Who I am
Hello, my name is Nikolai Siegfried Robbins, and music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up in Tucson, Arizona, surrounded by vast desert landscapes, towering cacti, and skies painted with pinks and oranges as the sun disappeared each evening. It was in this environment - quiet, expansive, and full of space to listen - that my relationship with music began.
I started playing the violin at the age of four guided first by my mother, a former ballerina, who believed deeply in the value of artistic discipline and expression. Along with my siblings, I was introduced to music early, not as a task, but as a natural part of daily life. From those first sounds, the violin quickly became both a voice and a companion.
Over the next two decades, my musical path grew into a broad and multifaceted journey. I studied with inspiring teachers in Arizona and beyond, performed extensively in youth and professional orchestras, and eventually felt drawn to continue my studies abroad. This led me to Copenhagen, Denmark, where I completed both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Violin Performance at the Royal Danish Academy of Music, studying with Eszter Haffner.
During my time in Denmark, I gained deep experience in orchestral, chamber, and solo performance, collaborating with ensembles such as the Royal Danish Academy Orchestra, Copenhagen Phil, and the Faroese Symphony Orchestra. I have performed as a soloist, served as concertmaster, and participated in masterclasses with many of today’s leading violinists and pedagogues. These experiences shaped not only my musicianship, but also my understanding of collaboration, leadership, and artistic responsibility.
Alongside performance, teaching has always been central to my work. Through formal pedagogy training at the Royal Danish Academy of Music and years of private teaching experience, I have developed a thoughtful, student-centered approach to instruction. I believe every student learns differently, and my goal is to help each individual build strong technique, musical confidence, and a genuine connection to the instrument -whether they are just beginning or continuing serious study.
With over 20 years of musical training, a background in both American and European musical traditions, and a passion for education, I strive to create a learning environment that is encouraging, structured, and inspiring. For me, music is not only about performance - it is about communication, curiosity, and growth, both on and off the stage.
Teachers
My musical development has been shaped by studying with distinguished violinists and educators in both the United States and Europe. These long-term mentors played a central role in forming my technical foundation, musical voice, and artistic values.
Eszter Haffner - Royal Danish Academy of Music
Bachelor’s and Master’s studies (2019–2024)Steven Moeckel - Former Concertmaster, Phoenix Symphony
Lauren Roth - Concertmaster, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
Dennis Bourret - Director, Tucson Junior Strings
Mimi Papp - Suzuki certified and graduate of Manhattan School of Music
Danielle Cavicchioni - Suzuki certified and Music director of Sabino Canyon High School
In addition to violin, I studied piano for over eight years with Dr. June Chow Tyne, (former Univeristy of Arizona professor), completing the Arizona Music Teachers Association Study Program, which strengthened my musical literacy, theory knowledge, and overall musicianship.
Masterclass Teachers
I have participated in numerous masterclasses and international summer programs, working closely with leading performers and pedagogues from around the world. These experiences provided valuable artistic perspectives and exposure to a wide range of musical traditions.
Stefan Jackiw · Benjamin Beilman · Nikolaj Znaider · Ann Setzer · Sally Thomas · Ivan Ženatý · Vijay Gupta · Peter Herrestahl · Szymon Krzeszowiecz · Mark Messenger · Grigory Kalinovsky · Anke Schittenhelm · Łukasz Błaszczyk · Gerhard Schulz
Summer Academies & Institutes
European Music Institute, Vienna
Voksenåsen Summer Academy
Virtuoso Belcanto
Meadowmount School of Music
Manhattan School of Music Summer Program
Philadelphia International Music Festival
