"You gave me one of the greatest gifts imaginable- the liberty to live the life I dream about, the absolute faith that I have everything I need to become truly anything I desire. You gave me the will to give myself permission to move through- and ultimately beyond- fear. Your spirit reminds me that I have every right to reach for the stars…”

“…I’m not sure what the future holds in terms of an opera career, but I do know that whatever happens, I am grateful to you because when I came to you last year you accepted me, encouraged me, believed in me, and helped me reopen the idea that “I can”, a belief I had as a child but had closed off in adulthood!”

“Thank you for your attention to every detail, your limitless well of ideas and not letting me get away with any dirty little habits. I get so much out of your coachings.”

“Since working with Richard Nickol, my voice has become so much stronger and I have been able to expand my vocal range to several more octaves. He helped me to be a performer, not just a singer.”

“A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart, and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words. Thank you for always singing back when I have lost sight of my purpose!”

“I am so thankful to God that He brought you into my life. I thank Him every day. Everything you have taught me, through lessons and conversations, will affect me for the rest of my life.”

“It breaks my heart to think about leaving you and the studio next year. I don’t think there is any other studio in the world that is as supportive, loving, and focused as SFAPA. So thank you for believing in me…”

"Today is a really special day for me because I just did my first professional recording as a demo singer in a Nashville studio. Songwriters need a singer to go into the studio for them and sing the song they wrote to pitch to publishers, producers, artists, etc. Today I sang a song in the studio for a songwriter and got paid. Richard, I'm living my dream! I'm in the recording studio getting paid!! I'm on my way... you inspired my to go after my dreams and I'm finally happy in my career. I truly believe that you REALLY can do what you want in life, shoot for the stars and then make it happen. I also feel like I"m not as concerned about the end result.” anymore....I feel good about my accomplishments I'm making each day. Isn't this the point of life?”

"It is such an honor to be your student. It is an even greater honor to be your friend. You are my inspiration to become what I know I can be. I will always be an eager recipient of all you have to give. "

"I've learned from you in a year.......things many people do not learn in their lifetimes. You, and your commitment and desire to giving love, understanding and wisdom and your unconditional acceptance have created something, a community, an energy, a never ending source of nourishment for the mind, heart, and soul."

“….On your last birthday we were celebrating that Kathryn had learn to belt – NOW – well, she’s just a different person! And I attribute that glow and confidence to you. You have guided her in singing, but more importantly you have guided her into becoming a confident young woman!”

“As a parent, of one of the youngest students, Kristy Frank age 12, I would like to acknowledge the tremendous success we have witnessed over the past 2.5 years of attendance in this studio. The growth I have seen in Kristy has been phenomenal. Since she has started working with Richard Nickol, her talent has blossomed into a wonderful success story….”

“Only perhaps once or twice in a lifetime does one have the chance to be part of an organization where the energy and can-do spirit are infectious. It is rare to have the opportunity to grow as a performer with tremendous positive support. It is even more amazing that artistic risk-taking is viewed as a safe endeavor, without the negative energy that competition can bring.”