New Mortain and Gorron Pop Rock Choir Workshops Starting Soon...
"Ema and Peter make you feel so welcome. I had such an amazing time, great songs, lovely food and made fantastic friends. So amazing that I just had to go back again in the same year and will be again this year."
singing and meditation retreat guestDear friends
We’re so happy to share something a little special with you…
From August 29 – September 5, we’ll be gathering for a week-long summer retreat in the heart of the Normandy countryside at Greener Pastures, in the Calvados region of Basse Normandie - and we’d truly love you to be part of it.
This one feels especially close to our hearts. The space is held by someone we know and sing with, and together we’re creating something deeply intentional - a nurturing, creative sanctuary where we can rest, reconnect, and simply be.
We’ll be staying in a beautiful 18th-century Norman farmhouse, nestled in rolling countryside and open skies. With a natural swimming pond, wide views, and quiet corners, it’s a place that invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and soften into your own rhythm.
Accommodation is spread across two lovingly converted farm cottages, full of warmth and character - creating a shared home for the week, with space to gather as well as moments of solitude.
Our days will centre around singing from the heart - sharing simple, soulful songs, gentle guided meditation, beautiful mantras from around the world, and time to rest and restore.
There will be space to wander, swim in the natural pond, lie in the grass, laugh, and enjoy meaningful connection.
Everything will be fully catered, with delicious, seasonal meals lovingly prepared and shared together around the table - always such a special part of these gatherings.
This is more than a retreat… it’s a coming together of people who value a space to slow down, connection, voice, and community. And truly, it’s the people who come that make it what it is.
We’ll be confirming the retreat very soon, and are holding bookings open for the next couple of weeks only while we gather the group.
If you feel even a small spark reading this, we warmly encourage you to get in touch soon - we’d be so happy to share more details or hold you a place.
"I cannot praise Ema and Pete who lovingly created HeartSong Normandie enough. The thought and care that they provide for every single person who are fortunate enough to join them goes above and beyond all expectations. If anyone is nervous or anxious - don’t be. The whole experience whatever your levels/needs turns into one joyful experience from the moment you enter their door until the moment you leave. There is humour and love in abundance."
Ema is an integrative well-being practitioner with over 20 years’ experience in therapeutic, retreat, and holistic settings. Her work is grounded in presence, compassion, and nervous system awareness, creating supportive spaces where people can slow down, reconnect, and restore balance.
She holds an MA in Group and Intercultural Psychotherapy and a BMus (Hons) in Music from Goldsmiths, University of London, and is a Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki Master-Teacher. Her work brings together Reiki, meditation, mantra, sound, and gentle embodied practices to support well-being.
Music has always been an important part of Ema’s life. She sings regularly in the Heartsong choir and mantra gatherings and performs alongside Peter. For her, music is about connection, shared experience, and the simple joy of singing together.
Through retreats, Reiki, meditation, and sound practices, Ema offers a calm and nurturing space where guests can reconnect with themselves and support their well-being.
Peter has been a professional musician, vocal coach, and group facilitator for over 30 years. His musical journey began in the 1970s as the frontman of a punk band, and he later trained with renowned singing teacher Tona de Brett.
He specialises in helping people find and trust their voice, working with everyone from experienced performers to complete beginners who believe they cannot sing.
Alongside singing and vocal coaching, Peter is also an experienced meditation teacher and singer-songwriter. His approach combines music, mindfulness, humour, and encouragement to help people sing more freely and confidently.
Peter has been running singing retreats in France since 1997. Together with Ema, he previously ran a creative well-being retreat centre in the Limousin before moving to Normandy in 2021 to create HeartSong Normandie.
Together, Ema and Peter bring a unique combination of music, meditation, Reiki, and well-being practices to their retreats. Their approach is warm, down-to-earth, and supportive, offering guests a welcoming space to relax, explore, and reconnect with themselves.
Will you join us?
With love
Ema & Peter
HeartSong Normandie