Miriam Hellinga

Miriam grew up in the suburbs of Toronto, the 5th of 6 children. Her parents were Dutch immigrants and her younger years were immersed in their culture and church life. She began playing piano at age 12, learning the Royal Conservatory method. As she entered her teens, she was able to diversify her style by accompanying hymns at church, and making music with her guitar-playing brothers doing pop songs of the 60’s and 70’s.

Her first original piano material came to her during depressive episodes she experienced while she was in her 30’s. “I had so many complex feelings: sorrow, pain, anger and it seemed the only way I could genuinely express them was through the piano.” It had a soothing and calming effect, sometimes leaving her with feelings of joy.

She published her first CD “Coming Home” in 2008. The CD is a compilation of original piano instrumental compositions. Audiences comment on the passionate, yet soothing and meditative quality of her music - “expressive, introspective and inspirational”.

Miriam lives in Kitchener, Ontario, and works part time as a Registered Nurse in a Cardiac Unit in a local hospital. She spends her free time pursuing her creative interests and spending time with her adult children. Music making with other musicians and friends at informal gatherings are a source of inspiration to her. She continues to compose original piano instrumental music.