So sorry you have missed this amazing music retreat
Jon Brooks, Richard Gilewitz, Sarah Collyer, Michael Whiticker, Jodie Murtha and Marguerita Vorobioff - 5 day retreat
Now in it's 9th year, the Winterbreak Music Retreat gives you and a small number of supportive like minded participants (up to 25 places) the opportunity to indulge your music passion with 5 days of singing, songwriting and guitar workshops led by internationally acclaimed tutor/artists and solo and group performance opportunities. You will share nightly performance opportunities, ensembles, taster workshops, collaborations, meditation for musicians and much much more.
Set in glorious North Mount Tamborine in the Gold Coast hinterland an area that also offers you great walks with spectacular cliffs, rainforest and waterfalls. You will stay in “motel style” units. Each with two bedrooms an ensuite and lounge area. There will be no more than 3 to a room (usually only 2). Units are carpeted, heated, TV and microwave. You will need to provide your own bedding/sleeping bag and pillow.
The venue (QCCC North Mount Tamborine) has their own chef, meals have been great year after year. Special diets are catered for and all day fruit, tea/coffee is available. Please note: the venue is alcohol and drug free.
When: Thursday 7th - Monday 11th June, 2018 Where: QCCC North Mount Tamborine Who: Jon Brooks, Richard Gilewitz, Sarah Collyer, Michael Whiticker, Jodie Murtha and Marguerite Vorobioff Valued at $2,297 but ... Your Investment: $1,297.00
You can share in this amazing opportunity for the very low investment of $1297 BOOK NOW - AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT [Payment Plan available $250 deposit and payment plan.] At times, we are pleased to offer a limited number of scholarships for young (under 21), and unwaged people, please ask for details. If you choose to stay off site, your investment (including all meals and tuition) reduces by $297
A songwriter, proficient with a wide range of instruments, and dedicated to uniting folk song tradition with today’s stories, Jon has an uncanny ability to press his ear against the heartbeat and the soul of the times we live in.
As well as being a 4 X Nominee for Canadian Folk Music AwardsEnglish Songwriter of the Year 2007/2009/2012/2015, Jon has
been profiled on CBC's "The National”,
named the Musician to Watch in 2010 by the Toronto Star,
garnered an OCFF Award,
won the 2009 US Mountain Stage NewSong Contest (NPR),
won the coveted Kerrville New Folk Competition in Texas,
the International Songwriting Competition (Folk category), and
placed as a Finalist in the Music2Life Contest
Though Jon Brooks’ music is filled with grey and morally ambiguous characters living on the outskirts of approval, his mandate is unequivocal: “I’m not interested in ‘happy songs’ – they have a place and purpose and I respect that and there’s many songwriters out there doing that without my help. I’m trying to write healing songs and, for that reason, I’m obliged to reveal a wound or two now and then. I’m even less interested in writing unhappy songs: I want to write hopeful songs, inspiring songs, I believe I owe today’s listener some hopeful argument – some good reason - as to why we should believe our present world could be improved, or healed.
The highest aim of song is to evoke empathy - to offer that rare sight of ourselves in others. In this sense, the folk singer is simply trying to politicise love, hence, my contention that today’s songwriter should be a lobbyist for compassion to be our principle representative in government office.”
"'Political songwriting’ is all too often assumed to be shouty, simplistic protest, and all too often it is and therefore tends to be ignored…Brooks knows this and his songs are songs first and messages second…a powerful and at times brutally clear-sighted vision armed only with an acoustic guitar, a harmonica, and a gritty ragged voice…Brooks is a star ………” Maverick Magazine, UK
The most amazing guitarist ? in the vein of Leo Kottke, Ry Cooder and John Fahey.
"At times mesmerising, playful humorous, and wistful, Gilewitz is a master of moods when he speaks to his audience through his guitar. He is always at the service of his inner voice, which has a sneaky way of connecting directly to the listener's heart."
Creative Loafing Magazine,Tampa BayFL Florida based Richard Gilewitz is today, acknowledged as one of the most unique and humorous performers on the contemporary acoustic scene, he is respected worldwide for his command of the 6 and 12-string guitar.
His workshops are based on the idea that learning is an on-going process and should be an enjoyable experience. As a team member of several major instrument and sound manufacturers, Richard adds additional elements to the workshops, including valuable tips about selecting guitars and strings to developing a plan for a good sound system -- all part of helping players raise their skill levels.
Often his workshops are a combination of insights into the world of acoustic guitar and sound reinforcement, plus lively interaction with the audience. Based on his extensive touring background in a real world environment and an average of presenting over 150 workshops yearly, Richard shares his knowledge from a number of avenues to encourage a life-long love of music.
In workshops, he is the player's answer to overcoming common frustrations while increasing fingerstyle techniques, overcoming fears and insecurities, rekindling the passion for learning new guitar pieces, and rediscovering the joy of guitar! For the beginner and advance player.
Sarah Collyer (Aus) Singer Songwriter http://www.sarahcollyer.com One of my favourite early memories of connecting with music was attending a folk music night with my mum and hearing a singer perform a beautiful rendition of The Streets of London. I was transfixed. The memory is vivid, though over twenty years have passed; I have never forgotten the power and beauty of that solitary voice.
Music is powerful. The human voice is powerful. So much beauty can be contained in both.
The ability of music, lyrics and the human voice to truly transport and connect was powerfully evident that night, and it is this synergy that I continue to pursue through my own song writing and performance.
I love to sing. I love lyrics and I love to use music as a vehicle for story telling.
Sarah is a full time performing and recording artist as well as a voice and performance coach.
She has released an EP – This Way (2008) and an Album – Yesterday’s Blues (2012). Both received nation wide airplay and are distributed globally. She has toured Australia, Japan and London with her music and performs regularly with her original music project and also her corporate band Elegance Jazz. She is currently working on a new recording.
Sarah holds a Bachelor of Music with Honours from James Cook University, a Masters of Music Studies from Griffith University Conservatorium of Music and is currently studying for a Masters of Fine Arts (Research) from Queensland University of Technology.
Starting her journey in music by singing in choirs from the age of 8, Sarah also studied saxophone from the age of 9 and piano from the age of 11. Singing lessons began at the age of 12, starting with pop songs, moving briefly into classical and then immersing herself in Jazz. Sarah has also been writing songs since an early age.
Winterbreak's Sound Doctor - Michael manages quality sound for your Winterbreak performances but offers so much more.
Today Michael runs a spacious recording studio on a lovely farm in Peachester in the Glasshouse Mountains and also the Glasshouse Musos - a popular open mic session which (encourages original artists) and is held 4 times a month. His PA experience includes 15 years of weekly house gigs, concert halls and festivals. Along with PA and recording, today he occasionally performs (on a range of instruments, but mainly as a keyboardist), mentors performing artists, builds web sites and makes the occasional music video.
In an earlier life he was a full time composer writing operas and orchestral pieces (for 15 years), spent 8 years in academia teaching composition, arranging and music technology, and directed festivals and ran a concert giving music organisation in North Queensland (6 years).
At Winterbreak Michael is very happy to assist people with their arrangements and writing skills, the technology they are using, their PA interests, their recording and or video making interests.
My love for photography began from the moment I got my first camera. I was about nine years old and that little Hanimex camera was my favourite companion. I’ve always been a quiet observer and keen people watcher which I believe are great assets for my photography. Some of my favourite photos are the ones taken candidly that capture a beautiful expression or interaction between people. A few years ago I returned to university to further my studies n digital photography and video, graduating with a Masters in Digital Design. Currently I’m working towards creating my own business providing multimedia services. Having been a professional musician for over twenty years I understand the importance of having decent promotional material. I’m very excited to be returning to Winterbreak again this year to capture the magical moments and share the music and laughter.
Marguerita Vorobioff (Aus) - Mindset Mentor/Master Sound Healer www.pitbullmindset.com Marguerita Vorobioff is a Mindset Mentor and Master Sound Healer. Her passion is to help raise awareness and consciousness through the power of sound.
Marguerita trained as an opera singer for 15 years before discovering her ability to raise peoples consciousness and help them heal through the power of her voice. Now she is a healing channel and uses her voice to help people reconnect with their true divinity and power through sound healing and a variety of other powerful energy techniques.
Marguerita lives, works and plays on beautiful Tamborine Mountain in the Gold Coast Hinterland with her husband, 3 dogs and 2 horses.
You can share in this amazing opportunity for the very low investment of $1297 Big savings with the Early Bird investment of $1,077 BOOK NOW - AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT [Payment Plan available $250 deposit and payment plan.]