Nichole Smith is a Southern California native who was born into a family of talented musicians. As a multi-instrumentalist, the gift of music has allowed Nichole to travel to countries including but not limited to England, Hungary, Romania, Estonia, Australia, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Ghana; West Africa, Nicaragua, Honduras, Mexico, and various parts of the United States. These travels have allowed her to collaborate with musicians from multiple ethnic cultures and musical backgrounds.

Although music is her first love, Nichole is no stranger to the entertainment industry and arts education. She currently works with the award-winning Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA), serving as an Administrator, where she helps music and directors fulfill their event needs in relation to venue operations and ticketing. Nichole also serves as Social Media Manager for the Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles (ICYOLA). This organization is the largest Black orchestra in the nation, preparing young musicians for advanced study and high-caliber success and providing opportunities for young musicians to perform in many of Los Angeles’ most prestigious settings.

Nichole is a Magna Cum Laude graduate from the California State University of Los Angeles with a BM in Music. She holds a Recording/Production Certificate and an AA in Music from Fullerton College. In addition, her academics have allowed her to graduate with four Interdisciplinary Studies Associate in Arts Degrees. She was awarded Dean’s and President’s Honors list during her studies, enabling her to hold Phi Theta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society status.

Nichole has a unique family heritage and is a proud citizen of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. When not working, Nichole can be found learning a new instrument, cruising on her skateboard, or discovering and exploring new music.

From a young age, Nichole has been interested in musical instruments. At fourteen years old, she taught herself drums after receiving a drum set for Christmas. The year after, she became interested in guitar and would borrow her older brother’s guitar from his room when he wasn’t home. She soon received her own guitar from her parents and taught herself how to play. To help her learn, her mother would play the piano, and Nichole would strum along with the piano chords. The gift of music has allowed Nichole to travel around the world and experience multiple ethnic cultures and musical backgrounds.

From 2001 to 2011, Nichole managed Beacon of H.O.P.E.’s after-school program and entertainment venue called “The Vault” in Orange County, California. This state-of-the-art facility housed classrooms for homework study, tutoring, music lessons, and a professional outdoor skatepark. The program provided a safe and positive space for youth during after-school hours. Additionally, it offered significant events such as Skateboarding and BMX Competitions, Break Dancing and Krumping competitions, music concerts, poetry nights, artist galleries, and community outreach giveaways.

If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to email or message me on social media, and I will do my best to respond promptly.