, Patti LaBelle, Sheila E., Lalah Hathaway, Joe Piscopo, Shontelle, Monica, Ledisi, Keri Hilson, Keyshia Cole, Fantasia, VV Brown, Kelly Price, Marsha Ambrosius, Dave Wakeling, Sami Yaffa, Jill Sobule, Davy Jones, Nick Lowe, Mary J. Blige, Al Chez, Rodney Mack/RMPBB, Dave Mason, Peter Erskine, Walter White, Robert Gordon, Jonathan Richmond, and on...

Place:

Royal Albert Hall – London, The White House - Washington DC (twice!), 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 or Model on TV: Commercials for Metro PCS/Rhapsody, Marshalls Department Store, VH1, Piercing Pagoda, A&E Critic's Choice Awards 2016 with TJ Miller, NY Sports Clubs ...

Musician on TV series: Bull (flugelhorn)

Musician on TV: Oprah, Grammy’s, America Music Awards, World Music Awards, Today Show, Saturday Night Live, Black Girls Rock Awards on BET, BET Music Awards, Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Harry Show, Good Morning America, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, The Rachael Ray Show, Fashion Rocks, Huckabee, The View, Tyra Banks Show, BBC, TRL on VH1, Fox and Friends, NY1, Imus Show

Beyonce "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:

Bemidji Musicamp (2014), International Womens Brass Conference (2012), University of Alaska, Fairbanks (2012), International Trumpet Guild (2011), State Univerity of New York, Geneseo (2012), Temple University, Philadelphia, PA (2011), Bemidji State University, Minnesota (2011), Outer Banks Trumpet Retreat (2011), New York Trumpet Day (2008), District 75 NYC (2007), PS11 NYC (2007)

Trumpet Lessons

Private lessons are available for students via SKYPE, given my busy travel schedule. If you are in the NYC area, I may be able to see you at your location, my studio, or in a local studio for an additional fee. 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. mailto:kiku@kikucollins.com

WEDDING CEREMONIES

As an ordained minister, Kiku is accredited (ULC) and able to perform your wedding ceremony in NYC. Local regulations are different in other places, and will have to be researched prior. mailto:kiku@kikucollins.com