Testimonials

“The Heart Songs & Circle Songs by Heather Pierson and Bernice Martin that I have taught my congregation in Chicago over the past several years have quickly become a cherished part of our spiritual and musical vocabulary. I can’t imagine not having these songs in our congregational repertoire! We were fortunate to have Heather lead a worship service at the beginning of 2021, and Bernice was able to join us as a guest too. It was a perfect way to sing in the New Year, and I could tell that even our less confident singers in the congregation were joining in as soon as they caught on to the simple yet deeply moving melodies. The songs have been a blessing in many ways, and I’m eager to see what new songs are yet to come!”

-Jeff Hamrick, First Unitarian Church of Chicago

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“Attending a Heart Songs & Circle Songs Retreat is an extremely positive life affirming experience. The settings of the retreats are always beautiful, either mountains or the ocean. The pace of the retreat is just right. While there are plenty of opportunities to sing, there is also time to let the songs marinate in your soul. You can walk, you can knit, you can nap, you can read, or you can spend time talking with new friends. As you meet new people in the singing circle the bond is deep and almost immediate. We connect with the essence of who we are, the beauty within. These friendships last well beyond the time frame of the retreat. Your life will be blessed with wonderful new people. When leaving a Heart Songs & Circle Songs Retreat I feel renewed and ready to deal with whatever the world may bring. Will I see you at the next retreat? I hope so…”

-Laurie C., retreat participant from NH

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“I was so impressed by Heather Pierson and Bernice Martin’s ‘Heart Songs & Circle Songs’ project that I asked Heather if I could design a worship service around one of her song’s notions that ‘We All Have a Song.’ Together, Heather and I explored the ability of song to join people together across differences. Heather led us in several pieces from her collection, and congregants were enriched in their communal appreciation of singing as a route to healing and to the Holy. I recommend highly the accessibility of the song collection for group involvement as well as Heather’s musical artistry and leadership.”

-Rev. Craig Rubano, Ph.D. — Co-Minister | UU Congregation of Monmouth County, NJ

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“This singing retreat is a sacred circle of song and true connection that has continued to happily hum in my heart… The community we create together is just so beautiful and special, and it does feel truly magical to me. It’s like stepping out of time for a few days, a respite from the chaos of our current world into a loving and fun world of music and community and connection. It’s hard to describe, really. I have attended two, and I am already looking forward to the next one. I re-entered reality reluctantly, but I carry the songs and the love with me, until next time.”

-Jolene, retreat participant from ME

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“Heather and Bernice think of everyone little detail for their retreat. They go above and beyond to accommodate everyone’s needs. They make you feel seen, heard, and loved in all they do!“

-Jackie C., retreat participant from NY

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“Kindness, dignity, respect and love is how Heather and Bernice lead and operate… I highly recommend this retreat for EVERYONE! Thank you, Heather and Bernice for your collaboration. What an AWESOME experience that I will treasure always!”

-Stephanie H., retreat participant from ME

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“Singing by the sea with kindred spirits! A wonderful experience. Thanks so much.“

-Bill J., retreat participant from NH

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“Heather Pierson and Rev. Bernice Martin brought their lyrical contemplative worship service, ‘Heart Songs & Circle Songs’, to our congregation last December.  Those who experienced that Sunday worship service spoke of their renewed spirits and of feeling calm and peaceful.  ‘Heart Songs & Circle Songs’ is a truly lovely and transformative worship service – an essential experience especially in troubled times.  We hope that Heather and Bernice will bring their inspirational words and exquisitely heartwarming music back to our congregation.”

-Rev. Fayre Stephenson | First Universalist Church of Norway, ME

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“Thank you so much for this lovely time together. I felt so held by community, hope, fierce grace, and so much kindness. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

-Zoom participant | France

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“Heather and Bernice are fabulous musicians who care deeply for their craft and are very considerate of needs of others. They want everyone to be free to be themselves and have a positive experience. They join all participants with their voices of love and harmony. We need more and more Heathers and Bernices in this world!”

-Anita R., retreat participant from NY

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“I can’t think of anything better than spending 3 days in beautiful surroundings, singing and harmonizing in a supportive and unconditionally accepting community. I’ll be back!“

-Jenny R, retreat participant from OH

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“Even with our small circle, Heather was able to create an inviting engaging chant workshop with melodies and rhythms that bound us together in joy and peace. I look forward to sharing the songs from her ‘Heart Songs & Circle Songs’ CD with the next sacred circle I have the honor of standing in.”

-Jeannette Waldie | Visionary Heights | Houston, TX

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“Whether you’re a philharmonic chorister or an only-in-the-shower singer, you’ll find a place in the Heart Songs & Circle Songs Workshop.  The leaders invite everyone to breathe, listen, and respond to the basic rhythms, tunes, and lyrics.  It’s a sing-around-the-campfire experience where the warmth comes not from firewood, but from the blended voices of your long-time buddies and new-found friends.”

-Carolyn S. | Erie, PA

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“I am so grateful to Heather and Bernice for their continued offerings with Hearts Songs & Circle Songs. At the start of the pandemic, a lot of things moved online, and that was such a blessing for our family as we were quite isolated. But as things started to open up again, a lot of the online communities we were a part of went back to being in person and were no longer accessible for us. Not Heather and Bernice! They have continued to offer opportunities to connect through music on a weekly and fortnightly basis, online, and these sessions have been an absolute lifeline for us. Thank you Heart Songs & Circle Songs.“

-Jess | Melbourne, Australia

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“My life has been enormously blessed for my having participated in this circle since the early days of the pandemic. The joy and generosity of spirit shared by Heather and Bernice, and the goodwill and tenderness shared by participants, is proof indeed of the way in which music heals and soothes and unites. I’m touched not only during the song sessions themselves, but during the days in between those sessions as well, when, usually unsummoned, one or another–or several–of the “heart songs” and “circle songs” will come to me when I didn’t even know I needed exactly that. These tunes come when least expected: on a bike ride, on a hike, while driving, when just waking up, even in the middle of the night. They never fail to make me smile. By the way, you must know this: ALL voices are welcome and no one need ever know you can’t carry a tune (though if they happen to find out, they will continue to love you! No snubbing of anyone!)“

-Katy R. | Bloomington, IN

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“I truly enjoyed the space that the song tenders created for the group, the songs, leaders, and felt healed. I loved the looper and the song ‘Go Easy’ especially. Thank you Heather and Bernice.”

-Karen C. | Iowa City, IA

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“I joined the Heart Songs & Circle Songs virtual gatherings during the pandemic. Even though I live thousands of miles away from Heather and Bernice, I’ve felt tremendous warmth, comfort, and connection to everyone. They are both incredible songwriters and song leaders, encouraging and welcoming everyone’s voices. The songs are a refuge during difficult times, a celebration of life, and a prayer. I am grateful!“

-Sarah Z. | Anacortes, WA

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“I am glad that I took the time to listen to the recording of New Song
Saturdays today. It has been a good day and this was the icing on the
cake”.

-Fran K. | Bloomington, IN

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“Thank you for the wonderful new song Saturday sessions: uplifting, soothing, delightful.”

-Betsy, Zoom participant

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“A beautiful half hour of heart-warming singing led by two wonderful women with joyful, soulful voices. Thank you.”

-Zoom participant | UK

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“This 4-day experience was equally soul-feeding, invigorating, relaxing and heart-warming.
Good people, healing music, amazingly diverse, delicious and abundant food…well worth attending if you can.”

-Phyllis, retreat participant from NY

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“This singing retreat was a place I could do a reset. I could come back to myself and feel my inner peace. I am so grateful to be able to have attended it.“

-Debbie, retreat participant from NH