Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Brown.
Hi Heather, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I always loved to sing and have been a lifelong concert-goer, but I always secretly harbored the desire to play an instrument. I never had the opportunity growing up or the time after becoming a working adult and a parent. I started and owned a yoga studio in Hampden (The Womb Room), which I sold at the very end of 2019 and then – enter Covid. During quarantine, I wasn’t working, and I KNEW it was my chance to finally fulfill this dream of learning to play music, not just passively consume music produced by others, because I had so much time on my hands. I started learning on my own at home, and quickly realized I would need a teacher. I sought out lessons at Stages Music Arts in Cockeysville, where I found my amazing teacher, and began taking lessons in both piano and guitar. I then joined a student band at Stages (and even got a job there – it’s been 5 years now!) and played in a band as well as many solo performances at recitals and community events. I’ve been playing for 5 years now and on April 21 I turn 50, so I decided to challenge myself to give a full solo concert for my birthday. So on April 18, 2026, I will be giving my first solo concert on grand piano and acoustic guitar – along with a few select friends sitting in – to celebrate my 50th birthday and the fulfillment of my dreams of playing an instrument (two, to be exact!).
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The major struggle has been stage fright. I’ve always been a public speaker and have absolutely zero problems speaking in front of others. But playing and singing in front of people is a whole different thing and it requires a great deal of vulnerability and courage. And in the beginning I was so afraid I would just freeze up and totally blank out on what I had learned. But luckily that never happened, and I just forced myself to continue to say yes to any opportunity that came up for what I call “exposure therapy.” Repetition and just time have helped me become more comfortable and confident on stage.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I sing and play piano and guitar both solo (acoustic) and with my band. I am known for being a soulful singer but mostly for being an adult beginner and taking on a difficult task in 40’s and creating a whole new life out of it. I have always been known for being a bit of a renaissance woman – always reinventing and trying new things and evolving into new roles and new iterations of my self. I am most proud of fulfilling my lifelong dream – for myself just being able to make music brings me incredible joy – I love the process of learning even more than performing – and for my children t0 show them it’s never too late to master new things and to continually work at becoming who you want to be no matter your age.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I wouldn’t say good luck so much as great support. I have wonderful people in my life who believe in me and encourage me and help me create the conditions for my growth.
