Heather Blackbird

I’m a singer and teacher in Portland, Oregon.

I teach unaccompanied ballad singing classes at Portland Community College. I’m also in a band called Blackbird Cole with Josh Cole and Juliana Trivers.

Unaccompanied ballads

The ballads I teach are old poems and stories with a melody sung without musical accompaniment. I learned the songs from other singers, both in person, from song collections of field recordings, and from records of singers I like. The songs are from Appalachia, the Ozarks, Ireland, Scotland, and England.

“This class was incredible.”
Student

“I wouldn’t normally say a class has been life changing, but in this case, it’s warranted.”
Student

Performances & Classes

Spring Term 2026 I will be teaching a Ballad singing class at Portland Community College for people that have taken my class before. Watch for the catalog for course description and sign up info!

Here is my EP of original songs on Bandcamp.

Watch Blackbird Cole website for upcoming shows or instagram @blackbirdcoleband

I was on a podcast called Get Up In The Cool. Have a listen!