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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“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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“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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“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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