MEET OUR STUDENTS: NIKKI PET
MEET OUR STUDENTS - ft. Nikki Pet!
Come hear Nikki in concert on November 15 @ Maison Française!
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What year are you at Columbia/Barnard and what are/will you be majoring in?
I’m a senior this year majoring in Computer Science, also a member of the Columbia-Juilliard Exchange.
How should a student at Columbia take advantage of all the musical offerings here?
Try everything out! There are so many clubs and classes that offer great and varied musical opportunities, and even if there isn’t a club that specifically suits you, there’s a great community and a lot of resources that allow you to try independent ideas. I did a combination of both. Established groups I’ve been a part of include MPP chamber music, Bach Society, New Opera Workshop, and Gagaku ensemble. I also was able to produce an independent full production of Stravinsky’s Soldier’s Tale last year, with the support of various arts groups on campus (including MPP!). I didn’t really stick to one group (other than MPP chamber music) for more than two semesters each, but having the chance to try a little bit of everything has been very valuable to me during my time at Columbia.
How do you balance a busy academic schedule with practice time? Any tips?
This is something I actually struggle with a lot. One of the biggest challenges for me has been creating a regular practice schedule—while it would be convenient for me to not practice one day and do five hours the next day (usually dictated by my academic load), I generally can’t physically do that due to embouchure limitations. Therefore, it comes down to planning my academic work and social engagements so I can practice an even amount every day. I also like to create very specific goals for every practice session so I can make the maximize my practice time.
What experience or piece made you first fall in love with music?
Fun fact: I actually really disliked classical music as a kid! I thought it was boring and kind of directionless, but that changed when I first heard Prokofiev’s Suite from Romeo and Juliet. I was in sixth grade, and my older sister (MPP alum Kaitlin Pet) was playing it in her first ever All-State orchestra, and I became obsessed with the piece, mostly because of how vivid of a story it told.
What is your pre and post concert routine?
Unfortunately due to the hectic nature of doing music and academics simultaneously, I often have to go directly from class to a performance, and as a result don’t have much time for a set routine. However, I always make sure that I eat bland, easily digestible food beforehand, because nerves-induced indigestion is *quite* unpleasant to play through. Sadly, after performances I usually end up catching up on homework, as I’ve usually put it off in favor of practicing or rehearsing for said performance. But, in an ideal world I would relax after concerts by doing a face mask and watching TV, with a scented candle (preferably a woodsy scent, no florals) to create a nice ambience.
How has MPP helped you better study, live, or grow in your time at Columbia?
MPP has given me the opportunity to be part of an incredibly welcoming and supportive community. The group of friends, mentors, and teachers that I have found through MPP are long-lasting connections that I believe I will carry well beyond graduation.