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Heather E.
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About Heather E.
Hi! I'm Heather and I have been teaching private music lessons since 2008. I grew up on the stage! My mother was my first singing and piano teacher and from a young age I have been involved in acting, dancing, music theatre, oratorio, and opera! I went to the Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro where I earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance. I am passionate about giving my students the gift of self-expression through music while learning good technique and incorporating music YOU are interested in.
***Frequently Asked Questions***
What is your availability?
Just select a subject and a lesson location in the upper righthand corner above and you can see my availability!
What do lessons cost?
30 minutes $25
45 minutes $35
60 minutes $45
How often should we meet and for how long?
I recommend lessons once per week. 30 minute lessons are good for beginning piano students. 45 minute lessons are ideal for singers and intermediate piano students. 60 minute lessons are appropriate for advanced students interested in studying lots of repertoire or for singers who are having a particularly difficult time with ear training.
What do you do in lessons?
To learn what you would be doing in a lesson just select a subject in blue under "Heather Teaches" at the top of this page for a description of how each lesson works in that subject.
I want to study piano, do I have to have a real piano?
No, you don't have to have a real piano but you do need at least a keyboard, preferably one that gets louder or softer depending how hard you hit a key, has at least 61 keys, and has a sustain pedal.
Do you help singers who want to learn rap, metal, or some other non-conventional style of singing?
Yes, I have actually worked with some metal bands before! Even if you are using something like screaming you can use it in a way that hurts your voice less. I love to apply good technique to styles like that.
***Student/Parent-Teacher Agreement***
STUDENT EXPECTATIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES
1: Schedule 10-30 minutes of practice each day for at least five days per week.
2: Arrive promptly at your lesson time. You reserve the time slot, not the number of minutes.
3: Be prepared to offer repertoire suggestions.
4: Communicate with the teacher about any questions or concerns you have.
5: Parents/guardians may sit-in on lessons only if they do not disturb them. You may wait in the car or run an errand if you prefer.
TEACHER PLEDGE
1: I will provide a tailored curriculum to meet student’s individual needs while setting goals and encouraging a feeling of success at each student’s individual rate of learning.
2: I am a stay-at-home mom and occasionally I may need to attend to a child. In the rare circumstance that your lesson is interrupted, I will offer you make-up time at the end of the lesson or at a time that is most convenient for you.
CANCELLATIONS
1: If given 24 hours notice, I will allow for a makeup lesson or cancellation. If I am not notified within 24 hours a lesson credit will be used regardless of whether or not the student attends.
2: All lessons missed as a result of the teacher canceling will be made up at a convenient time or credited to the next lesson.
LESSON TERMINATION
If a student chooses to terminate lessons (after the introductory five-lesson period), the parent/guardian or adult student must inform the studio with a 30-day notice. The student is responsible for purchasing the last month’s lessons whether they choose to use the lesson credits or not.
STUDIO LIABILITY AGREEMENT
Releasing Heather’s Voice and Piano Studio, Heather, and her spouse from all liability for personal injury, illness, or property loss or damage resulting directly or indirectly from studio activities occurring on the studio premises is required for admittance into the studio.
Reviews
Write a Review
Online
I have been taking online piano lessons with Heather for the last 6 months and have had an awesome experience!
I am an adult beginner. Heather has taught me everything from the ground up. She recommends supplemental resources that reinforce my technique and makes sure I am not picking up any bad habits. She asks me what I want to learn to keep me motivated and keep things fresh yet challenging.
I did buy a tripod on Amazon to hold my phone so Heather can see my hands and she demonstrates to me how to position my hands using her device. It is so convenient learning from home and still effective.
Heather is well educated and an excellent teacher. She is worth every penny. I pay her before each lesson using Venmo. She has been flexible with scheduling when I have had to cancela d during the holidays. She always starts our lesson on time. If we get chatty, she extends the time so I always get my full lesson.
Heather is a sweetheart with the patience of a saint with this old lady! Highly recommend!
Teacher's Studio
I took lessons from Heather in 2018. She’s nice and talented and is a good teacher. I took my mother in to the hospital for pneumonia and found out she had stage 4 cancer and became her full-time caretaker until her passing just a month later. I notified heather of my mother’s condition right away as soon as I knew to let her know that I would need to hold off on lessons until further notice. Instead of giving me grace she reminded me that she requires 30 days of notice and that I had two lessons set up within 30 days she was going to still charge me for but hold in case I wanted to make them up in the future- so that she could get paid. There have been so many times I have thought I’d like to take lessons again since mom passed- but I would never take them from Heather even with 2 credits- because she cares too much about money and her policy is indecent. I would rather give my money to someone who might have more respect for me than to take money from me at a time where my mother was dying- for lessons they didn’t teach yet. I deserve my money back but for me- it’s not about money- it’s about character. It’s 2021 and I’ve decided to write this review because it has stayed with me all this time- as probably the worst business practice I have ever experienced and probably ever will.
Student's Home
For a first lesson with a new instructor, Heather made my 8 y.o. daughter
feel very comfortable and wanting to resume with playing piano again
after a prolonged absence from lessons. She looks forward to her next
lesson with Heather.
Teacher's Studio
I take private piano lessons. This experience was for me to find something I love to spend time for myself. I have learned a lot and I’m looking forward to continuing my learning experience. I love music and this is the perfect match for me.
Online
Heather is a great professional teacher! She has taught my daughter very practical voice techniques and confident stage performance which helped her pass her choir audition! Liz is looking forward to developing a strong singing voice from Heather who knows what areas she needs to work on. Thank you for all the extra notes you also give her to work on!
Online
I love mrs.heather ive been with her going on about a year and Ive seen an improvement in myself alot every week is something new and I grow and continue to hear myself get better at singing everyday she's a spectacular teacher!
great teacher! she’s very good at finding your problematic areas and fixes them with patience and good advice. :))
Online
She was amazing
Student's Home
I would highly recommend Heather to absolutely anyone , She is one of the most talented people I’ve ever met and she really is an amazing teacher and has helped me improve my voice incredibly , she’s also not just my teacher to me she’s my friend and is such an overall incredible person . So if you're looking for someone who can help you improve your voice or piano skills in a professional but fun way Heather is exactly who you’re looking for ! :)
Student's Home
Fantastic teacher! I am so comfortable with her. We have a lot of fun during our classes. My range has expanded and I feel a lot more comfortable practicing.
Teacher's Studio
My 12 year enjoyed her first lesson with Heather, she told me she is "really nice" and she is also excited about her assignment. Thanks Heather!
Teacher's Studio
Mrs.Heather is a great teacher and encourages you to be yourself and helps you learn she teaches and expands your singing range by octives she's also amazing with helping with problems other than singing always happy very inviting home.If anyone wants to be Mariah Carey you need to go to Mrs Heather cause she's awesome
Student's Home
My daughter has lessons with Heather in her home.She really enjoyed her time.
Teacher's Studio
Works at your pace and is good at lightening the mood for first time piano lesson takers. I look forward to continuing my lessons.
Teacher's Studio
Kenzie was so excited when she got home. She really enjoyed the lesson and thinks Miss Heather sings better than Mary Poppins! WOW! Kenzie wants to learn to sing just like her. What a great experience. Thanks.
Student's Home
Great first lesson for my 10 year old daughter! She is excited to continue.
Online
She is a great teacher and I am very excited to continue taking classes with Heather
Teacher's Studio
Heather worked with our 11 year old son who wanted to pursue singing. She is kind, patient and wonderful with children. She's a great instructor and we would definitely use her again!
Student's Home
Heather is so sweet, organized and non-threatening. Totally allowed my son to relax and learn. I am so surprised at how quickly he mastered skills under her teachings. Highly recommended!!
Teacher's Studio
Heather Ellis was an AWESOME teacher for my 11 year old daughter! She taught her a package of singing lessons I purchased for her and Sara, my daughter, learned a lot! Both my daughter and I liked Heather both personally and professionally and Sara is really looking forward to taking more singing lessons from Heather this summer. We both give her "Five Stars!"
Teacher's Studio
Just after three lessons my daughter says she's learned a lot and feels much more confident about singing in front of others!! I'm very excited to hear what the future brings...
Student's Home
I had a great experience with Heather! She is very encouraging and is very good at catering the lessons to help your weaknesses and strenghten your strenghts.
Student's Home
My son adores Heather. She is sweet and encouraging. She looks for ways to help Aiden master his technique that fits him specifically. He does not want another instructor ever he says!
Teacher's Studio
Had a great first day with Miss Heather. Looking forward to the next!
Student's Home
Excellent teacher. I really am enjoying my lessons so far
Student's Home
Excellent teacher. I really am enjoying my lessons so far
Teacher's Studio
My 8 year old daughter took piano lessons from Heather and she really enjoyed them. Heather is a very patient and encouraging teacher!
Student's Home
Heather is a great teacher. She really understands how to teach according to the way we learn. And she's great at listening to your goals and helping you work towards achieving them!
Student's Home
Before meeting Heather i never have had any singing lessons and i feel truly grateful that she has been so patient and methodical. I feel that during the last 6 moths she been able to make me improve everything connected to the art of singing. Thank you Heather.
Teacher's Studio
Heather has an innate ability to uniquely assess numerous nuances in my voice. I'm part of a Christian rock band where I have to maintain proper vocal exercises to best prepare me for public performances and studio recordings. She listens well, takes detailed notes, and offers great exercises to help in the precise areas where I struggle the most. Heather is quick to celebrate accomplishments with the student, and patient through the student's struggle to make vocal milestones. I would highly recommend Heather to anyone looking to improve vocal ability.
Student's Home
I couldn't have asked for a better teacher. Very patient, kind and professional. Heather made me feel very comfortable (I tend to get really nervous when singing in front of people) so that helped a ton. After taking lessons with Heather I feel my singing has improved and my knowledge about the piano has expanded. Gives honest and constructive critiques. I would highly recommend taking lessons from Heather to anyone.
Student's Home
Very patient and always gives very good and honest feedback. Heather's really good at tailoring my development in my direction by listening to what I want, to pinpoint issues i need to work on.
Student's Home
We love Heather… She is amazing. So patient and kind! Highly recommend!
Online
It was a pleasure taking online piano lessons with Heather. She was very patient and understanding when it came to learning new concepts. The lessons were down to earth and didn't make me feel like an elementary school kid (I'm 24). I highly recommend Heather if you are an adult learner like me. Although, I think she would do great with younger students as well. I thought it might be weird to learn piano over the Internet, but it was a great experience and I never felt limited by learning this way.
Student's Home
I have taken lessons with Heather, and she is a very good teacher. She is kind, professional, and very helpful when giving a critique. I would highly recommend her as a teacher. I always felt like my singing improved after leaving a lesson. You will get your money's worth.
Teacher's Studio
My kids, 10 and 7, are enjoying piano lessons with Heather. This is is their first experience with music lessons and reading music. She makes the lessons fun and interesting for them. Heather teaches them in a way that is easy for them to understand. I would recommend her to anyone looking for a piano teacher.
Teacher's Studio
I have really enjoyed my lessons with Heather so far! She has such a calm demeanor that makes you feel like you can accomplish what she has planned. Heather does a great job of quickly assessing what I already know and what I need to learn. I have only been taking lessons with her for a few weeks now and already I am further along then I have ever been before. She is always very prepared and I can tell she has put a lot of thought into my specific needs. She is not just applying a formula of teaching. I would recommend her to anyone.
Photos & Videos
20 Photos & Videos
Experience
Private Music Teacher
Jan 2008 - PresentTakeLessons
I teach private piano, song-writing, and singing lessons online or in-person.
Opera Singer
Sep 2013 - Dec 2013UNCG Opera Theatre
I held two roles in an opera scenes program at UNC at Greensboro Opera Theatre
Private Music Teacher
Sep 2010 - Sep 2012Virginia Beach Music Academy
I taught private voice lessons to children and adults to help develop their singing, ear-training, and music theory skills.
Ear-Training Instructor
Sep 2010 - May 2012Virginia Children's Chorus
I developed lesson plans and taught solfege, music theory, and ear training to children ages 8-13 in a weekly class setting. The class utilized folk songs, movement, and written music.
Private Music Teacher
Jan 2008 - May 2012Homeschool Plus
I taught intermediate and beginning piano and voice in private lessons for homeschool enrichment center for children ages 5-18.
Opera Chorus
Aug 2011 - Oct 2011"La Traviata" Lyric Opera of Virginia
Singer
Sep 2008 - Sep 2011Doorway Singers
I performed several different programs of pop music in a quartet which included costumes and choreography. We did 60s music, Broadway tunes, a Dickens Christmas program, and more!
Symphony Chorus Core
Sep 2008 - May 2011Virginia Symphony Chorus
I sang with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra as a Virginia Symphony Chorus core soprano position for two full seasons which included oratorios such as Bernstein Mass, Beethoven Nine, Brahms Requiem, Verdi Requiem, Handel's Messiah, Holsts Plants, Faure Requiem, Carmina Burana, and more.
Opera Chorus
May 2004 - Jul 2007"Eugene Onegin", "Lucia di Lammermoor", and "La Fille du Regiment" by Todifest Opera
Opera Chorus
Jan 2004 - May 2005"Pastorale & Masque" and "Cendrillon" produced by The Peabody Conservatory
Mrs. Beaver
Jan 2002 - May 2002"The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe" the musical
Mrs. Hannigan
Jan 2001 - May 2001"Annie" the musical
Margaret
Jan 1999 - May 1999"Father Knows Best" the play
Gwendolyn
Jan 1998 - May 1998"The Importance of Being Earnest" the play
Mamma
Jan 1998 - May 1998"Opal" the musical
Education
Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance
Aug 2012 - May 2014University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance
Aug 2004 - May 2006Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University
Languages
French
Limited Proficiency
German
Limited Proficiency
Italian
Limited Proficiency
Awards
Christopher Newport University Friends of Music Scholarschip
Jan 2011Christopher Newport University
Genece Warren Scholarship for Private Vocal Study
Jan 2004Academy of Music
Vocal Division Winner
May 2003Young Performing Artist’s Competition
1st Place Vocal Division
May 2003Bland Competition, Local Level
1st Place Beginning High School Women Classical Division
May 2003Virginia National Association for Teachers of Singing
Vocal Division Winner
May 2002Young Performing Artist’s Competition
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