Once described by Alan Hovhaness as "One of the most talented and brilliant composers of our time", John Heins and his music have garnered considerable praise over the past three decades. His compositions have been performed throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. Heins compositional output includes works for symphonic band and orchestra, as well as numerous solo piano works, chamber music, and concertos. Heins received a Bachelor of Music degree in Composition from the University of Montana and a Master of Music degree in Composition and Performance from the University of Colorado, Boulder.
He studied composition with Donald O. Johnston and Cecil Effinger.
His compositions have been published by C.F. Peters, Southern Music, KJOS Music and Ars Nova Music.