Nicholas Garcia-Hettinger is originally from San Antonio, Texas. He holds a master’s degree from Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music, where he studied with Paul Kantor, and a bachelor’s degree from the Eastman School of Music, where he studied with Juliana Athayde.
During his studies, Garcia-Hettinger served as concertmaster of the Shepherd School Symphony Orchestra, Eastman Philharmonia, and Eastman School Symphony Orchestra. He has performed as a substitute violinist with the New World Symphony and Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and has participated in programs including the Aspen Music Festival; American Institute of Musical Studies in Graz, Austria, Pacific Crest Music Festival, and National Orchestral Institute. He was a finalist in the Juanita Miller Concerto Competition and received first prize in the TexASTA Concerto Competition.
Coming from a musical family, Garcia-Hettinger grew up surrounded by music and chamber playing. His family includes several musicians, fostering his love of music and collaboration from an early age.
Garcia-Hettinger is also passionate about working with young musicians. He has taught at the Youth Orchestras of San Antonio Summer Symphony Camp and has worked with high school students through sectional coaching and private instruction.
Outside of music, Garcia-Hettinger enjoys exercising, watching movies, spending time with his girlfriend, and playing with his cat, Rumi.
