Professional Horn Player, Vocalist, Actress

This former "Jersey Girl" found her way from a small northern NJ town to the prestigious Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, after doing a 2 summer stint at their National Music Camp. From there, she went on to study classical performance at Manhattan School of Music. Her mentor, Mr. Mel Broiles, always encouraged her, as one of the few female trumpet players trying to survive in a man's world. He wanter her to never give up on her dreams and encouraged her to stretch her goals to include something "other than classical", and his voice has always stayed with her.

Kiku brings professionalism to every job in every style, with her sense of humor and sense of adventure that leads her to play and sing with a diverse group of artists. While Kiku has been seen around town, as well as around the world, with major pop stars- most notably and recently with Beyonce and currently Michael Bolton, she has truly found her voice in "Here With Me". This smoothly satisfying album redefines evocative jazzy compositions and rich orchestration. Her multiple tracking on the flugelhorn, muted trumpet and trombone, showcases a level of musicianship of the highest order and demonstrates what a band of Kikus might sound like.

In addition to her solo album and work with other artists, Kiku has been heard the world over in television and radio commercials for such clients as Sprite, ABC Nightline, Checkers, Miller, Sony, HBO Latin, Visa, Burger King, Ikea, Carefree Gum, Phillips, Wisk, Certs and many others. Ms. Collins has also produced an impressive number of commercials. Kiku is not only a featured Getzen trumpet artist, but her debut album has been featured on many radio stations, and has gotten tons of press from publications like BBC, International Trumpet Guild, The Brass Herald, Black Owl Music, Le Jazz Affair, Radiophone, WEMU 89.1 in Michigan, NPR, a 3 page article in Jazz Colours Magazine in June 2007 (which hails Collins the "Princess of Smooth Jazz"), Vinilemania, The Jazz Suite, Hot House Jazz, Smooth Jazz, CMJ, WMPG, WGBH, Harris Radio, Julian's Flight, Trumpetgig.com, The Fevered Brain of Radio Mike... and her Getzen posters and ads can be seen all over in schools, music shops, and in Downbeat, Jazz Times Magazine and other music and educational publications. Whether you hear Ms. Collins on the television or radio, with mega-pop stars or local NYC acts, one thing is crystal clear; her passion and love for life come through in her sound, her voice, her eyes, her soul.