BIO

Heide Riggs, a classically trained violinist, enjoys a diverse performance career and currently holds the position of Adjunct Faculty: Strings at Grand Canyon University’s College of Arts and Media in Phoenix, Arizona. She performs for many symphonies, stage orchestras, bands, corporate events, and solo performances. Some of her favorite creative work is collaborating with other artists in the recording studio. Heide holds a Masters of Music Performance and Pedagogy from ASU Herberger Institute School of Music where her most influential teachers included Danwen Jiang, Katie McLin, and the late William Magers. Heide studied in New York at Meadowmount Conservatory with Charles Avsharian and Skye Carmen, and in Minneapolis with Sally O’Reilly.

Heide has performed for Michael Bublé and David Foster, KYGO, GENTRI, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, MPG Live’s “Batman” Live in Concert and “Sonic Symphony”, Josh Groban, Mark Anthony, Michael W. Smith, West Coast Music’s Impulse Band and jazz violinist Regina Carter. In the country music scene, Heide’s highlight performances include performing with DaisyTrain at Super Bowl XLIX Pepsi Hyped for Halftime Concert Series and as the VIP band for Alan Jackson, with TAD Management’s Nashville Gold History of Country Music Show, The Glen Campbell Story and Rhinestone Country. 

Heide’s passion for Celtic music led her to study the traditional style of Irish fiddling with Randal Bays and she has performed nationally and in Ireland. Among many bands she has played with, Heide is featured with the internationally acclaimed band, Blaggards and has performed with Dave Browne and Dave Rooney of The Black Donnelly’s. She authored a book, “Fiddler’s Full Circle” in 2020 about her fiddling journey and SHAR Music picked up the downloadable version of the eBook for their digital music category. Heide has presented Irish fiddling masterclasses for universities, schools, youth orchestras and festivals.

Heide is passionate about teaching violin and in addition to her private studio of 20 years, she coaches string sectionals at middle schools and high schools, teaches at summer camps and held the position of Music Director for a Phoenix high school for four years teaching strings, band, choir, and bucket drumming.  

MY TEACHING

Teaching is one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. Sharing my love for the instrument my experience with students gives purpose to all of my work. I’ve had the pleasure of working with immensely talented students, coaching them through auditions and acceptance to prestigious collegiate music schools, summer festivals, youth orchestras, and preparing them for competitions and performances. I enjoy of working with students of all ages and playing abilities in my private studio and in the classroom.

In collaboration with Four Peaks Irish Arts, I offer Zoom Fiddle Classes and hold in person classes in Arizona. With traditional Irish tunes and favorite fiddle tunes, I show how learning a style enhances a player’s tone, technique, creativity and ability to learn and play by ear. This has been one of my favorite ventures.

I’ve had the honor of being Guest Clinician for Arizona State University’s String Teachers’ Toolbox Class, Metropolitan Youth Symphony or Arizona’s Summer Camp, West Valley Youth Orchestra’s Summer Chamber Camp and several middle and high school programs.