Lucia Nowik
Section 2nd Violin

Hometown: North Plainfield, New Jersey
Member of the Nashville Symphony since 2022

Why did you choose your instrument?

All of my older sisters played either violin or cello and I know that I wanted to be just like them, although I don't remember specifically choosing the violin. My mom would take me to my older sister's violin lessons when I was really little and I would draw pictures quietly in the corner. One day, she let me know that I was going to have a lesson instead of just listening and that's pretty much all I remember of beginning the violin.​

Where did you go to school and what degree(s) did you get?

The Juilliard School, B.M '16

Rice University, Shepherd School of Music, M.M. '19

Who has inspired you most as a musician?

My parents. They are both organists and choral conductors. I still go to my mom whenever I have a question about anything music related. She is a walking encyclopedia of musical knowledge and my dad has introduced me to so many unique artists and genres. As a small child I would go to work with them and sit on the organ bench next to my mom while she was playing, watching her feet go up and down the pedalboard. My entire childhood was surrounded by music, so it was only natural that it would become my career.

What excites you most about performing with the Nashville Symphony?

I am excited to work and perform with some of the kindest people I have ever met. I haven't even started work yet and so many people have reached out to welcome me.

What is your favorite part of Nashville so far?

Having lived in Texas for many years, I missed having seasons other than summer, so I am excited to live in a place that has all four seasons.

What hobbies do you enjoy?

I enjoy hiking, fly-fishing, weight lifting, and swimming. And to counteract my active hobbies, I love to bake and play video games when I have time.

Favorite movie or TV show? 

My favorite TV show is Frasier, the spin-off from Cheers. I also love to watch HGTV's Hometown or Fixer Upper while I'm practicing. Occasionally, I get so carried away daydreaming about taking down a wall or two in my apartment for a more "open-concept" look that I forget what I was practicing!

What is your favorite book?

The Lord of the Rings.

Favorite restaurant or type of food?

Taco carts and tacos.