OCTOBER 1 - 5 | LOUISVILLE, KY

The Creative Haven Songwriting Retreat aims to offer a supportive and inspiring environment for creatives to develop their skills, collaborate with others, and find new sources of inspiration. Here's what a person might expect:

  • Lyric Writing: Sessions focused on crafting compelling lyrics, understanding song structures, and utilizing various songwriting techniques.

  • Melody and Harmony: Workshops on creating melodies, understanding harmonies, and developing musical ideas.

  • Genre-Specific Sessions: Specialized sessions for a variety of different genres, such as CCM, folk, gospel, and more. 

Workshops and Masterclasses

  • Meet and Greet: Informal gatherings to connect with fellow songwriters, share experiences, and build a supportive community.

Networking       

  • Co-Writing Sessions: Opportunities to collaborate with other songwriters, often leading to new ideas and creative breakthroughs.

  • Song Shares: Group sessions where participants share their work and receive encouragement. 

Collaboration Opputunities

  • Industry Professionals: Talks and Q&A sessions with successful songwriters, producers, and music industry professionals.

  • Artist Showcase: An opportunity for retreat participants to perform their original music on stage in front of a live audience. These moments are uniquely curated to feel like a private concert, creating an intimate and memorable experience.

Guest Speakers and Artist Showcase

  • Creativity Boosters: Activities designed to spark creativity, such as writing exercises, improvisation, and creative prompts.

  • Prayer and Contemplation: A time dedicated to personal reflection, spiritual growth, and peace. Participants are given time for prayer and contemplation, providing a space to connect with God and find clarity and inspiration amidst the retreat’s activities.

Personal Development

  • Demo Recording: Each participant can bring their own recording gear and we will have rooms set aside for the sole purpose of tracking demos.

  • Production Tips: Tips on arranging, producing, and finalizing songs from your fellow creatives. 

Recording and Production

Retreat Schedule

  • 8AM | Check-In

    9AM | Main Session 1

    10AM | Co-Write Session

    12PM | Lunch

    1PM | Guest Speaker + Workshop

    3:30PM | Co-Write Session

    6PM | Songshare

  • 9AM | Main Session 2

    10AM | Co-Write Session

    12PM | Lunch

    2PM | Guest Speaker + Workshop

    4:30PM | Songshare

    7PM | Night Of Worship

  • 9AM | Main Session 3

    10AM | Co-Write Session

    12:30PM | Vintage Pizza Party + Album Release

    2:30PM | Co-Write Session

    5PM | Songshare

  • 9AM | Main Session 4

    10AM | Production Day (Lunch Break @ Noon)

    7PM | Artist Showcase

  • 10AM | Brunch

FAQs

  • The Creative Haven Retreat is a four-and-a-half-day event focused on providing a safe and nurturing environment where participants can be encouraged, equipped, and inspired. The retreat includes workshops, masterclasses, collaborative opportunities, guest speakers, artist showcases, space for personal development and networking, as well as recording and production. It's a week-long experience that you will not want to miss!

  • Our in-person writing experiences are designed for both new and seasoned writers. We carefully curate each writing session to celebrate the talents of every participant while also creating an environment that fosters the development of new skills. 

  • Housing is not covered in the general admission ticket registration cost for the retreat. However, you can opt for the "Songwriting Retreat + Lodging" ticket, which includes housing for the retreat.

  • This event is for any singer, songwriter, or creative—whether new to the art or seasoned—looking for a place to collaborate and grow. It especially resonates with creative leaders seeking to connect with peers as well as creatives who have never had the opportunity to explore their talents.

  • An opportunity for retreat participants to perform their original music on stage in front of a live audience. These moments are uniquely curated to feel like a private concert, creating an intimate and memorable experience.

  • A SongShare Concert is an informal, collaborative event focused on community sharing and encouraging feedback among peers for songs that were freshly written each day at the retreat, while an Artist Showcase is a formal event designed for professional presentation and promotion, aiming to provide exposure for the artist's work that has been created prior to the retreat.

  • The Creative Haven Retreat Tickets are non-refundable.

  • Registration is $399, which includes retreat attendance only. The general ticket does not include travel or lodging. You can choose to stay with us at an Airbnb-type setup and the fee of registration plus lodging is $799. We are offering early bird discounts, so sign up today!

  • No meals will be provided during our time together. It is suggested to plan to use UberEats, DoorDash, or other delivery services for your meals as you will have small windows of time to eat. If you're staying in the Haven houses, you're welcome to bring food to make your meals. Just be aware that free time will be scarce. Some light snacks will be provided, but won’t be sufficient for a meal.

  • Co-writes will be split equally among the writers in your group, which means you will own your % of the song. 

  • You can email us with any questions at info@hymnalrecords.com

    *Retreat schedule and speakers/leaders are subject to change. We will keep registrants up-to-date on any changes.