Nicole Birkland, a native of Iowa, holds degrees from the University of Northern Iowa, where she earned her Bachelor of Music in Education, and Master of Music in voice. She is currently pursuing the Performer Diploma in Voice/Opera at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana.

During the summer of 2006, Nicole was an apprentice artist with the Des Moines Metro Opera, appearing in productions of Rigoletto, The Rake’s Progress and The Magic Flute. Other recent engagements have included solo appearances with the Fort Dodge Area Chorale in Mozart’s Requiem, Sioux City Symphony Orchestra in their Christmas Gala concert and an appearance with Opera Omaha.

At the University of Northern Iowa, Nicole joined faculty soloists to perform the alto role in the Hidas Requiem with the University of Northern Iowa Wind Symphony. In Lyric Theater productions, she performed Baba in the Medium, Mrs. Splinters in The Tender Land and most recently performing the role of Zita in Gianni Schicchi. She has also appeared as a soloist with the University of Northern Iowa Concert Chorale, University of Northern Iowa Men’s Glee Club and the University of Northern Iowa Orchestra. As a student she traveled to St. Petersburg, Russia to participate in the Institute of Humanities and Fine Arts summer program where she performed in several concerts. She has won the National Association of Teachers of Singing district competition in Iowa.