‘I never considered doing anything except music with my life.’

Nico Padden, Valley Stream

“I’m called the pink-haired music teacher. I’m like Ms. Frizzle from ‘The Magic School Bus,’ except I play music with kids! I was a really big music nerd from the time I was little. My mom is a music teacher, and my parents played in a local band that did Irish songs. My brothers and I were always gathered around the piano, my mom at the helm, singing in harmony. I never considered doing anything except music with my life.

“I went to college for classical music, studying vocal performance with a focus on opera. When I graduated, I shifted towards performing and writing rock, pop, Americana and folk music. I played guitar and piano to accompany myself and started playing L.I. open mics to get experience. Now I have two albums and two EPs of my original music.

The lessons reinforce my love for music and have helped me become a better musician.

“In my music lesson business, Nico’s Music Lessons, I teach piano, guitar, ukulele, voice and clarinet lessons. During the pandemic, my writing partner and I worked on a method book for kids to learn to play ukulele. ‘Ukulele Rockstars’ is now published! Ukulele was inspired by one of my favorite singer-songwriters, Ingrid Michaelson.

“I realized that ukulele is a great prep for guitar, especially for children who would like to learn. We’ve heard from so many teachers saying they love our book. Some of my students will go on to study music in college, but a good number of them are just in it for the enjoyment. Either way, it’s so rewarding teaching people to be stronger musicians.

“The lessons reinforce my love for music and have helped me become a better musician. I’ve learned that when you’re playing in a restaurant or bar, a lot of spontaneous things happen at once. It’s a feat to become very steady in your own body and create a steady beat, rhythm and sound despite your surroundings.

“As an entrepreneur, I’ve realized that I always had my own vision. I taught myself to figure out how to get the work done, who to work with and how to set boundaries. I’ve learned how perseverant and resilient I can be.

“The music business is filled with disappointment, but as long as I’m recording, writing, playing, teaching or fostering music community, I’m a happy camper.”

Interviewed by Iris Wiener