Meet Nicolette Andres | Violinist and Executive Director

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

Hi Nicolette, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve always been comfortable in the director’s seat. When I was young playing with friends and we would put on plays I always wanted to be the director. I also liked being section leader and concert master in orchestras in middle and high school. I liked being in positions to make change, and also being able to lead people in a way where I could do my best to make everyone feel important. I’m passionate about hearing everyone in a room, and finding ways to work that are in line with my values. There’s also so much I am grateful for that I’ve learned from many great teachers, and I feel very driven to pass that on. Owning my own business, and creating my own “container” for how I do my work, is one of the most empowering choices I have made.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My creative output with violin has been hot and cold. When I’ve been in bands, regularly improvising and writing lines, I have felt inspired, engaged, and excited to be expressing myself. However, when I am in times of teaching many lessons sometimes my relationship with my violin is mixed. I find it hard to carve out time to play violin in a non-work way. I still love my instrument so much, but there isn’t much of a delineation between work and play. When I started to play Hardanger fiddle in 2020, a traditional folk fiddle from Norway, I felt like I had rediscovered a part of me that needed to speak. The music I play on Hardanger fiddle is all by ear, traditional music or improvisatory, and is not mixed into my teaching world. Playing Hardanger fiddle feels sacred to me, and is a way to let go, decompress, connect to people that came long before me, and to connect to my inner feelings without words. Since finding this amazing instrument and tradition of music I released my debut album, “Hands,” which came out in April 2025. With the title I wanted to honor all of the hands that had a part in my musical journey. In the liner notes I wrote about not only the hands that built my instrument, but the hands of my teachers, family, friends, and audience members that all support the music. Our hands have so much power. I ask, can we use them for connection more often? For sharing our stories? The album is an exploration of the natural resonance of the Hardanger fiddle, and also features my husband on cittern (like a large mandolin). Between the two instruments there are 19 strings, creating some really wonderful vibrations. I am proud to have four original compositions on the album, two being from my husband. My music is characterized by steadiness, energy, and a deep, warm tone I seek in all of the instruments I play. I value clarity, taking care of details, and creating beauty everywhere I can. My hope is that this all can reach people who hear my music.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The top of the list would be Trident cafe in Boulder. This spot is like another home. It’s a sanctuary, performance space, book store, and an amazing cafe. I also think they source the best tea in town. I had my album release concert here and felt a huge, warm embrace from the community.

Cozobi Fonda Fina is an indulgence for having a nice dinner. Creative, colorful, and nourishing food. There’s so much care put into choosing ingredients and flavor pairings here.

Portal Thermaculture sauna – currently their only spot in Colorado is in Denver. Going to the sauna is one of the best ways for me to reset and also dream up some new ideas.

I love to take friends hiking on the trails surrounding Boulder. It’s also a must to ride the bike path to cafes or some unique shops like Two Hands Paperie and Peace, Love and Chocolate.

In Denver I like going to Dazzle to see music. I was raised listening to Jazz and feel so comfortable there. In my work as an Executive Director for the nonprofit Gift of Jazz I spend quite a bit of time here, and the people are incredible – musicians and staff alike.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My dedication goes first to my parents. Both of them have fostered and supported my love of music without question. I grew up being encouraged to create things every day. I also thank each of my violin teachers: Lynn Gamble, Amy Tyson, Dr. Maria Sampen, Tom Crowley, and Rachel Nesvig (Hardanger fiddle). For the development of my business and musicianship I must give a huge thanks to Charles Krigbaum, my Suzuki teacher trainer of many years. I am also indebted to Liz & Matt and Expand Yoga, musical collaborator Skye Warden who nudged me to audition for Abney Park, Heather & Eddie who showed me places where you could improvise on violin, Emily Bowman for giving me wonderful teaching opportunities, and numerous professors at the University of Puget Sound that pushed my thinking in a wide variety of disciplines. I’m humbly grateful to my husband Graeme for his support of my various and passionate work. And I would be lost without the support of my friends who have encouraged me to continue on the path of running my own business, playing music, and working with amazing young students.

I’ve been heavily influenced by the music and art of Andrew Bird. I am inspired by the Suzuki philosophy, the traditions of traditional Irish music, Hardanger fiddle music, and the tradition of Ashtanga yoga.

Website: https://nicoletteandres.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolette.violinist/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nicolette.violinist

Other: https://nicoletteandres.bandcamp.com/album/hands

Image Credits
Morgan Rodríguez