Heather’s background and passion for cello was grounded in extensive early tuition from world-class professors. At age sixteen, she travelled to Europe for masterclass academies, summer schools, and private cello tuition. Cello professors from these studies included Wolfgang Emanuel Schmidt, Claudio Bohorquez and Philippe Muller. Heather has also enjoyed masterclasses and individual lessons from Steven Isserlis, Gautier Capuçon, Lynn Harrell, and Nicolas Altstaedt.

In Wellington, Heather received her initial cello education from Euan Murdoch and Emma Goodbehere. As a young cellist she performed solos as part of the Michael Monaghan Foundation Young Artists’ Programme and also a concerto with the Wellington Chamber Orchestra. At age sixteen, she was awarded ‘Most Promising’ at the Gisborne International Music Competition. As part of her New Zealand music upbringing, Heather enjoyed summers in Nelson, playing in the Adam Summer School, 2015 Troubadour Quartet, and more recently the Adam Chamber Music Festival.

From 2012-2015, Heather was based in the southern hemisphere for her Bachelor of Music at the New Zealand School of Music and the Sydney Conservatorium, studying with Umberto Clerici. At both universities she also studied and performed as a baroque cellist. Heather was the winner of the 2013 NZSM Concerto Competition and a finalist for the 2015 Sydney Conservatorium Concerto Competition. The following year she was awarded Second Place and Audience Choice at the NZ National Concerto Competition.

Heather is now based in New Zealand and has been working as a contract cellist for the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.