Never in a million years did I ever think I would write a book.

I grew up in Northern Ontario, Canada, and developed a love for music early in life. I spent most of my life in singing lessons, with the high-school goal of becoming an opera singer. Specifically, I wanted to become Maria Callas. Lol. I graduated from the University of Manitoba with a four-year bachelor's degree in music, but my career in opera didn’t have a chance because I was too scared to sing at University. That’s right, I said it.

Too scared to sing. 

Even though I was 'music to my core' and knew it was a big part of who I was meant to be, I wasn’t given the tools to survive the creative industry. I was drowning in self-doubt, fear, comparison, and having my self-esteem directly tied to my vocal performances and results.

Fast forward ten years

I have worked hard to overcome those things in my musical journey, started my own music studio, and now work with students to develop their technique as musicians but also their mindsets as creatives. I see students come into my studio too terrified to sing for anyone that morph into confident performers, sharing their gift freely with others just a year or two later. Is that transformation easy? No. Is it time-consuming? Yes. Is it worth it? Absolutely, without a doubt.

I think all creative learning should include instruction for maintaining mental health and fortitude in the industry. 

Fast forward to 2019

I was watching a speaker named Tony Kim talk about influence. What he had to say really struck me. He said to have influence, you need to go lower, you need to find a place to serve. 

That got me thinking deeply and asking myself the question, 'Where can I serve the larger community and make an impact for good?' Within the week, my dear friend Julie Meyer from California said,

“Heidi, it’s time to write your book”

Who am I today?

 I am singer, teacher, musician, producer, author, speaker and daughter.