I began my formal music education with the study of classical guitar.  I was fortunate to work with guitarist and composer, Alexander Bellow.  Under his exceptional guidance, I received my BA in Music  from Western Connecticut State University and it was there that I learned that my real passion in life was to teach. 

My cello studies took place at Western Connecticut State University, Bard College, Vassar College and Yale University.   I am extremely grateful to my many wonderful teachers over the years.  They include Judith Smith, Fritz Magg, Karen Buranskas, Luis Garcia-Renart, and Rhonda Rider.  Later, at Hart School of Music, I took my long-term Suzuki cello teacher training with Nancy Hair.  That training, along with my early experiences as an assistant Montessori teacher, shaped my love for teaching and my love and style of working with children.

I have performed with chamber music ensembles and college and community orchestras in CT, NY and MA.

I hope to always continue my studies of music and the cello.  Most recently I have had the pleasure of working with Zuill Bailey, Melissa Kraut, Jennifer Morsches, Robert Battey and Baroque cellist Phoebe Carrai.


 


Testimonials   

I had the great pleasure of working with Nikki Patton for two summers at the Bach Cello Suites Workshop. She was a standout even among some high-level players there because of her intellectual curiosity. Even though she had many, many years of extensive and successful cello teaching under her belt, she was still eager to gather new ideas. Her open-minded enthusiasm was truly inspiring, and I have since tried to be more like her in my own work. Her students are very lucky.
~ Robert Battey

Nikki Patton cultivates an incredible studio of cello students who consistently demonstrate great training. More importantly, her students personify Nikki's enthusiasm for playing music and for learning, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Nikki as a nurturing and caring teacher for any student.
~ Mike Block

Nikki is an excellent and experienced teacher who provides a patient and nurturing learning environment. She is passionate about the cello and instills a love of the instrument with her students of all ages and levels. She maintains an active and committed cello studio, frequently inviting a diverse array of guest cellists who offer masterclasses, workshops, and concerts exclusively for her students. Truly a treasure to her Cape Cod and New England communities!
~Javier Caballero

For many years now, BoCoCelli and Nikki’s Chappaquoit Cellists have collaborated in a truly festive annual concert on the Cape. It is a highlight of the year for my Boston Conservatory students to perform alongside Nikki’s studio. Whether her cellists are precious 4-year-old or enthusiastic elders, Nikki’s infectious curiosity, as well as her deep knowledge and experience have touched them. Her generosity of spirit, time and effort is truly magnificent. It is no wonder she has a thriving studio as her sparkling personality, great warmth and grace touches everyone. In my studio, we have dubbed Nikki, Cape Cod’s Queen of the Cello.
~Rhonda Rider

   In 2021. my husband and I decided to make a major life change.  We moved from Cape Cod to a cabin in the mountains of northern Georgia for our winters, and to a cabin in the mountains of northern NH during the summers.  Cello lessons are taught on line throughout the year and in person when in GA and NH.