Mrs. Nicole L. Fainsan

My physical therapy and music careers have been intertwining themselves all my life.  Sterling Music for All aims to fully realize the potential of this novel combination.

In Gaithersburg, MD, I grew up singing, listening to jazz and banging on my father’s drum set. I chose to play the violin in the 4th grade and later was a member of the Maryland All State Orchestra.  I considered studying music after high school but instead chose to study physical therapy.  As an avid runner and fitness lover, it was a good match.  I received my master of physical therapy degree in 2001 from Ithaca College where I remained deeply entrenched in music. I did research regarding vocalists’ knowledge of the use of the diaphragm in singing, sang in an a cappella group, held violin recitals and played in the Ithaca College and University of Rochester Symphony Orchestras.  I went on to specialize in pediatric physical therapy honing my skills in a school for children with disabilities, as a home care PT and most recently at a wonderful out patient facility called Good Beginnings in Herndon, VA.  During this time, I gave violin lessons to adult students and studied vocal jazz at the Maryland Summer Jazz Festival and with vocalist Nancy Morano. 

After some intense soul searching, I realized I would always regret not having studied music.  I received my bachelors in music education with a focus in instrumental strings from the University of Colorado at Boulder in May 2012. While at CU Boulder, I used my PT knowledge to aid my fellow musicians by teaching stretches and nerve glides and taping their back muscles during grueling opera rehearsals. I studied the Alexander Technique, often used by musicians, which teaches a way to get rid of harmful tension in the body.  I achieved a beginner to intermediate level of playing on all band and orchestra instruments, as well as piano.   With my primary instrument being the violin, I studied under the esteemed Professor Oswald Lehnert and Professor Lina Bahn and performed in the CU Symphony Orchestra.  As a vocalist, I sang with the CU jazz combo.  

Also while at CU, I taught violin to at risk youth in Denver and taught elementary, middle and high school orchestra. Finally, I also maintained a private violin, viola and beginning piano studio in Boulder, CO and more in Sterling, VA. 

I live with my husband and two sons. I’ve enjoyed a thriving studio in Virginia since 2014. Helping ALL aspiring students to reach their highest potential is my passion!