Meet Nicole Bakker | Music Therapist & Music Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicole Bakker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicole, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I’ve always thought about the idea of having my own business, but it was always just a thought. In 2016 I became a board certified music therapist, and since then have worked in a variety of settings with many different populations. I also became a licensed music educator in Colorado and taught in Denver Public Schools for 3 years. After exploring a variety of jobs, and experiencing burnout, I decided I wanted to combine my passion for music therapy and music education, in my own way. In starting my own business, I knew I could have more control. I was able to chose my target clientele and in what settings I worked. I knew I wanted to work with young children, provide music therapy services, and music classes. I wanted more flexibility and wanted to bring back the joy in my work that I had lost due to previous burnout. I also knew I wanted a family in the near future, and that starting my own business would allow for more flexibility with this. Working up to this decision was very scary. Leaving a stable, steady job was a difficult decision. It was a big risk and leap, but worth it.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business, Notes with Nicole Music Services, provides meaningful growth and connection through music. I provide individual and group music therapy sessions, music classes in facilities such as preschools and daycares, music classes in the community, and music for children’s events such as birthday parties. What sets me apart from others is my experience and education in music therapy and music education. I am a board certified music therapist and licensed music educator and use these skills to create music classes with therapeutic goals in mind. I travel in home and to facilities to provide music therapy sessions to individuals of all ages and needs. I love how music can be used to reach therapeutic goals and everyone has their own special connection to it.
Like I mentioned before, I worked a variety of different jobs and ultimately experienced a lot of burnout. This led me to creating my own business, where I could be in control and do the things I love. I have loved making community connections and providing music to so many different individuals. Starting this was not easy. I’ve been learning and growing my business since the start. I had no business background before this, so have had to learn as I go. I also became pregnant 4 months after starting my business. This was definitely a challenge. In October 2024, I had my daughter Avery. Since then, I have scaled back a bit so I can be home with her. Since having her, I have gained so much respect for parents and have seen my work in a new way. I want others to know how meaningful and important music is! It can play such a valuable part in growth, development, and wellbeing. Music is healing.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love trying and exploring restaurants! We’d definitely go to Adelita’s, my favorite Mexican restaurant, and probably The Patio at Sloans Lake and take a walk around the lake. I’d take them to Larimer Square & the Highlands and eat and drink our way around! Another must is Red Rocks. Preferably a concert but even just walking around or hiking trails nearby is fun.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’m so grateful to all the facilities, clients, and community I work with. Thrive Preschool in Englewood was the first facility I contracted with for music classes, and I am forever grateful for them. Connecting with them opened me up to a whole community of other connections. I have learned so much from other music therapists, educators, and business owners. I also could not have done this without my amazing husband. He encouraged me to start my business and has been my biggest supporter along the way. I would not be where I am today without him. Last but not least, my daughter Avery. Becoming a mother has been the most incredible journey. It has changed the way I view the world and played a large part in my work with children and families.

Website: https://www.noteswithnicolemusic.com/

Instagram: @noteswithnicolemusic

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/noteswithnicolemusic

Image Credits
Alex Artus, 303 Media Co