Heather Hamilton

Heather Hamilton is an arts administrator, educator and performer that cares deeply about teaching students how to express themselves and live creatively through learning music. She is currently the Director of the University of Northern Iowa Community Music School and teaches music education and music theory courses in the School of Music at the University of Northern Iowa. As a clarinetist, Heather has had the pleasure of performing with the Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra, the Quad City Opera Company, and the Quad City Symphony, in addition to the Central Kentucky Concert Band, which is recognized as the premier adult concert band in the Commonwealth. Heather also enjoys performing with the "New Horizons Clarinets and Friends" ensemble at area assisted living centers throughout the year. A highlight of her summers is performing in the beautiful Overman Park with the Cedar Falls Municipal Band, and along the Cedar River with the Waterloo Municipal band.

Originally from Moline, IL, Heather grew up with musician and music educator parents, which instilled from a young age a passion for music and education. Heather completed her undergraduate degree at Western Illinois University in Music Performance, going on to complete a Master of Music Education with an emphasis in Clarinet Pedagogy from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point. Her masters research and capstone project focused on how to utilize the National Standards of Music and Comprehensive Musicianship in beginning clarinet instruction. 

Heather has taught clarinet for several years, in Illinois, Wisconsin, Kentucky, and Iowa, in addition to holding positions as an instructor at Black Hawk College and in the Arts and Culture Outreach program at UW-Stevens Point. Heather has also worked in music retail, and managed various music lesson studios throughout her career. Her proudest achievements, however, come from seeing students succeed, not only as musicians, but to see them grow up to be some pretty special people. 

Heather’s primary clarinet instructors include Andrea Splittberger-Rosen, Molly Paccione, Eric Ginsberg, and Himie Voxman. As a firm believer in the importance of being a life-long-learner, Heather enjoys expanding her artistry and professional skills as a founding member of Music360’s Thrive Membership. Her music education and career mentors include Ixi Chen and Dr. Tiffany Valvo. When not playing, teaching or administering, she enjoys playing with her Pomapoo “Gracie,” sampling all the coffee, and connecting with friends and family.