Intro
Heema Izzati is a Singaporean musician, songwriter, and cellist who began performing at a young age. She has played at the National Day Parade, released two solo singles on Spotify, and is preparing to debut her first EP. Her work blends classical training with modern storytelling — music that moves between perfection and vulnerability.
In this conversation, we talk about her creative process, how she handles writer’s block, and the ongoing shift from technical precision to emotional honesty. Heema shares what she learned from years of competition as a classical musician, how she healed her relationship with music, and what it feels like to finally write songs that sound like herself.
Story Highlights
- How studying classical cello taught her discipline and perseverance
- Why her early training sometimes made creative expression harder
- The lessons she carried from competition to songwriting
- How she navigates writer’s block as a skill, not a crisis
- Why performing her own songs feels more personal than perfection
Quote
“When I was younger, I did want to quit classical music, and that took me quite a while to get over and reach the age that I’m at now where I’m like, classical music is always a part of me.”
About Heema Izzati
Heema Izzati is a Singapore-based singer-songwriter and cellist whose work bridges the worlds of classical performance and contemporary songwriting. After years of competing as a young musician under NAFA’s School of Young Talents, she began teaching herself guitar and bass while writing original songs inspired by her own experiences. She has performed at national events and is currently studying music full-time while preparing her debut EP.
Why This Conversation Matters
Heema’s story captures what happens when technical mastery meets creative freedom. Her reflections on burnout, discipline, and joy show how musicianship is about more than skill — it’s about rediscovering love for your craft. For anyone trying to balance ambition and authenticity, her journey is both a caution and an inspiration.
Turning Points
From competition cellist to singer-songwriter, Heema’s evolution wasn’t a rejection of her past but a reunion with her passion. The structure and discipline of classical music shaped her, but the freedom of songwriting reminded her why she started. As she moves into a new phase of her career — releasing original music and performing live — Heema continues to merge precision with personality, proving that growth can honor every version of who we’ve been.
Key Lessons
- Discipline builds foundations. The habits of classical music translate into creativity.
- Expression matters more than perfection. Authenticity connects deeper than flawless technique.
- Nerves are energy. The butterflies before a show are proof that you care.
- Collaboration brings clarity. Producers and peers can help you know when a song is finished.
- Keep evolving. Each stage of music — from practice rooms to EPs — teaches something new.
If You Enjoyed This Episode
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- Sarah Choo Jing on Stillness, Observation, and the Honest Work of Being an Artist — exploring discipline and doubt in creativity.
- Parul Sharma on Writing, Homesickness, and Creative Persistence — a conversation about patience and process.