Nicole Cortero began her musical journey at the age of three, developing an early love for the violin, and later took up the piano at the age of seven. Her classical violin training was shaped by esteemed mentors Jeffrey Regalario, Mayos Esmilla, and Michi Martinez. She pursued her piano studies with the late Professor Nita Quinto and Professor Carmencita Arambulo while attending the Philippine High School for the Arts as a National Government Scholar.

Nicole graduated magna cum laude from the Lynn University Conservatory of Music with a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance under the tutelage of Dr. Roberta Rust. She later earned her Master of Music in Piano Performance from the University of South Florida, studying with Dr. Svetozar Ivanov.

She has performed in numerous concerts across the Philippines, the United States, and Europe, and has participated in festivals including the Piano Teachers Guild of the Philippines Annual Festivals, the Paulinian Music Festival, and the PASINAYA Open House Festival. She is an alumna of the Baltimore International Piano Festival (2017), the Brancaleoni International Music Festival (2021), the Prague Piano Festival (2022), and the Walled City International Piano Festival in Derry, Northern Ireland (2023), where she performed in masterclasses and concerts.

Nicole is deeply passionate about teaching students of all levels and is committed to nurturing and inspiring young musicians. She has served on the faculty of the Maryland Academy of Music, the Boynton Beach School of Music, Dance, and Drama, the Lynn University Preparatory School of Music, the Baltimore School of Music, the Tampa Music School, and her own private studio. She also worked as a graduate teaching assistant at the University of South Florida School of Music, teaching group piano to undergraduate students. Nicole is currently a freelance musician and maintains a private piano and violin studio in the Tampa Bay area, while continuing her violin studies with Dr. Christina Adams.

Outside of music, Nicole is a whirlwind of fun, warmth, and lovable chaos. She enjoys photography, cooking, eating, traveling, and talking endlessly with her friends. Never one to shy away from an adventure, she has attempted (and often hilariously failed at) knee-boarding, skiing, and water skiing—and even tried sailing with her partner, Douglas, and his parents, an escapade that resulted in a mild concussion and an excellent story.

She is also an enthusiastic cat mom, devoted to her two beloved cats, Alab and Maya, whom she affectionately spoils (and gently pesters). Whether on stage or in everyday life, Nicole brings curiosity, humor, and wholehearted joy to everything she does—infusing her music and her world with creativity, warmth, and fearless energy.