Welcome to HeartSong Normandie

Bonjour! We are Ema and Peter, the co-founders of HeartSong Normandie. Nestled in the picturesque town of Mortain and extending to various retreat and private venues across Normandy, Brittany and beyond, we offer a diverse range of singing, meditation, reiki, and holistic well-being retreats, workshops, and individual sessions.

Our Mission

Our mission at HeartSong Normandie is to create a fun, friendly, and supportive space where you can nurture your creativity and well-being, no matter where you are starting from. We warmly welcome complete beginners, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and included from the moment they join us.

What We Offer

Whether you are interested in individual singing lessons, vocal coaching workshops, holistic well-being and reiki healing sessions, or joining our weekly singing, mantra, and meditation groups, we provide a variety of activities tailored to fit different schedules, needs, and experience levels. Our residential and personalized non-residential retreat options are designed with flexibility in mind to accommodate your unique journey.

Our Approach

At the heart of what we do is a compassionate, authentic, and non-judgmental approach. We're dedicated to helping you fully embrace and enjoy the benefits of your journey. Our guiding mantra is to "do what you love with love," and we're committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment where you're encouraged to discover (or rediscover) yourself at your own pace. 

Join Us

Join us at HeartSong Normandie for a unique blend of singing, holistic well-being practices, workshops, and retreats, where you can nurture your heart, soul, and creativity. As one of our guests beautifully put it:

"Peter & Ema have created a welcoming & open space where everyone's unique talents & contributions are welcomed & appreciated - a place to find & be yourself."

We look forward to welcoming you to HeartSong Normandie and sharing our passion for creativity and well-being.

À bientôt! 

Ema & Peter

Meet Ema and Peter: The Team Behind HeartSong Normandie

Ema

Hi, I’m Ema! With over 20 years of experience in therapeutic social care and retreat settings, my journey in holistic well-being has been deeply rewarding. My integrative well-being practice is continuously evolving through ongoing learning and professional development in various holistic therapies and methods. I hold an MA in Group and Intercultural Psychotherapy and a BMus (Hons) in Music from Goldsmiths, University of London. I’ve also been a Reiki practitioner for over 15 years and a Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki Master-Teacher since 2010.

I have qualifications in a wide range of holistic practices, including massage, acupressure, shiatsu, yoga nidra, meditation, qigong, spiritual life coaching, and singing bowl massage/sound therapy. Recently, I earned my Yoga Alliance accredited Yin Yoga teacher qualification.

Music has always been an integral and joyful part of my life. It all began with singing in choirs and studying music from a young age. My journey led me to earn a scholarship at Milton Keynes Music Centre, where I studied classical guitar, brass, percussion, and voice studies. Later on, I pursued my BMus (Hons) in Music at Goldsmiths, specializing in performance. Throughout my adult life, I've continued to nurture my passion for music. I've sung in choirs spanning classical, gospel, and world music genres, and I've had the privilege of participating in choirs and vocal masterclasses led by renowned conductors and musicians such as Hilary Davon Whetton, Barb Jungr, David Lawrence, and Karen Gibson. For me, music is about community, the transformative power it holds, and the awe it inspires. It enriches our lives in countless ways, bringing joy and profound connections and experiences. 

Peter

Hello, I’m Peter! My musical journey began in the 1970s as the frontman of a punk band, and I’ve been a professional musician ever since. I studied vocal coaching with the renowned singing teacher Tona de Brett. With over 30 years of experience, I’ve had the privilege of working as a vocal coach, singing teacher, group facilitator, and musical director with everyone from chart stars and professional musicians to musical theatre students, complete beginners, and even those who believe they are 'tone deaf.'

I specialize in helping people overcome emotional blocks and negative inner voices, enabling them to sing fully and authentically. My approach is sensitive and supportive, aiming to help individuals find and trust their voice both physically and emotionally.

In addition to my work in singing and vocal coaching, I'm also an experienced singer-songwriter and guitarist. My approach to teaching guitar is rooted in a deep understanding of pop, rock, and rhythm styles, with a particular emphasis on accompanying oneself while singing. I believe that learning guitar should be an enriching and enjoyable experience, and I'm dedicated to helping my students expand and develop their skills in a supportive and encouraging environment.

Since 1997, I’ve been running singing retreat holidays in France. Before our move to Normandie in 2021, Ema and I ran a creative well-being retreat centre in the Limousin region of France. You can read more about our work in our feature in The Guardian here. 

"Peter’s method is about helping people find and trust their voice, physically, emotionally and psychologically. He’s inspiring and encouraging yet thoroughly down to earth. There are a lot of references to bodily functions as well as the bad jokes."

In addition to my work with singing, I am an experienced meditation teacher with a deep dedication to heart-centered, spiritual practices. I studied spiritual development, ministry, and counseling with the OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation in London and was ordained as an interfaith minister in 2004. My approach to meditation and spiritual guidance is inspired by the compassionate and transformative work of leaders like Cheri Huber, Tara Brach, Pema Chödrön and Marianne Williamson, emphasizing self-compassion, emotional healing, and mindful awareness.

Alongside this, I am currently completing a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training accredited by Yoga Alliance, which enriches my holistic approach to well-being by integrating physical, mental, and spiritual practices. Additionally, I have completed my Yin Yoga training, which has deepened my understanding of restorative and meditative movement, allowing me to offer practices that support inner stillness and relaxation. My teachings emphasize creating a safe, inclusive space where individuals can explore their inner landscapes, connect to their hearts, and cultivate peace, resilience, and presence.