About Heather

I've been teaching since 1997, and teaching and learning music are my life-long passions.

I bring dedication and inspiration to every lesson, backed by experience in piano instruction, chamber music coaching, performance coaching and adjudicating.

Learn more about my education, degrees & professional organizations HERE.

I'm honored to be the 2020-2022 President of the Massachusetts Music Teachers Association.

In 2017, I was voted Teacher of the Year by the Massachusetts Music Teachers Association.

I provide the necessary structure that will both challenge and motivate students.

I focus on teaching powerful practice skills, proper technique, and how to play with beautiful expression.

Read my TEACHING PHILOSOPHY, or LISTEN to me in performance.

TEACHING

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

Go to the LISTEN page for a sample of my performances!

PERSONAL

When I'm not teaching or practicing, I love spending time with my husband going to Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Pond, Allandale Farm, exploring New England, visiting new restaurants, going to concerts, or just staying home, cooking & baking, reading, and playing with our three cats.