full testimonials
“I have grown musically in finding new ways to create sound with my voice, percussion, and reintroduced my enjoyment for playing keyboard. Spiritually I have found community, connection, and ways to devote time to myself and more fully with others. I have had a lot of healing and new ways to honor grief as a child who has lost a parent, as a mother grieving my children growing and changing quickly, and grieving the woman I was before partnership in marriage and mothering.
I have grown so much gratitude and joy in living. Emily has taught me that I carry so much peace with me every day and I have access to it at all times. I am so grateful for Heartsong and my beautiful friend, Emily, who has helped me grow in so many ways.”
— Jessi Forst, Educator & Diagnostician
student of 1x1 music mentorship, Satsang, Song & Chant Leader Training, & Kirtan Band Camp
“Emily’s offerings have inspired me in many ways. They have expanded my heart, strengthened my confidence and liberated my voice in new ways. I have explored more musical instruments and brought more music into my life which brings lightness, joy and spiritual connection. I am so grateful for Emily’s offerings to our community. Her humility, devotion, humor and love for the path creates an inviting atmosphere. She holds a field for belonging and inclusivity and this alone is healing. That’s love in action and it permeates all of Emily’s offerings.
I have developed more understanding, familiarity, and comfort in using my voice. This has given me more confidence in both singing and facilitating others in song. I have embodied greater acceptance in my unique voice and have released the need to sound a certain way or to perform. I sing from a place of devotion, joy, and love. And that is liberating.
Emily has a wealth of experience and wisdom and freely shares for the benefit of all. She is a true leader. It is also inspiring to see how she moves with a calling without having it have it all figured out. She is truly oriented toward service to the community and works in collaboration to fulfill the needs of the whole. And through that, we are bringing more and more light to the planet.
I love the Heartsong Shala and Emily!”
— Sarah Balmer, Medicine Woman
student of Way of the Heartsong, Heartsong 2, Song & Chant Leader Training, & kirtan
“Knowing Emily and experiencing her offerings has taught me so much about the meaning of life and community, the value of my singing voice, and the freedom and expression in art. With singing, she helped me to understand technique while also teaching me how I can use music to deepen my spiritual experience and use it as a tool to be fully in the present moment, all while finding joy throughout the process.
Learning to open myself up to the songs in my heart has taught me so much about courage, truth, and about the power of my voice. Singing has helped me in many ways when it comes to speaking up for myself and using my voice to advocate for a better world. It also brings me so much happiness. I love to sing and to join in song with others and Emily taught me how to access my singing voice by pushing through fear and accessing my bravery. It has freed me in many ways and helped me to do things I want to do, even if I might feel a little silly or scared at first. Now, I dance when I want to and sing my heart out.
Emily is truly a shining light in our community.Her open heart radiates, especially when you get to witness her beautiful singing voice. She has so much wisdom and talent and is passionate about sharing it with others. She is caring, thoughtful, and a true friend. Knowing her is a gift and singing with her is so fun! Even the shyest person in the room can’t help but join in when she is leading. Her music abilities are a marvel!!
I feel lucky to have been a student under Emily in so many ways. She has taught me to lead with curiosity, empathy and to let go of the voice in my head that tells me I can’t do something because I’m not good enough at it. We miss so much in life because we are afraid to take the first step and join in and having a teacher like Emily makes taking the first step so much easier.”
— Marisa Seymour
student of Way of the Heartsong, Heartsong 2, Kirtan, & Satsang
on Way of the Heartsong…
“When I learned of your offering, it felt like the fulfillment of a desire culminated at my first kirtan experience; however, nothing could have prepared me for what was to come. It was as if the spiritual moved out of theory into a living expression, connecting us with the sacredness in each other, opening us up to embody the divine divinity of our essences. Restoring of connection. To each other, to ourselves, the world. The levels of healing experienced and witnessed moved me in places I didn’t know could be accessed. I know we are all forever changed. No amount of gratitude is enough for what was lived. Thank you for guiding us with your inner beauty, gentle kindness, and courage of soul to venture into uncharted territory as both a student and teacher. This was nothing short of sacred.”
~Christy Leonhardt Albert
“I have been a singer and a music lover in some way or another my whole life. When I felt a strong pull to sign up for this course I knew I wanted to get back in touch with my musical self, I wanted a vehicle for singing with others, and I knew I wanted to find my own "authentic voice", even though I wasn't sure what that meant. Emily and her course, and the cohort of students, gave me all of those things. Unexpectedly, it also helped me reinvent my perceptions of music and sound; why we make sounds, how we make sounds, how and why we make sounds together, and what making music individually and collectively does for us emotionally physically and spiritually. It was and is a continually unfolding revelation of healing and discovery. I now think about leadership differently. I now encounter music differently than I ever did when studying it or consuming it, and I find myself hearing even very familiar music with new ears. I find myself wanting to make music without fear that it won't be "good", because what is that shackle and where did it come from? This course is not just for singers or even music lovers, though it is great for those. It is for anybody who wants to discover the roots of song, explore the physicality of sound, and to dive in to their own relationship to music with an incredibly supportive guide.”
~ Mindy Floyd
“A transformative experience led by a masterful teacher. We found our voices together.”
~ Dan Marstin
“Emily’s devotion to offering her spiritual, musical, and wellness practices across the Louisville community has impacted me to my core. She serves as a vessel of hope to anyone looking for more depth and connection in a modern era that has devalued both. I cannot recommend Emily enough as a guide, a teacher, and a voice that invites us all closer into ourselves and unites us intimately as shared beings. Do not hesitate to engage with her as a creative force for good in this world. Her intentions are as pure as her talent.”
~Jeff Tomczek, kirtan and yoga student
more full testimonials
“Emily’s classes have led me to so much growth, some in obvious ways directly related to the class content, some in subtle ways that I can’t fully appreciate until later. The technical quality of my singing has improved, which is great on its own, but even more meaningful is that the growth in my range and tone has been accompanied by emotional and spiritual growth. Soon after my first course with Emily I noticed myself speaking up more assertively at work. Throughout Emily’s courses I have noticed moments of emotional catharsis and healing. The practice of being vulnerable and singing together in a safe, comfortable and nonjudgmental space allows energy and emotion to flow powerfully but gently and for profound healing to take place. These moments of release and witnessing translate into greater freedom of expression in my daily life. After I “found my voice” for the first time with Emily’s guidance, I took the next step of entering the portal of Song and Chant Leading and came out the other side with newfound confidence in my voice and also a newly discovered ability to pave the way for others to find their voice by leading chants. Along with these new powers I feel a responsibility to share these gifts so that other people can experience their own healing and be empowered.
Emily shares songs of healing and liberation. That’s exactly what has happened and continues to unfold for me. My time at the Heartsong Shala has been more valuable than most of the talk therapy I have received. Traditional therapy has been useful for understanding the narrative around my trauma. This goes deeper and brings Presence to the pain, awakens the dormant, asleep, repressed parts of ourselves and invites them to expression. The fruits of this practice, for me, are greater peace and freedom.
Emily is much more than a teacher, she is a person of wisdom and integrity. It is obvious that she cares deeply about people and her mission of empowering others. She takes care to make her resources as accessible as possible. Her course content is thorough and detailed but there is no pressure to study or meet goals; Emily is happy to meet you where you’re at. She never criticizes, and when asked for feedback she gives it honesty but gently. My favorite “Emily-ism” is “Be a good animal.” Get up and stretch, go to the bathroom, do what your body needs to stay present - don’t stay in discomfort because of your conditioning to meet others’ expectations, real or imagined. Just this one piece of advice has been liberating for me!
It’s not just about Emily and her many gifts. I do believe she has a rare talent for teaching that reaches people in a way that traditional education doesn’t always resonate. But one of the most refreshing things about learning with Emily is the sense that she is never on a pedestal. There’s no “Guru” energy present. She is walking on the path alongside you. And just as meaningful is the collective energy of the people around you. Singing together, being vulnerable together, sharing tears and joy are powerfully bonding experiences. You’re doing something wonderful for yourself and, though it can be scary, you’re never alone. You are held and supported and loved by other humans undergoing their own transformation. Emily is a superb guide, but we do the work of showing up and being present for each other and that’s why it’s so empowering.”
— Dan Marstin, Massage Therapist
student of Way of the Heartsong, Heartsong 2, Song & Chant Leader Training, Kirtan Band Camp, & 1×1 music mentorship
“Emily has opened a gateway to a whole new world and community for me. I never thought I could play music or sing - she started by sharing the foundations of music theory with me so that I could conceptualize more of the meaning behind the playing. Learning the harmonium has deepened my spiritual practice and has had a ripple effect on the people in my life. Emily’s offerings help build community, friendship, and understanding.
I am a more peaceful, loving, kind person as a result. My heart has softened and I feel more connected to myself and the world around me!
Emily is warm, open, gentle, playful. She balances teaching with a deep respect and admiration for the lineages these chants come from while also ensuring the music is accessible for all to learn and play.
You are an incredible human being who helped me more ways than I can even describe. When we met, I wasn’t sure I could find my way out of the pain I was in- you helped me find my voice so I could sing to the light!”
— Lauren Cutuli
student of 1×1 music mentorship, song & chant leader training, & kirtan band camp
“At Kirtan I used to sing softer than those around me so nobody could hear my voice. After doing Emily's classes I feel more comfortable singing and no longer worry about others hearing me. I've found the joy in singing and reclaiming my voice. I sang with a small "kirtan band" in front of our class on a microphone, which would have felt impossible in the past.
Emily is a very gifted teacher and breaks things down, making them easy to learn. She is encouraging and provides opportunities for growth, without pushing anyone beyond their comfort zone. She creates a safe container where everyone feels welcome.
Emily's music is very healing and I often listen to her Kirtan recordings on stressful days. Any time you get to sing with her in person is a gift!”
— Annie Williams, Social Services
Heartsong 2, Kirtan Band Camp, Kirtan, Intro to Harmonium, Satsang
“Singing is powerful medicine for self-acceptance, and working with Emily has helped me connect to my true voice through Heartsong and Song Leader training. Through Satsang I discovered the power of group singing and how it leads to an enhanced sense of interconnectedness or oneness. Her offerings have also been a channel that allowed me to realign with my true nature and reconnect with music.
Emily fosters an environment where people are safe to explore the boundaries of their comfort zones and experience the small iterations of growth that lead to larger transformation and realignment. She has helped me move music from my head into more of a somatic, felt space- In fact, the containers she creates were where I even realized this is what I was working on.”
— Zach Johnstone, IT Director
student of Heartsong 2, Satsang, Song & Chant Leader Training, Kirtan Band Camp