I am a composer-pianist and musicologist dedicated to artistic and musicological research. I combine an international performance career with deep academic training, holding two master's degrees in Composition and one master's degree in Cognitive Musicology. I am committed to cultivating a critical, reflective, and innovative artistic practice, and I am eligible to work freely within the EU. I lead Music for Empty Spaces and curate premieres, collaborate with leading soloists and orchestras, and create chamber and orchestral works that push boundaries between performance and research. My work spans commissions, residencies, and recordings across Europe and the United States.

Heather Pinkham

PRO

I am a composer-pianist and musicologist dedicated to artistic and musicological research. I combine an international performance career with deep academic training, holding two master's degrees in Composition and one master's degree in Cognitive Musicology. I am committed to cultivating a critical, reflective, and innovative artistic practice, and I am eligible to work freely within the EU. I lead Music for Empty Spaces and curate premieres, collaborate with leading soloists and orchestras, and create chamber and orchestral works that push boundaries between performance and research. My work spans commissions, residencies, and recordings across Europe and the United States.

Available to hire

I am a composer-pianist and musicologist dedicated to artistic and musicological research. I combine an international performance career with deep academic training, holding two master’s degrees in Composition and one master’s degree in Cognitive Musicology. I am committed to cultivating a critical, reflective, and innovative artistic practice, and I am eligible to work freely within the EU.

I lead Music for Empty Spaces and curate premieres, collaborate with leading soloists and orchestras, and create chamber and orchestral works that push boundaries between performance and research. My work spans commissions, residencies, and recordings across Europe and the United States.

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Language

English
Fluent
Dutch
Advanced
Italian
Advanced
French
Beginner

Work Experience

Initiator and Artistic Leader at Music for Empty Spaces
January 1, 2020 - Present
Concept development and realization of a biennial concert featuring only premieres; responsible for artistic vision, curating 12 composers and 12 soloists per edition, and overall production coordination.
Pianist at Independent Artist / Self-employed
January 1, 2006 - Present
Tours and recordings as a pianist; recent tour and recording with Tim Kliphuis (The 5 Elements); previous tours and concerts at venues including Carnegie Hall, New York.
Composer at Independent Composer
January 1, 2018 - Present
Compositions for leading soloists including Ralph van Raat, Vincent van Amsterdam, and Maya Fridman; commissions from Merced Symphony Orchestra, NJSO, and De Doelen Ensemble; commissions from festivals and institutions such as November Music Festival, Intro in Situ, and Dutch National Opera Studio (Opera Forward Festival).
Artist-in-Residence at NES Residency, Iceland
January 1, 2026 - Present
Artist-in-Residence with NES Residency, Iceland (January 2026). Focus on composition projects and artistic development.
Piano Soloist – Performance at Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra
October 3, 2025 - October 4, 2025
Performance of own piano concerto with the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra; with Ralph van Raat as the soloist, at De Doelen, Rotterdam and the Concertgebouw, Amsterdam.
Piano Soloist – Performance at Las Cruces Symphony Orchestra
March 29, 2025 - March 30, 2025
Performance of own piano concerto with Las Cruces Symphony Orchestra.
Piano Accompanist at Various choirs (Basic & Full Color)
January 1, 2018 - Present
Piano accompanist for multiple choirs, including Basic & Full Color.
Piano Teacher at Private practice
January 1, 2006 - Present
Private piano lessons to students of all levels.

Education

MA, Media Composition at ThinkSpace Education – University of the Arts Bournemouth, UK
September 1, 2024 - October 1, 2025
MM, Music Composition at Fontys Hogeschool voor de Kunsten, Tilburg
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2020
MA, Cognitive Musicology at University of Amsterdam
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2015
BA, Classical Piano & Italian Studies (Double Major) at University of California, Berkeley
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2010
Erasmus Program at Università degli Studi di Padova, Italy
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2009

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services, Other