Heather McGlaughlin Batey holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education with K-12 teaching certification in both Vocal / Choral and Instrumental Music from Harding University, and a Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Mississippi.

She is a member of several professional music teachers’ organizations, including MTNA (Music Teachers National Association), AMTA, (Alabama Music Teachers Association), BTMA (Birmingham Music Teachers Association), and NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing).  

Mrs. Batey is the counselor for the Bella Musica Junior Music Club, an active member of the Alabama Federation of Music Clubs (AFMC).  Her students participate in festivals, contests, scholarship competitions, and many other events sponsored by the National Federation of Music Clubs (NFMC). 

Mrs. Batey has appeared as a soprano soloist with the Steel City Men's Chorus (featured guest for December 2014 holiday show), the Alabama Symphony Chorus, the Alabama Symphony, South City Theatre in Alabaster, AL, and was soprano soloist for the Over The Mountain Choral Festivals. She has been a member of the choir of the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) which broadcasts daily mass worldwide, and has recorded several albums and a DVD with the group. She has also been a member of and soloist for the Lee Scott Singers, who perform and record original compositions of renowned Birmingham composer K. Lee Scott. She is currently a soprano soloist and section leader at South Highland Presbyterian church in Birmingham, where she previously directed music for the youth program.

Mrs. Batey has sung with Opera Birmingham since 1998, where she has performed in productions of Orfeo, Madama Butterfly, Carmen, La Traviata, The Magic Flute, Lucia di Lammermoor, and Aida, as well as performing solos for various charitable events for the company, and their new series of pop-up concerts, Opera Shots. She has performed with Birmingham-based sacred vocal group Colla Voce, under the direction of Dr. Timothy Banks, and is also a member of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra Chorus, under the direction of Dr. Philip Copeland.  She also gives frequent recitals and other performances.

In addition to  public school teaching experience that ranges from middle school through university levels, Mrs. Batey has over 15 years’ teaching experience in the private studio, and maintains a busy teaching and performing schedule.  Her students have been awarded generous college voice scholarships, and are regular winners at competitions sponsored by MTNA, NATS, and the Alabama state Trumbauer drama competition.  She and her husband Patrick live in Pelham with two cuddly and spoiled cats, Charlie and Grayson, and their sweet pup and official studio greeter Penelope Jane (P.J.), a friendly mutt who loves everyone and everything.