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Michael received his bachelor of music in piano performance from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, where he is a current instructor of music, recording arts technology, and piano. He is also the piano accompanist for the universities theatre department and ballet. On Saturday nights, Michael is the "house" keyboardist at the largest honky-tonk establishment in the region: Jimmy Doyle’s located in North Little Rock, Arkansas.

Since 1995, Michael Heavner has served as a musical director/keyboardist for numerous musical productions and national tours including: Blues in the Night, Idols of the King, Always Patsy Cline, Guys and Dolls, The Full Monty, Godspell , Annie, The Sound of Music and Spit Fire Grill . Michael served as resident musical director/pianist for the musical: Lost in the Fifties, located at Center Stage Theatre in Mackinaw City, Michigan: 2000-2001. Michael has also served as keyboardist/pianist for productions of Little Shop of Horrors, Dreamgirls, Cinderella, Gypsy, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor DreamCoat, My Fair Lady, Cabaret, Children of Eden and the first national tour of Always Patsy Cline. In addition, Michael also served as conductor/keyboardist for the musical BeeHive, under the musical direction of Rick Seeber.

Recording highlights include, featured pianist on the Diamond’s 2 live CDs “Standing Room Only” and “Back by Popular Demand” released in 2006. Keyboardist for recording artist Jeff Bates début CD, Country’s My Middle Name.

Other credits include performances with recording artists: Earl Thomas Conley, Percy Sledge, Charlie Pride, Jeff Bates, The Diamonds, Dale Hawkins, Narvel Felts and David Ball.

Select Reviews:

Guitar World Magazine’s Contributing Editor, Per Hoffman: “Mike Heavner’s ‘Country Loops’ are a godsend for digital roots-rockers looking for drum loops. Realistic-sounding and with great feel, that opens up endless writing and recording possibilities for your home studio—all without alienating your neighbors. He may call it country—but if you dig Tom Petty, The Beatles, or Bob Dylan—you’ll call it Rock n’ Roll…”

Arkansas Times: “Heavner's piano playing is most impressive". Always Patsy Cline

Arkansas Times’ Tim Jones: “Special mention is in order for the musicians behind the scenes; musical director Charles Creath, a Motown Records artist and producer, shares the keyboard duties with Michael Heavner, and both do excellent work.” DreamGirls

Roswell Daily Record: "The well-rehearsed band, featured clearly outstanding piano work in the authentic style by Mike Heavner. His convincing, bluesy interpretation provided the perfect accompaniment for Welch's vocals.” Always Patsy Cline

Lifestyles Stringer’s theatre critic, Tom Kennedy: " Although all the characters had amazing voices, a lot of credit has to be given to the band led by Michael Heavner, never missed a step. It accommodated the players wonderfully, and in my opinion, should have been brought out to center stage to receive a strongly deserved ovation.” Blues in the Night

Spectator Online’s theatre critic, Robert W. McDowell: “an on stage band lead by musical director Michael Heavner (keyboards) ... really wail. The ‘blues in the night’ have seldom sounded sweeter or more poignant.” Blues in the Night

Arkansas Democrat Gazette’s, Jennifer Christman: “The production comes across as bold and yet intimate. The same can be said for the music, handled expertly by two pianist…and Michael Heavner…” My Fair Lady

Arkansas Democrat Gazette’s, Jack Hill: “The orchestra, which never overwhelmed the various voices, some of them quite youthful, was in fine form, thanks to pianist and musical director Michael Heavner, whose previous nine plays at the Rep include Idols of the King.” Annie

Dayton, OH theatre critic, Mark Kellam: “The small combo, which was very good, particularly Mike Heavner on piano.” Always patsy Cline

Galveston, TX theatre critic, Thomas B Harrison: “Finally, a hearty salute to the band and musical director/conductor; Michael Heavner, on keyboards, whose energy and first-rate musicianship enhances the trio of performers and provide some of the shows finest moments. These guys are smoking.” Idols of the King

Spectator Online’s theatre critic, Robert W. McDowell: “Elvis Presley appears in the flashbacks of his fans, singing Blue Suede Shoes , Heartbreak Hotel, Love Me Tender, Shake Rattle and Roll, Jail House Rock, Hound Dog and other fan favorites, backed by a red-hot quartet comprised of musical director/conductor Michael Heavner (keyboards) ...” Idols of the King