Heather Hancock is pianist, singer-songwriter, educator and activist who is passionate about the intersections of artistry and social justice.  As a concert artist, she curates programs that combine musical genres and highlight themes of injustice and hope.     

She has been an Artist Ambassador for International Justice Mission, the world’s largest anti-human trafficking NGO, and frequently presents concerts and lectures at universities and civic organizations generating conversations around the role of performing artists in creating a just world.

As an active music educator who finds joy in working with students of all ages and backgrounds, Heather has enjoyed a robust teaching career spanning three decades. She has held positions at The University of Georgia and Georgia State University and, also adores teaching pre-college students in her home studio. A member of MTNA, Heather has enjoyed presenting at conferences and has been a headline artist and masterclass clinician (Maryland Music Teachers Association).  She is on staff at The Frances Clark Center for Keyboard Pedagogy where she helps generate social media and online digital programming.  For the past three summers, Heather has been on faculty of the Atlanta Suzuki Institute where she teaches music and movement and serves as staff accompanist.  In 2023, after winning a GMTA grant, she and cellist Angela Holguin cofounded SoniCarnival, a chamber ensemble committed to making high caliber musical performances accessible to marginalized audiences.  The duo perform in nursing homes, Title I schools and prisons throughout the state of Georgia. 

 Heather holds degrees from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (BM), Georgia State University (MM, AD), and The University of Georgia (DMA). Her research explores solo piano works that directly confront trauma realities related to systemic injustice.  Her life and artistry have been richly influenced by principal teachers and masterclass clinicians: John Salmon, Mia Chung, Raffi Besalyan, David Fung, Alan Woo, Liza Stepanova, Joaquin Achucarro and Michelle Cann.