unseen emotions - heard
Our Story
notesforest was born from moments when the mind was restless and the heart overwhelmed. When words fall silent, music becomes a way for unseen emotions to be heard.
The soft resonance of a single note, the subtle breath of music, the echoes of strings - they speak the language of the heart.
notesforest is a listening space shaped by original compositions that tell intimate stories. Each piece invites reflection and the recognition of emotions often left unspoken. Beyond the music, we hold live performances and create immersive listening sessions for individuals and communities.
About
Angela Chee 雲
composer & musician
Music and Inspiration
Music is deeply personal to me - it steadies me through struggle and helps me find my footing again.
Beyond my work in the tech world, I created notesforest as a space to share the calm I find in music, and to help others build resilience through its healing, restorative power.
I have always been fascinated by composing music, but it was only after the passing of my father that I found an inspiration to create soulful, reflective music. I am drawn to the rhythms of nature - the rustle of leaves, the slow drift of clouds - and these elements shape my compositions.
My Musical Journey
Trained in piano (Licentiate, Guildhall School of Music and Drama, UK), I also play and explore the harp, flute, and violin, to add texture to my compositions. Each composition is a story, an echo of memory and feeling.
Through live performance, composition and collaboration, I explore how music can give voice to the unspoken - where unseen feelings may be heard. While deepening my learning in Music Wellness (Berklee College of Music) and sound practices, I continue to share music through performances and programmes supporting communities - where music becomes a space for connection and comfort.
One Breath - The Album
My first album, One Breath, featuring 4 tracks, was born from an intuitive process, shaped by lived experience and serendipitous meetings with kindred collaborators. From twilight reflections to memories cherished, from harmony within to mindful steps forward - One Breath is a four-part musical reflection tracing the arc of being human, through loss, longing, devotion and renewal.
Ascent, Dusk, Hello-Dad, Oneness
Ascent
This piece was inspired by the quiet, spiritual journey up the stone steps of Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine in the foothills of Mount Aso, Japan. Surrounded by towering trees and filtered light, each of the 300 spiritual 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.
Composed & Performed by: Angela Chee
Dusk
A quiet reflection on ending and transitions, Dusk (Departure) captures the gentle sadness of disappearing light (or farewell), as day turns to night. At dusk, when the sun whispers its final goodbye, it's a beautiful moment that is suspended between what was and what will come, as the day lingers, reluctant to leave. When night falls, the forest breathes again, carrying the magical promise of new hope and renewal.
Composer, Keys & Sound Design: Angela Chee
Recorded with Ashley Tay (violin), Liu Meng Ru (cello)
Hello, Dad
This song was inspired by a programme I worked on alongside therapists from the Children Cancer Foundation, to support children and adults facing loss. "Hello, Dad" is my letter to my dad - remembering his quiet strength and feeling his gentle guidance as I step into a new chapter with notesforest.
Composed & Performed by: 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 a little boy coping with loss and learning to let go. This music accompanies the story and emotional journey of the boy.
All images are taken from the book, Oneness with Your Wings (all rights reserved).
Composed & performed by: Angela Chee
(This is an excerpt from the complete work.)
Yenn Ang, Senior Therapist, Children's Cancer Foundation
“Thanks for putting together a heartfelt project for the children and caregivers, the music is beautifully accompanying the story, drawing out its emotions"
Prof Suzanne Hanser, Chair Emerita and Professor, Music Therapy Department at Berklee College of Music
"Your music is deep, Angela. I found Ascent particularly ethereal, and Hello, Dad, deeply authentic and emotional. The music for "Oneness with Your Wings" follows the gentle terrain of the story line beautifully."
J. Garten, ex-DJ, public radio station, New York
"I've listened to countless music all my life, but Hello-Dad resonated deeply with me and left me unexpectedly emotional"
Madam Low, Geylang East Home for the Aged
“Music Story is a creative way of bringing music and storytelling together - our seniors were fully immersed and eager for more."
Community and Collaboration
Collaborating with care and wellbeing practitioners, notesforest integrate music into broader creative projects to bring moments of healing and grounding to the community.
Sound Journeys
Guided deep listening with imagery to soothe the mind and inspire reflection and conversations.
Music Story:
Project "Music Story" combines original compositions and musical favorites to tell a story with participatory discussion. The program invites participants to reminisce, share memories and connect with each other.
Music Workshops
Songwriting, improvisation, and music- making as creative ways to discover and express emotions.
Tapestry:
Project “Tapestry” invites participants to co-create songs and jingles, weaving together sounds of diverse instruments and creative contributions of each participant. This program provides a channel for self expression and healing through music.
