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.
Event time: Wed 18th Sep 2024 at 4:00pm - Fri 20th Sep 2024 at 4:00pm
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Please use the form below to register your interest in the course or event
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 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 WebsiteKatie 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