Songwriting Retreat

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Interested in booking one of our courses? Call our office on 01453 759 034

Wed 18Sep
to
Fri 20Sep

Free your songwriting spirit

Facilitator: Dan Whitehouse & Katie Whitehouse

Gather round a metaphorical ‘songwriting campfire’ led by renowned, award-winning singer-songwriter and composer, Dan Whitehouse, along with artist mentor Katie Whitehouse. This unique experience offers a modern, soulful journey to unlock your creative potential, drawing inspiration from Dan’s illustrious career achievements. Together, we’ll free your mind, reignite your inner child, and explore innovative songwriting methods. Get ready to craft compelling songs, unforgettable melodies, and powerful stories, all while sharing ideas in a harmonious, nurturing environment.

Earlybird Pricing – limited availability – now sold out – standard priced places available now!

 

If you would like to book a shared room, please contact Cathy on 01453 759 034 or email info@hawkwoodcollege.co.uk

 

 

Event time: Wed 18th Sep 2024 at 4:00pm - Fri 20th Sep 2024 at 4:00pm

At a Glance

  • A 3-day retreat in the Cotswolds with other creatives
  • A playful approach to songwriting
  • Connect with your creative self
  • Share your songs around the “songwriting campfire”
  • Break out of a creative rut
  • Generate new song ideas in a peaceful environment

Participants Will Gain

  • Develop your unique artistic voice
  • Learn new approaches to songwriting
  • Opportunity to perform and share your songs
  • Feedback on your songs from peers and professionals

Experience the serenity of the Cotswolds while building lasting friendships in a one-of-a-kind community.

Songwriting Campfire Resized

In this immersive course, you’ll be guided through a series of innovative exercises, including musical and lyrical games, free-writing, and a connection with both self and nature. These exercises are grounded in intuition and improvisation, devoid of music theory prerequisites, welcoming participants of all musical backgrounds.

Whether you’re a seasoned musician or just starting your musical journey, you are invited to join this soulful experience. Together, we will generate abundant raw material, craft fresh songs, cultivate compelling first lines, captivating melodies, and engaging stories, all while drawing out the depths of emotion from within. Ideas will be nurtured around the ‘Songwriting Campfire,’ offering them the space, air, and warmth to flourish as you discover – or rediscover – your distinct voice.

Over the duration of the course, raw material will be generated, new songs may be formed, and compelling first-line and catchy melodies will be written, with engaging stories and emotion will be at the centre. Ideas will be shared around the “songwriting campfire”, allowing them the light, air and warmth they need to develop and grow as you discover, or re-discover, your unique voice.

songwriting

During your retreat, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded songwriters, building friendships and sharing skills. These co-writing sessions are specifically designed to enhance your skills and foster creativity alongside other writers, artists, and producers. The retreat will provide a safe and welcoming space where we can gather around the fire to share stories and embrace our creative vulnerabilities.

Go deeper into your writing than you might have dared to before. This will allow you to find your artistic voice and emerge with a comprehensive tool-kit for crafting songs that are more impactful, authentic and memorable.

Songwriting is my way of channelling my feelings and my thoughts. Not just mine, but the things I see, and the people I care about. My head would explode if I didn't get some of that stuff out. - Dolly Parton

Testimonials

“All the ideas were refreshing, and just giving myself the time to devote to writing is pretty rare”
- Past participant
“This was like trying to notate feelings, rather than theory”
- Past participant
“I found it useful to let go of perfect chord progressions and focus on the bit that’s inspiring – writing songs”
- Past participant

Your Stay at Hawkwood

Hawkwood is a stunning Grade II listed 19th Century country house, surrounded by 42 acres of sustainably managed woodland, farmland, and gardens. Set in the heart of the Cotswolds – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – it is a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. With a diverse selection of nearly 150 courses, there’s plenty to choose from, including courses in transformative leadership, future thinking, inner life, music and the arts. Our programme of courses is led by experienced tutors and leaders in their fields.

What Is Included

Both residential and non-residential rates are available. Residential options are fully inclusive with all meals provided. Non-residential options include suppers, lunches and all refreshments and exclude B&B.

Additional Activities

Mindful walking through our woodland trails

Meditate in our Woodland Sanctuary

Go on a hike and explore the Cotswolds AONB

Discover surrounding charming market towns

Price Options

£272 Earlybird Non-Residential
£331 Earlybird Residential Shared
£374 Earlybird Residential Single
£320 Non-Residential
£390 Residential Shared
£440 Residential Single

Tickets

The numbers below include tickets for this event already in your cart. Clicking "Get Tickets" will allow you to edit any existing attendee information as well as change ticket quantities.
Non-Residential
£ 320.00
3 available
Residential Single
£ 440.00
3 available

Please use the form below to register your interest in the course or event

    You can update your communication preferences at any time. Every e-newsletter we send includes a link to opt-out. You can also let us know of any changes to your communication preferences calling us at 01453 759034 or emailing us at info@hawkwoodcollege.co.uk.

Practical Information

Please bring a notepad and pen, an instrument if you play one and would like to bring along, and suitable outdoor clothing.

Arrivals from 4pm with afternoon tea and finish with afternoon tea on the Friday.

Dan Whitehouse

Dan Whitehouse is a globally recognised and award-winning singer-songwriter, accomplished composer, and experienced broadcaster, amassing over two decades of expertise in curating, planning, and conducting songwriting and music workshops in diverse settings and community initiatives. His contributions have reached international platforms, he has run songwriting workshops and retreats with esteemed organisations such as the Musicians Union, BBC Introducing, mac, BIMM, and the Company of Song.

Visit Tutor's Website

Katie Whitehouse

Katie Whitehouse, a poet, songwriter, artist-mentor, and the visionary behind Company of Song and From The Whitehouse music agency, boasts an impressive eight-ten year legacy of crafting and hosting songwriting retreats. Her work transcends borders, resonating with artists and enthusiasts across the globe.

Visit Tutor's Website