Along with Emma Roberto Steiner, she is credited as one of the first women in the United States to make a successful career out of conducting musical performances.

[1][2] Nichols was a founding member of Marion Osgood's Ladies Orchestra, and about four years later she became a founding member of the Fadettes of Boston in 1888, a sextet including Ethel Atwood.

[2] She quickly rose from first violin to conductor as the small group became a chamber orchestra,[2] assuming leadership in 1890.

[5][2][6] As a child, she studied violin with Julius Eichberg, Leopold Lichtenberg, and Charles Loeffler.

[2] Nichols eventually retired to Boston and trained orchestra members and was instrumental in helping women to be financially independent.