Composing at the intersection of tradition and innovation.

Composing at the intersection of tradition and innovation, Heather Niemi Savage creates meaningful music that connects performers and audiences through shared emotional experience.

Heather’s introspective, emotionally resonant work for piano, chamber ensembles, chorus and orchestra explores the liminal spaces between sound and silence, tradition and discovery, intellect and emotion, thus inviting listeners into moments of reflection and connection.

Her composing is recognized

Heather’s music earns recognition nationally, including a Second Place Award in The American Prize for Composition (2020). Additionally, she regular procures performances throughout the United States by ensembles such as the Arkansas Philharmonic, the South Bend Symphony, the Argus String Quartet, the North-South Consonance, the Boston New Music Initiative, and members of the Raleigh Symphony. Festival performances of her work include the International Festival of Music by Women, Impulse New Music Festival, national conference of the Society of Composers, Inc, UNK New Music Festival, and various All-State Festivals.

Heather recently graduated from Appalachian State University with a MM in music composition. During her work as a Tui St. George Tucker Fellow, she digitized and archived handwritten scores and created an accessible online platform for musicians. She now teaches at AppState as an adjunct professor and also performs regularly as a pianist with choral and chamber ensembles and in intimate solo recitals. Additionally, she teaches piano, theory and composition online.

Heather is originally from New England but now lives in Western North Carolina. When she is not composing, she enjoys reading, cuddling with her cats or spending time outside. So, you can often find her on a local trail hiking, or foraging ingredients for her herbal teas and potions.

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