Vanessa Heilman

Music Together® Training, 2007

Certification Level 1, 2009

Music has been a constant in my life, at times background, at others foreground, but always there. The foundation was laid for me with my mother’s nightly lullaby ritual, Rafi sing-a-longs in the car on family vacations, and sounds of folk classics from my parents’ vinyl collection. From there, it was in me; whether singing, listening, dancing, writing, playing, recording, performing, or teaching, I cannot imagine life without music.
 
I studied Theatre at the University of Southern California and the British American Dramatic Academy in London. Post-collegiately, I entertained a career in education and taught pre-kindergarten in the Dallas area before moving to New York. While in NYC, I worked at a private preschool where I designed a drama program and led the after-school program there, and infused both endeavors with holistic musical experiences. During this time, I also attended the Diller-Quaile School of Music Teacher Training Institute and received a certification in Early Childhood Music.
 

Life led me back to Texas, but to Austin, in 2006, and I got Music Together® trained shortly thereafter - as soon as I could after finding the program. The first time I observed a class at Heartsong, it brought tears to my eyes, and I knew I had to be a part of this beautiful community of music-making. It has been a pleasure to grow and change through various phases at Heartsong and in my own life, including attending classes as a mom with my daughter, who was born in 2014. I made such deep and special musical memories in classes with her and hope to continue to facilitate those types of connections for all the families whom I have the pleasure of leading; these years are so precious!

Community Highlights

"Hooray for Vanessa!  She was so warm and cheerful with the children.  She created a comfortable environment for all of us to explore music.  The children gravitate to her smile and she's great at making a point to connect with each one at some point during class.  Vanessa is also a wonderful musician!"

"Vanessa is AWESOME!  Vanessa has been absolutely wonderful.  She picks up on how children are improving and afterwards uses that for the next activity of the song.  She is very personable and great with adults and children.  Maracas was great!  Our family really enjoyed these songs."

"Vanessa is fantastic.  I highly recommend her. She really gets to know the kids and she remembers things about them from class to class.  And she is enthusiastic and professional.  I have many wonderful memories of music this session!"