About

Grace Heavens is a pianist and piano instructor from Colton, Oregon, whose musical journey began in 2009 at the age of seven.

Two years later, she was invited to perform at the Grace Community Church Christmas program by locally respected performance-degree pianist Don Newell, after he heard her recording of Carol of the Bells on a Christmas CD published that year. She performed this exceptionally demanding work at its written and recommended tempo, an early indication of her technical ability, musical maturity, and commitment to excellence. With over sixteen years of dedicated study, she has continued to grow as a performer through consistent training, thoughtful mentorship, and a deep love for music. She currently studies under Jill Foster, whose guidance has played a significant role in shaping both her musicianship and artistic voice.

Grace’s musical training includes extensive study through the Oregon Music Teachers Association (OMTA) Piano Syllabus Program. She has successfully earned Certificates of Evaluation from Levels 2 through 8 between 2016 and 2021 and is currently preparing for the program’s most advanced levels, Levels 9 and 10 in 2026. This highly advanced curriculum evaluates performance, technique, and theory, with each level representing years of focused dedication and measurable achievement.

Her accomplishments reflect years of disciplined growth and consistent excellence. Grace has earned multiple Gold Cups through the National Federation of Music Clubs Festivals, awarded through the accumulation of points across many festival seasons from 2012 to 2019. Gold Cups increase in both size and the number of points required to earn each award. To receive her first Gold Cup, Grace accumulated 45 points. Festival performances are evaluated using a tiered rating system—Superior (the highest rating), Excellent, and Performed—with each rating contributing differently to a student’s overall score. When earning a Superior rating each year, it typically takes four years to earn a first Gold Cup, highlighting the long-term dedication required for this achievement. Her Gold Cup achievements include: 1st Piano Solo Gold Cup (2012), 2nd Piano Solo Gold Cup (2016), 3rd Piano Solo Gold Cup (2019), a Piano Concerto Gold Cup (2016), and Hymn Playing Gold Cups in 2013, 2016, and 2019—each marking consistency, growth, and commitment.

In addition, Grace has received numerous Jill Foster Studio MVP Piano Medallions in recognition of perseverance and musical growth, earned in 2013, 2015–2019, 2021, and 2023. Her musical experience also extends into vocal performance, where she has earned multiple awards, including Gold Cups in Musical Theatre (2014, 2018) and Vocal Art Song (2013, 2017), as well as a Jill Foster Studio Vocal Medallion in 2012.

Grace is especially drawn to the works of Chopin and Beethoven, composers whose music allow for both emotional depth and expressive freedom. She believes music is a powerful means of expression and a way to bring joy to others through beautiful sound—an intention that continues to shape her performances and teaching today.