Hello! I'm Emma...
Music has been at the heart of my life for as long as I can remember, with my journey beginning at age four when I started learning the piano, but most significantly a few years later when I picked up a flute at infant school.
Even now I distinctly remember the feeling when I began playing, it just felt very natural - as if it was a language I already knew. I could feel where the notes lived in my body, almost taste them; it was a strange sensation I now know as a form of synesthesia.
Thanks to a kind teacher who told my parents not to let me stop playing when I left that school a year later, I continued learning and fast forward five years, I was awarded a scholarship to attend the Royal College of Music junior department in London, where I studied flute, piano and singing every weekend for seven years until I was 18.
Studying at such a prestigious setting brought many joys, but also came with its pressures – the weight of competition and the pull of perfectionism – and by the time I left music college, I was ready for some freedom. Music was still a very important part of my life in many ways, and I still played my instruments, though in a more relaxed and personal way, but I travelled, explored other interests, and let life take me in new directions. It took time before I came to understand that music is, and always was, a fundamental part of what I'm here to do.
On my long and winding road back to music, I discovered other passions that I am very grateful to have had a chance to study, including Nutritional Therapy, Energy Medicine, Aromatherapy, Ayurveda and Bach Flower Essences. I have gained so much from studying with some truly inspirational teachers, and these therapies inform my personal and family life, and provide a lovely foundation for what I do, underpinning my knowledge and understanding, and I love being able to weave these understandings and techniques into my sound journeys to enhance the experience.
Since discovering and training in the use of sound for therapeutic purposes and re-connecting with music in this new way, I have experienced so much freedom and creative expression; it has been joyful and liberating to play instruments with a new appreciation of the incredible benefits that sound can bring to everyone, young or old.
I live and practice in Totnes in Devon, and along with time spent enjoying music in all its forms, I also love cooking and developing recipes, creating my own organic skincare, as well as walking the beautiful local coast path, woods and country lanes.
My Training:
Music
I trained for seven years at the Royal College of Music, from age 11 to 18, where I studied flute and piano under expert guidance, and sung in several choirs. I was also principle flautist with their symphony orchestra, one of the most memorable and special parts of my time there.
Since then I have continued to study music and embrace the joy of learning many instruments – it is a lifelong journey!
Sound Therapy
I completed my sound therapy training with The Academy of Integrated Sonic Medicine. Since then, I have undertaken additional training in gong playing with Sheila Whittaker and crystal bowl training in Sedona USA.
Energy Medicine
I spent many years training in Energy Medicine, including completing the EEM certification programme with Donna Eden and many courses with Prune Harris, including Enhanced Energy Perception and Practitioner Consciousness.
Aromatherapy
I am currently in the process of becoming a clinical aromatherapist, studying with the amazing Jade Shutes at the School for Aromatic Studies.
Ayurveda
I have recently completed a three part training with Jo Webber and Kate Shiraj of The Ayurveda Academy, which qualifies me to practice as an Ayurveda Lifestyle Advisor.
Nutritional Therapy
I spent 10 happy years practicing as a nutritional therapist after gaining a BSc in Nutritional Medicine, and I also wrote articles for health websites and magazines. While I don't see 1-2-1 nutrition clients any longer, my experience with nutrition and functional medicine offers me a very useful clinical understanding of health and wellbeing, anatomy & physiology, diet, lifestyle and supplements.
Other qualifications
Over the years, I have also studied Bach Flower Remedies, Reiki and organic skincare formulation.
I am also fully insured to practice.
Emma’s soundbaths are truly something special. I have had quite a few now. Emma worked with me to identify instruments I liked so she could give me sessions that I would love. This has meant the sessions really resonate within my being at a deep level and I have been taken by surprise to experience relaxation deeper than I have had for many years. Emma understands sound and how to work with it on a fabulous level and I really am so happy to recommend her.
Terri