Heather Rogers Riley

TEACHING

I've run a flourishing private piano studio for over 25 years, which is currently located in Jamaica Plain, MA. 

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Previously, I was on the faculty at Indian Hill Music School from 2002-2019, where I taught private students, chamber ensembles and performance workshops.  I was also Chair of the Piano Department from 2004-2015, where I created important programming for students, including:

• Piano Performance Workshops

• the Piano Certification Curriculum

• the Honors Piano Competition

• SummerDayMusic 

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I'm an active member of local professional music organizations, where I collaborate with other teachers, create vital music programs for the community, receive professional development, and provide access for my students to top-notch events.  Some of my work includes:

• President, 2020-2022,  Massachusetts Music Teachers Association

• President-Elect, 2018-2020, Massachusetts Music Teachers Association

• Chair of the  MMTA Judged Festival, on the Executive Board of MMTA

• MMTA Judged Festival Repertoire Committee, 2010-2020

• past Vice-President of Membership, MMTA, on the Executive Board

• past NEPTA Recital Committee Chair of the 20th/21st Century Recital

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From 2011-2013, I served as State Representative for the Royal Conservatory of Music Program and also was Chair of the program on the board of MMTA.  During that time, I helped the state participation in the program triple in size.  I'm also a Founding Teacher of the Royal Conservatory Certificate Program.

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Before moving to Massachusetts in 2000, I was the Assistant Director of the Piano Preparatory Division at Walla Walla University in Washington.

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STUDENTS

My students frequently stand out for their accomplishments in recitals and notable competitions, including:

• Highest marks in the state in the Royal Conservatory of Music Program. 

• the MMTA Judged Festival

• the MMTA Bay State Competition

• Prizes in the American Protege International Piano Competitions, the AADGT International Festivals, and the Crescendo International Competitions, with performances at Weill Hall at Carnegie Hall, NYC.  

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To see more, please visit the Student Achievements page, or listen to them perform on the Video page!

 

 

PERFORMING

I've performed solo and chamber recitals across the United States, including the Boston area, California, Texas, and Washington.  

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One of my favorite series of performances ever was a program of Spanish music I gave with my husband, guitarist William Riley.

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While living in the Northwest, I performed and competed throughout the region, with the most memorable achievement winning the 1999 Oregon East Symphony Concerto Competition, and performing Scriabin’s Concerto in F-sharp minor with the Oregon East Symphony.  

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Other performance highlights:

• Soloist with the Indian Hill Chamber Orchestra in Bach’s Double Keyboard Concerto in C minor under the direction of Bruce Hangen;  

• 4-hand and 2 piano concerts;

• Chamber music of Women composers

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 LISTEN to a sample of my performances!

 

PERSONAL

When I'm not teaching or practicing, I enjoy taking walks around Arnold Arboretum & Jamaica Pond, exploring Boston, visiting new restaurants, and going to concerts.  I'm especially happy staying home, reading, and playing with our three cats.