Student Testimonials

I am full of gratitude for Nikki for giving our granddaughter 10 years of the gift of music and so much more that is important in life. Of all the music teachers I have personally had, observed, and hired, not to mention the ones my own children have had, Nikki stands out as a major influence in the life of my granddaughter. Her outstanding and unique way of teaching is with expert pedagogy.  However, it is her intuitive sensitivity about her student, the joy she shares along with patience, caring, motivational skills, and self - confidence building that is so important, as well. Her students, whether very young or adult, whether in a private lesson or an ensemble setting, are very fortunate to have such a phenomenal musician and a truly amazing person in their lives.
~ Lin Whitehead


Nikki taught my son from kindergarten all the way through high school. She was not just a cello teacher but also a life coach. Her studio was an oasis of calm, where he learnt the skills of concentration and application along with music. She set high expectations for him and helped him meet them with her own high standards of teaching. The fact that he played at Symphony Hall in Boston is just as much a tribute to her teaching as the fact that, now, six years later, the cello still remains his most prized possession. Thank you, Nikki, for giving my son this gift.
~ Sandipa Singh

Cello lessons with Nikki Patton are akin to a voyage into the world of cello. She helps the child to discover the intricacies and workings of the instrument itself. She awakens a curiosity in the children by exploring aspects of composers’ lives and works. She dives into the instruction of pieces with detail, passion, and rigor. She adapts her teaching to suit the individual, all the while maintaining the same intensity and expectations for each student. Above all, Nikki Patton is a kind and gentle soul imbued with exceptional musicianship, wisdom, patience, and dedication to her students.
~ Alena Lotz Oggier


Cello students, regardless of age, couldn’t ask for a better cello teacher than Nikki Patton! My daughter has had the pleasure of working with Nikki for the past 6 years. Immediately she found Nikki to be patient, nurturing and inspiring. She has an innate way of making music come alive through her love of cello and joy of teaching. Following a modified Suzuki method, allows Nikki to teach more then the notes on the page. She helps students to develop confidence, musicianship and individual style. As a fellow musician, I could not ask more of a teacher!
~ Stacy Willman

Nikki is a fantastic teacher who is invested in each students individual growth. She is very creative which makes learning new and fun! I have taken lessons with Nikki for 14 years and her teaching has grown with me! She is very quick to recognize students‘ strengths and what they enjoy, and helps build her lessons around each student’s passion. Nikki also has amazing connections in the cello world which means the studio has great workshops and performances with guest artists. 
~ Celeste Newman


Before my daughter Celeste (now age 18) was in kindergarten I began asking folks in town for music teacher recommendations.  Nikki’s name came up over and over again!  At that time, she was not only running her own home cello studio but was also managing the Falmouth branch of Johnson String Instrument.  Neither Celeste nor I had a particular instrument in mind;  I knew absolutely nothing about the cello.  But after a few get-to-know-you visits,  Nikki, Celeste and I agreed that Celeste would start cello lessons.  And fourteen years later, Celeste is now graduating from Nikki’s studio!!  
In Nikki’s lessons and in Suzuki in general, the families play an important role in supporting the student’s enthusiasm, enjoyment  and commitment to their music.  Nikki has a deft touch with parents; she and I  enjoyed brainstorming together and discussing ways to enrich Celeste’s musical experiences.  From recitals to master classes to improvisation sessions with visiting cellists, Nikki has broadened Celeste’s musical options and opportunities. It has been a joy for us to be one of Nikki’s cello families!
~ Deb Coulombe


Our daughter started studying cello with Nikki when she was six years old.  Nikki’s commitment, encouragement and consistent support lead our daughter in the direction of studying cello for the next thirteen plus years.  Nikki’s kind and gentle demeanor along with her enthusiastic positive attitude was motivation enough for our daughter to practice many hours a week for many years.  Having seen Nikki teach, she has a unique way of making every student feel accomplished and musical.  She took our daughter from a beginner at six years old, and continued to work with her through her college auditions.  Nikki kept our daughter challenged and motivated throughout.  The breadth of what she offers is more than private lessons and learning the cello.  It was about playing with other students, playing with older students, playing with younger students in groups large and small.  She always made our daughter feel like she was a musician – even if playing Twinkle Twinkle, little Star. 
~ Stacey Faris


I feel privileged that I had the opportunity to work with Nikki Patton throughout my four years of high school. I travelled an hour and a half from North Truro to West Falmouth to take lessons and participate in special events with Nikki’s Chappaquoit Cello studio. I particularly enjoyed the studio’s collaborations with other groups like the BoCoCelli from Boston Conservatory. One experience that was extremely special and unique was that the studio was able to have a piece commissioned by Brazilian Composer Dimitri Cervo.  It’s something I will always remember!
Nikki has a talent of connecting with her students to bring out the best in them. She is very kind and finds a way to congratulate students on their good qualities and the progress they have made, while simultaneously encouraging them to do better and teaching them how to improve. She always has something positive to say, and that kept me motivated to continue to get better. She is the reason I am able to pursue a music performance degree in college at the University of New Hampshire with Professor Jacques Lee Wood.
~ Kaden Rogers

   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.