Meet The Teachers
Heather Hindman
Heather Hindman is a pianist, teacher and award-winning Canadian composer. She holds a Master of Music degree from McGill University and a Bachelor of Music from the University of Alberta and studied Jazz Piano at Grant MacEwan. Heather is a member of the Canadian and Alberta music teachers associations and the Canadian League of Composers. Heather is also an assistant lecturer in composition at the University of Alberta. She has a particular interest in contemporary and Canadian music. She joined the Suzuki community in 2014 and has completed Book 1, 2 and 3 training and many teacher-development courses and workshops. When not teaching or composing, Heather enjoys spending time with her family, swimming, gardening and practicing yoga. Heather is accepting students for 2025-26 school year.
Studio Location: South Edmonton
Email: niftynotes88@gmail.com
Interview with Heather
What is your first memory of the piano?
My late father loved jazz and played in dance bands in the 1950's. I remember him showing me the pattern for a Glenn Miller tune and I was amazed by how easy-and hard-it was to play things I could hear. My first years at the piano were informal, just playing by ear and discovering sound, my formal lessons started later.
What is your musical background?
I like to think of myself as a musical omnivore. I've had a foot in a lot of places over my continued musical development, including playing jazz, classical and pop music. I'm a composer and started doing that in childhood, and by high school I knew this would be a large and important part of my life. I started teaching in my late teens and was hooked!
What inspires your work?
A passionate love of music inspires my work, and being able to share that magic with others. Music has brought me so much meaning in my life, and becomes a part of who you are. I'm also inspired by the revelations of students, when they play something and have that "a ha" moment of how wonderful something is or sounds, it's like they've been let in on the little secret of beauty for its own sake that all musicians know.
What is a common challenge kids face learning to play piano?
Learning to fail and that failure is an important part of learning, and learning to manage and work through frustration.
What do you expect from your students?
That they always try their best, practice regularly, and take an active role in their learning.
As a piano teacher, what do you think makes a good pianist?
Thoughtfulness, commitment to a piece, attention to detail, and caring about every sound that comes out of the instrument, really listening.
What would you consider the three most important traits of a good piano teacher?
That's a tough one as there are all kinds of teachers who all offer wonderful and unique things. I would say: patience, kindness, and believing all students are exceptionally capable.
What’s your best advice for someone who wants to learn piano?
Realize that it is a 10+ year commitment. I don't think a lot of people realize how much work and dedication it takes to acquire even basic skills that you will retain as an adult, or how much you need to know to simply play music with others with ease.
What advice do you have for parents to help their children succeed in music?
Be patient! Support and love them, and never, ever compare them to other children. Everyone's musical journey is different, it isn't like school where students all move along from one grade to the next together. Just trust, if you commit, that they will get there. Also, make sure as a parent that YOU are musical. Listen, go to concerts, show your children why music is valuable in life, set an example.
What sets Edmonton Suzuki Piano School apart from other music schools?
The Suzuki program is so unique and the teachers at ESPS are committed to its values and the welfare of all students in the program, not just their own. We are a community and work together to always find opportunities for students to help them grow and learn, and as teachers have support and a commitment to for professional development. Most importantly, our program is about musical excellence and artistry right from the beginning.
Describe the culture at Edmonton Suzuki Piano School.
Collegial, open, supportive, engaging, and fun!
What is your favourite piece of music played on the piano?
That's an impossible question! Broadly, anything by Brahms, John Adams, Brad Mehldau's improv, Bach.
What is something unique or surprising about you that many people would not know?
When I was a teenager, I played electric guitar in heavy metal music.
Do you have any passion projects or interests?
Yes! I recently got support from the Canada Council for the Arts to write and publish a collection of piano music specifically for students. It's an exciting opportunity to combine my love of teaching and pedagogy with composing and creativity.
What is the best part of the Edmonton Suzuki Piano School community?
That it IS a community!