MUSIC

Niki Williams has taught for over 12 years, with a unique, effective approach that equips students with fundamental techniques to quickly progress in playing the piano. She has gained recognition as a Steinway Teacher & Educational Partner. Much of her success stems from her extensive training and performance experiences. 

Ms. Williams studied music at Columbia University. She classically trained in piano with Niels Ostbye, then head of Columbia’s Keyboard/Piano Performance program. She also learned classical vocal techniques from and performed under the direction of Jane McMahan at Barnard College. Her years of studying music theory, ear training, harmony, composition, and music history enhanced her performance skills. In addition to strong academic training, Niki honed techniques for playing the piano and singing while privately studying with notable musicians and teachers in NYC. These include Madeline Bruser (Julliard-trained classical pianist, author, and founder of The Art of Practicing Institute); Robin Small (Berklee College of Music-trained pianist and singer); and Alba Quezada Bloomgarden (USC-trained opera singer, Linklater Voice & Speech specialist). Ms. Williams utilizes this comprehensive music education to refine her piano students’ skills and artistry. 

Niki Williams started performing music and other artistic fields as a child, typically balancing performances, auditions, rehearsals, training, and related travel. As a teenager studying music in college, she was asked to start teaching piano while working at a music program. There and at Henry Street Settlement's Music School, she gained invaluable expertise while assisting the director, Alison Jones (Mannes College of Music-trained classical pianist, The Woodhill Players founder). Ms. Williams supervised music classes and instructors from the US, Asia, Europe, and South America as well as led skill evaluation and placement of music students. This honed her ability to identify and fix areas that students need to improve.

After years of teaching at and supervising music programs, Ms. Williams founded her own studio, Lessons Abound. She utilizes her performance experiences and in-depth music knowledge as a classically-trained musician, songwriter, and composer to guide her students. This includes her playing piano and singing in shows, leading music workshops, musical theatre productions, studio demo work, and having her songs performed by others publicly, including at Barnard College. Additionally, having trained in Alexander and Linklater techniques, she has developed a unique approach that enables students to deeply connect to their music and express it in healthy ways. Ms. Williams has successfully prepared her students to perform high-level piano repertoire, from shows to evaluation of piano performance by NYSSMA experts that garnered high scores.