
Abigail Nims ’01, B.M., Voice Performance
My four years at Ohio Wesleyan were integral to my development as an artist. The individual attention from the dedicated faculty, the performing opportunities, the small class sizes, and the liberal arts atmosphere allowed me to learn about music as well as about other subjects in a supportive and yet always challenging environment, which prepared me well for a career as a professional musician.
After finishing a Bachelor of Music degree in voice performance at OWU, I received a Master of Music degree from Westminster Choir College and an Artist Diploma from Yale School of Music. I am now a professional mezzo soprano residing in New York City and performing both nationally and internationally. Recent and upcoming performances include solo appearances with the New York City Opera, the San Francisco Symphony, the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Wexford (Ireland) Festival Opera, Palm Beach Opera, Teatro Municipal (Chile), Santa Fe Opera, and Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano Giuseppe Verdi.
Ohio Wesleyan allowed me to fully realize my passion for music and also to develop the skills and discipline I would need in order to be successful in the field. The music department allows students to focus on developing their unique musicianship without having the distraction of constant competition which one often encounters at conservatories. Additionally, the performing opportunities offered to undergraduate students at OWU far surpass those found at many other institutions. I performed roles in several operas and sang with orchestras – opportunities which many singers do not have until they attend graduate school or later. I owe much to the education I received at Ohio Wesleyan and strongly believe that I probably would not be the artist I am today, nor would I be as successful in the music business, had I not attended this university.