Minnesota Varsity: Where Are They Now? - Cynthia Heck

Minnesota Varsity 2019: Send in your submissions now

Where Are They Now? spotlights Minnesota Varsity Featured and Showcase Artists and Composers from 2011 to 2018.

Cynthia Heck from Maple Grove, Minn. was a Minnesota Varsity 2015 Featured Composer. She recently got in touch with Classical MPR's Christine Sweet to share her latest news.

Cynthia Heck, 2015 Featured Composer

Age: 21

Hometown: Maple Grove, Minn.

Attends: Luther College, Decorah, Iowa

I am currently pursuing a degree in Music performance and German Language at Luther College. I am heading into my 4th year and plan to graduate next spring!

Since my time with Minnesota Varsity, my musical interests have become more focused on instrumental performance (piano) rather than composition. I don't do a lot of composing anymore, because most of my time is spent practicing for lessons and performances at school. I have become very interested and experienced in the field of Collaborative Piano, and I have played with over five different choirs and accompanied a large number of students since my time at Luther began. Although I enjoy my work as a Collaborative Pianist, I plan to pursue a career elsewhere. At the moment, my dream job would be managing a professional orchestra or similar ensemble.

Minnesota Varsity was great for me as a high school student, specifically because of the Composer Workshop Day. I was able to learn things about my composition through hearing it live and working with the professional composer on site, as well as meeting other students my age who were interested in similar things. This experience was so unique, and I am glad for an opportunity that was both professional and instructional.