“Whenever I have a student interested in singing, I always send them to Abby. Even if she doesn't have room in her schedule, because she's extremely in demand, I know she can send students in the right direction with other teachers. As a director of young people, I always know if someone has been studying with Abby because they understand their instrument in an intimate way - they use it healthfully while still willing to take risks, and they are determined to tell a story, not just make pretty sounds. Abby Nichols cultivates young artists.”
– EMILY GLICK, CHAIR OF THE THEATRE DEPARTMENT AT MADISON COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL AND ADVISORY COMPANY MEMBER AT FORWARD THEATER
“Seeing singers, young and young at heart, in the Madison area work with Abby has been transformative. What sets Abby apart is the way she distills both joy and confidence into every student. Her studio is a place of growth, discovery, and genuine encouragement where students don’t just become better singers, they become braver artists and people. Abby doesn't just teach voice, she helps people find their voice. And that’s a rare and powerful thing!”
– BRIAN COWING, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN’S THEATRE OF MADISON
“To say working with Abby has been a pleasure would be an understatement. She is one of my favorite human beings, and that same feeling translates to how I feel in her studio. I met Abby after completing my BFA in Musical Theatre and moved back to Madison. Before even singing my first note, she took the time to really get to know me. She asked about goals, challenges, and how she could support me in achieving my goals. I have never felt so seen and heard as an artist as I have studying with Abby. She always puts her students first.
Abby has gone above and beyond for me by not only helping me in lessons, but helping me navigate the theatre industry as a whole. Her joy and compassion for what she does is contagious, as our lessons are filled with laughs, encouragement, and genuine care for me. Each lesson we have is a collaboration. She pushes me to step out of my comfort zone, and celebrates when I am able to do things I never thought possible BECAUSE of her teaching!
I have made so many breakthroughs through our time together because she believed in me and is incredible at what she does. She has made me more confident than I could’ve imagined. She makes me excited to sing and act and continue my journey as a performer.
I could write a book about how much studying with Abby has changed me as a performer and person. It’s because of her I am making the big leap to NYC soon! She is truly one of a kind and I am so very lucky to be her student and friend.”
- Tess Lenzen, Professional Actor
“Working with Abby Nichols as my voice teacher over the past 5 years has been the most transformative experience of my life. I met Abby when I was 11 years old, playing Lavender in CTM’s Matilda, and Abby’s role was Ms. Honey. Just like her character name, Abby was the sweetest, kindest, and most nurturing castmate I have ever met. She inspired me so much, and it felt like serendipity when I learned she was also a vocal teacher in addition to her amazing onstage talent. Being in my first production of Matilda, I felt like I found my own “home” in musical theater. I knew I needed a teacher like Abby to help me realize my dreams of learning the art of vocal performance. Throughout the last several years, Abby’s extraordinary vocal expertise has taught me so many skills, techniques, and vocal style that have helped me reach all the way to Jerry and the Jimmy awards this past year. Abby’s feedback is so insightful and encouraging every step of the way. She truly creates a safe space where I can not only take risks, but also know it will always be OK no matter what. I feel that I have grown so much with her right by my side. She has helped me through countless auditions and gives me life lesson advice based on her vast experience in this field. Abby’s wisdom, support, technical skills, and teaching truly make her the best vocal teacher I could ever ask for. Abby, I’m so grateful for you, and Happy 10th anniversary!
– AVA GREENBERG, JUNIOR AT MIDDLETON HIGH SCHOOL
“Working with Abby has been one of the most transformative parts of my vocal journey. Her passion for teaching is inspiring, and she brings a combination of deep vocal knowledge and genuine care for her students. Abby meets you exactly where you are, never rigid, always supportive, and tailors her approach to what you need in the moment. Her background in acting and musical theatre gives her an incredible understanding of the voice as a whole instrument. I’m not just a better singer because of Abby, I’m a better person. She’s truly special.”
– DINAH BERKSON, CURRENT STUDENT