Heather W. Reichgott, pianist

Whether playing as a soloist or with others, Heather has an accompanist's approach to events. She strives to understand your vision for an event and enjoys finding just the right music and just the right approach to support you. In addition to her extensive classical repertoire Heather learns new music quickly both by ear and from sheet music, and can prepare new music on request.

Heather W. Reichgott is a pianist located in western Massachusetts. She works as an accompanist, church musician, teacher and performer. Initially trained in the Suzuki method, Heather went on to study with several exceptional teachers including Peter Takacs at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and Alissa Leiser in Amherst, MA. Awards include the Award for Excellence in Concerto Performance at the Seattle Young Artists Music Festival, selected by Seymour Bernstein. Heather plays music from the Baroque through the present day and especially enjoys Haydn, Mozart, ballet music, piano/orchestra repertoire and new music.

Heather serves as minister of music at the United Methodist Church of South Hadley, Holyoke and Granby (MA). She is a dance accompanist for Amherst Ballet School and for the Five College Dance Department serving Mount Holyoke College, Smith College, the University of Massachusetts, Amherst College and Hampshire College. In 2011 Heather released a CD of ballet class music, "A Musical Feast for Ballet Class," available on (link hidden) Her 2014 CD "Preludes, Problems & Prayers" features pieces written between 1983 and 2013, by well-known and emerging composers. It is available on (link hidden) iTunes and (link hidden)

Heather's favorite recent performances include full-length classical recitals, playing in the pit for musicals, being the onstage accompanist for a piano ballet set to Schumann's "Kinderszenen," and playing "Unforgettable" and one of the Goldberg Variations for a very special outdoor wedding.

An on-site acoustic piano, recently tuned and in good condition, is always ideal.

Heather can also perform on her portable digital piano, as long as there is an electrical outlet within 25 feet.

The digital piano can be amplified or patched in to a sound system. Acoustic pianos in most cases have their own amplification (built into the nature of the instrument) and sound best when not amplified.

If the event is outdoors, either type of piano must be protected from rain.

If Heather is performing from memory or by ear she only needs enough lighting to tell the black keys from the white keys. If from sheet music, she will bring her own stand lights, but always appreciates ample lighting in the room or onstage.