notes.forest
nurturing wellness through music
Our Story
notes.forest was born out of moments when the mind was restless and the heart overwhelmed. 'When words fail, music speaks' - Hans Christian Anderson.
The rustle of leaves, the hush of rain, the soft resonance of a single note - they are gentle companions on the path back to a rested mind.
notes.forest creates space for people to experience music's power to calm, inspire, and enhance wellbeing. Through small group sessions, guided sound journeys and original musical works, we provide opportunities for rest, reflection and gentle emotional renewal.
About
Angela Chee
from notes to forest
Music and Inspiration
Music is deeply personal to me - it helps calm my mind, carries me through life's struggles, and opens a space for reflection. I've always been inspired by the power of notes and rests - the silence between notes, and how that quiet can speak volumes.
My journey in music wellness began after the passing of my dad, as I sought a way to process grief and find comfort. Music became a space to honor his memory and to share that sense of calm and reflection with others.
I'm drawn to nature - the woods, clouds, quiet moments of dusk - and my compositions are inspired by emotions, memory and the natural world.
Notesforest: A space of Calm and Connection
I created notes.forest as a space outside of my daily work to share the calm and inspiration I find in music, and to help others build resilience to physical and emotional challenges through music. Drawing on music wellness techniques from Berklee College of Music and collaborating with practitioners, I design and facilitate music wellness programmes that blend original compositions, curated music, story and nature.
My Musical Practice
Trained in Piano (Licenciate, Guildhall School of Music and Drama, UK), I also explore harp, flute and violin to add texture and dimension to my music. Beyond performance, I am trained in music production and have formed bands and ensembles, arranging music for live performances and collaborative projects. I also have a certificate in Singing Bowl practice to help in relaxation.
Community and Collaboration
As a way of giving back, I have been volunteering and contributing to various music wellness programmes for the communities - bringing music to those who need it most.
I look forward to carrying this work forward.
Compositions
Here are a few of my works inspired by nature and story.
Dusk (Departure)
A quiet reflection on ending and transitions, Dusk (Departure) captures the gentle sadness of farewell, as day turns to night. At dusk, when the sun whispers its final goodbye, it is a beautiful moment that is suspended between what has been and what is to come. When night comes, the forest breathes again - holding a gentle promise of new hope.
Listening Notes: A 5-minute instrumental that carries you into the tender emotions of Dusk and disappearing light. Performed on violin, cello and keyboard, with the violin carrying the main melody and gently rising above the silence as it traces the journey from dusk to darkness.
Composer, Keyboard & Sound Design: Angela Chee
Violin: Ashley Tay; Cello: Liu Meng Ru
Hello, Dad
This song was inspired by a programme I worked on alongside therapists from the Children’s Cancer Foundation, created to support children and adults facing the loss of health and loved ones."Hello, Dad" is my letter to my dad - remembering his quiet strength and and feeling his gentle guidance as I step into a new chapter with notes.forest.
If you find yourself connecting with some of the lyrics - take a quiet moment to sit with your feelings, allowing space for reflection and remembrance.
Listening Notes: A personal reflection on remembrance, strength and gentle guidance.
Composer, Vocal & Sound Design: Angela Chee
Oneness
soundtrack to
Oneness With Your Wings
This piece was inspired by the picture book, "Oneness with Your Wings", by Singaporean author, Aw Siyuan, a gentle and thoughtful story about coping with loss and letting go. The book's message of quiet strength and connection resonated deeply with me, especially the page where the boy and the eagle sit together in silence, knowing the moment to part is near.
Listening Notes: A 3- minute instrumental piece that traces the journey of a boy, by the name of Bekku, as he moves through the sadness of farewell and finds a sense of "oneness" in letting go. Performed on keyboard and strings with vocal. Images are taken from the book, Oneness with Your Wings (all rights reserved).
Composer & Sound Design: Angela Chee
Ascent
This piece was inspired by the quiet journey up the stone steps of Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine in Mount Aso national park, Japan. Surrounded by towering trees and filtered light, each of the three hundred steps becomes an invitation to slow down, breathe and listen inward.
The music reflects the hearts of those who make this ascent - not in haste, but with reverence, often carrying a silent wish or prayer for someone dear. With every step in the quiet ascent, the mind softens, the body steadies, and a gentle stillness begins to unfold.
By the time the shrine is reached, the journey through the sacred forest has already become a form of prayer.
Listening Notes: A 4- minute instrumental piece with the use of oriental sounds (bells, flute).
Composer & Sound Design: Angela Chee
Music For Wellness
At Notesforest, music is offered as a gentle pathway to rest, reflection, and inner clarity. Drawing from music wellness techniques grounded at Berklee College of Music, I invite my participants to slow down, listen deeply, and reconnect with themselves through sound, breath and imagery.
Sound Journeys
Guided music experiences to soothe the mind and inspire reflection.
Past Project:
Project "Music Story" for elder-care home combines familiar musical favorites to tell a story, with participatory discussion, inviting participants to reminisce, share memories and connect through the power of music.
Creative Workshops
Songwriting, improvisation, and music creation for emotional exploration.
Past Project:
Project “Tapestry” invites participants to co-create songs and jingles, weaving together the sounds of diverse instruments and the unique creative contributions of each participant.
