Retreats New South Wales

LOOSE ACOUSTIC MUSIC RETREATS

As enjoyable as music is to listen to, it's even more exhilarating to make. Especially when you nail that run you've been working on for weeks ... or master the picking pattern that's been running through your brain … or get up at an open mic and deliver the song you just wrote.

"It's not about being a pro or a virtuoso; it's about making music that comes from your heart and satisfies your soul. If others love it too, that's just gravy." David A. Lusterman (publisher Acoustic Guitar)

Based loosely on experience gained from successful North American retreats, Loose Acoustic Music Retreats will give you that experience, while you upgrade your skills, make new friends, relax and enjoy yourself, it is designed for you!

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sit around and swap experiences with nationally and internationally acclaimed singers, songwriters & musicians for a few days? Can you imagine what you would learn and the buzz you'd feel?

Mountainsong Music Retreat

Katoomba, New South Wales     3rd - 6th August 2012

Take your music to a new level, with 4 days of singing, songwriting and percussion workshops, one-on-one professional instruction, group sessions, and daily performance opportunities. Whether a beginner or veteran, come & join us to develop, collaborate, build your community, relax and explore.

Set in tranquil and inspiring Katoomba, MOUNTAINSONG is open to songwriters, musicians and other interested people of all skill levels. Participants are welcome from all over Australia.

Don’t be a couch potato during winter, dust off your winter blues at "Mountainsong"

The Program

You might choose to start your days with a yoga session, join the morning chorus, then choose your main interest – song writing, singing, guitar or percussion for daily focused, progressive study. There will be the opportunity for one-on-one sessions with the instructors, ensemble rehearsals, and ‘taster’ workshops in a range of music related subjects. Evenings will be at the “Mad Hatter’s Café” – your opportunity to perform (yes, hats or teapots are compulsory if you want to play).

Each participant will be given a task for the weekend; it could be to write or sing a song, prepare an ensemble performance, or find a new mesmerising rhythm.

Don’t worry the wonderfully skilled instructors are there to help (a little).

Who can attend?

Songwriters, musicians and other interested people of all skill levels from all over Australia. Arrangements can be made for pick up from Brisbane or Coolangatta airports. The number of participants will be limited to ensure your best retreat experience.

All workshop materials will be provided but you need to supply your own instrument. (Let me know if you play/want a keyboard).

The Setting

The setting is to die for! KCC Katoomba gaze out to the tranquil and inspiring mountais.

There is a range of indoor and outdoor (if it’s not too cold) workshop spaces, while the surrounds offer excellent walks and nearby open spaces.

Accommodation is “motel style” dormitory units each with their own en suite and lounge area. Units are heated and accommodate up to eight people in bunk beds.

What you need to bring

• a great attitude for fun, sharing and learning and your own instrument. (if you need a keyboard, let me know)
• blankets or a warm sleeping bag and warm clothing. It can get cool in the mountains (anytime of year)
• a single fitted sheet, pillow, personal toiletries, a hat, a towel and a torch

The Cost - $540.00 all inclusive.

A 50% deposit is required to reserve your place.
Full payment must be received by July 15th 2012.

Ask about reductions for non-wage earners and young people. A few part scholarships may be available. If you need to pay by instalments, we can do that call and we'll sort it out.

Note

• Your space is only reserved once payment is received
• Cancellations are subject to a $50 fee
• In the event the retreat is cancelled, full refunds will be made
• No refunds can be made after 30th May

To Register

Click here to fill out our registration form

For forms, call 0403 124 200, or email info@looseacoustic.com.au, or download here

You can pay by cheque, Direct Debit or by credit card over the phone

Cheques should be made payable to Loose Acoustic Enterprise and sent with your registration form to:

Mountainsong Music Retreat

Loose Acoustic Enterprise

58 Hayward Avenue Cashmere. Qld 4500

Or email the registration form, and pay by direct deposit to:

Loose Acoustic,

BSB 034 086,

Account number 221917.

(Please add your surname so we know who it’s from).

The Tutors

Susanna Carman – Singing/Songwriting   www.susannacarman.com

At festivals and in lounges and intimate venues across Australia and U.S.A, singer-songwriter, storyteller and multi- instrumentalist, Susanna Car man’s songs and stories take audiences on a very satisfying journey that include travelogue, tragedy, tears and a few full-bellied laughs.

Susanna Car man holds a B.A. in Contemporary Music, a Dip. Ed. in Secondary English, has guest lectured in Vocal Studies at Southern Cross University (NSW) and is founder of Song Pathways, an organisation that delivers singing and song writing workshops to youth and adults in regional communities. She is an award winning vocalist and acclaimed song writer whose albums and live performances have earned her praised reviews:

"If Paul Simon and Joni Mitchell had a child, I think she would sound like Susanna Carman." Ellen Burgess, Rave Magazine

Greg Sheehan – Percussion    www.myspace.com/gregsheehan

Pioneer of contemporary rhythm, all things percussion.

Legendary musician Greg Sheehan has long been regarded as one of the finest percussionists in Australia. Yet, percussionist doesn't really do justice to the kind of musician he really is. A pioneer of contemporary rhythm in Australia and with his propensity for experimentation and exploration of all sorts of instruments; tuned and untuned; man made and earth made. Greg is firmly in the realm of Australia’s great musical innovators.

As well as unique instruments Greg showcases a battery of unusual instruments such as the Hang, a mesmerising bell like instrument from Switzerland, Jaws Harp from Vietnam crafted from recycled war materials, bike horns, kids toys, kitchen utensils.... this combined with more traditional percussion instruments and Greg's incomparable tambourine creates an unforgettable experience

Karl Farren – Songwriting/Guitar   www.myspace.com/karlfarren

Karl is a charismatic and unashamedly emotional live performer, his fine guitar playing and distinctive vocals have graced stages in Ireland, England and, since 1998 in, Australia. Raised in Dublin on a cultural stew of traditional Irish music and 60's and 70's Pop; Karl cut his musical teeth in countless informal sessions in Dublin and later played guitar and sang with bands in Dublin and London,

In Australia, Karl has found a new voice in writing and performing his own material. In 2003 his song, ‘Firstborn’, featured on the ‘Fatherhood’ compilation, alongside songs by Paul Kelly, John Butler, Archie Roach and Tex Perkins.

Nominated for two Dolphin Awards (North Coast Entertainment Industry Association), he took the Folk category award in 2006 for ‘Pilgrim Song’ and was a finalist in the Folk category of the 2006 National Music Oz Awards. In 2007 Dolphin Awards he received 4 nominations, including ‘Album Of The Year’ for his all originals solo CD Repentance Creek.

“Music is my passion and I love to teach. I hope I can infect even one other person with that sheer joy of playing the guitar and so look forward to teaching at the 2012 Mountainsong Retreat”.