On a High Note

Meet Heather Ivy, an outstanding soprano vocalist in Naples.

By Kiana Lynn Spiller

Heather Ivy has had a passion for music for as long as she can remember. From the time she was four years old, she recalls running around her house singing Phantom of the Opera. Music has always been a part of her life, but her formal musical studies began in middle school when she entered local solo and choral competitions.

Though she loves singing various genres and styles of music, Ivy was classically trained and began her career in musical theater; her signature piece is “Time to Say Goodbye” by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman. She draws inspiration from other musicians, her students and her teacher, Andrew Byrne, for whom she has a great appreciation.

Because she feels instruction was a gift she received, she shares what she’s learned over the years with her students, paying forward the knowledge and skill she was given. She says she also learns much from her students, as they inspire her and constantly give her new ideas. Her advice to aspiring musicians is not to try being something or someone else. “Do what you do best,” she says. “That’s what they come to hear, and that’s what sparks the divine connection between artist and audience.”

She speaks from experience. After her tour with Beauty and the Beast, Ivy stopped singing for three years, looking to discover her identity apart from being a performing artist. After a while, she knew something was missing. She felt called to music and, thanks to her voice teacher, found a way back into the industry. Returning to the stage, she felt more fulfilled than she could have ever imagined. It empowered her to be vulnerable and true to herself.

When Ivy’s parents moved to Naples in 2005, the city became her home away from home. In 2015, she and her husband also moved to Naples, and it quickly became her favorite place. They live with Skipper, a cocker spaniel, who works as a therapy dog for Ivy’s students. When she’s not performing, her favorite place in town is CycleBar Naples. She found her community there and recently celebrated her 500th ride.

If you’re looking for a great arts and culture experience in Naples, Ivy suggests Fifth Avenue South, The Naples Players, The London Club and Artis–Naples. Ivy performed her debut with the SWFL Symphony Orchestra when they presented Holiday Pops: A Big Band Christmas in Bonita Springs, Fort Myers and Punta Gorda in December 2021. She will also be performing at Artis–Naples with concert pianist Jodie DeSalvo.

Visit www.heatherivy.com for more information on her upcoming events.