Alyssa Cohen

Alyssa Cohen is a kirtan musician, a homeopath, a yoga teacher and a mother of three. She came to music through her passion for yoga and meditation:

“My early days of teaching yoga were inspired by the music of Robert Gass, Deva Premal and Krishna Das. Mantra music made meditation joyful and helped me settle my overactive mind. I felt drawn from the beginning to singing this music with other people. Even before I knew how to play an instrument, I would gather people to chant along with CDs to feel the community connection.”

Alyssa bought her first harmonium in 1999 and began learning from musicians wherever she went.

“I’m so grateful to all the generous musicians who patiently gave so much of themselves to teach me the language of music. Music has allowed me to express my creativity. Chanting mantras has made prayer tangible and real.”

Alyssa’s musical partnership with Richard Bryant has created much support for writing original music. Richard brings 30 years of experience as a guitarist and bassist. The mantra music Alyssa and Richard are now writing has evolved into a fusion of Indian mantras mixed with modern rhythms and authentic elements from the North American folk tradition.

“Richard and I balance our focus on the technical side of musical composition and arrangements with the heart-space needed to make this music come alive. When I sing, I’m opening into a personal and vulnerable place in my heart.”

alyssacohen.ca