NGMC

Nicole Garcia studied at the Idyllwild Arts Academy and spent a year at the Boston Conservatory, before earning her BA at UCLA, all on full scholarship. These days she is a world-class violinist, specializing in live performances, recording sessions, and A-list events. She has played alongside greats such as Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder and Herbie Hancock, and considers herself fortunate to count Michael Kamen and Quincy Jones as mentors. Nicole has been on the road for the last few years, touring with Kanye West as his violinist and musical director. In this prestigious role, she was able to travel around the world, performing in Madison Square Garden, Wembly Stadium, and Sydney Opera House. As well as playing live shows, Nicole records film scores, records, commercials and video games. With a classical training and a master's degree on full scholarship from the S.F. Conservatory, Merrill Collins is known for making heart-centered music that moves people. As founder and CEO of Spiraling Music Publishing Co., Merrill writes and produces original music for many venues and has begun adding film scores to her resume. Merrill has worked all her life as a creative musician, serving 17 years at U.C. Berkeley as Senior Musician in the Department of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies. She worked five years as staff accompanist at American Conservatory Theatre summer intensive and has written as well as directed many musicals. Recent film credits include placements in “Recalling a Buddha” by Greg Eller. Merrill currently lives in LA with her multi-talented husband, Yvon Chausseblanche. She performs live in the LA area and elsewhere, as needed for her productions. Performances of Merrill's original music include the 50th Anniversary of the United Nations (1995), KRON SF Airlift to Africa (1986), KRON In Concert Against Aids (1989), UNCHR Human Rights Day, UN World Habitat Day, UN International Women’s Day, plus concerts for Amnesty International, United Way, Pathways to Peace, and many other global organizations.