Testimonials

 

Songwriting has largely been an independent process for me and the collaboration only

happened once the song was born. During this retreat weekend, I was able to come alongside

other songwriters as we each created our new songs. It is a gift to have a window into this

creative and nurturing process. Songwriters are also such a joy to jam with! I highly recommend

these retreats for new and seasoned songwriters.

~Julia

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James and Arvi gave us a great weekend retreat of good music, good food and good vibes.

The feeling of isolation you get from the location focuses your musical efforts. I have

written a recordable song at every retreat.

~Neil Hutchinson, frequent retreat participant

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This experience at The Songwriting workshop in Clarksburg in May 2022 was simply

outstanding in every way. The James and Arvi team have a unique way of precipitating an

intimate community atmosphere in a very short time. The special guidance, support and

encouragement from James is wonderful, everyone's a winner in one way or another. One’s

writing of song skills can’t help but improve.Any doubts regarding one's ability are addressed

and nurtured in a professional supportive manner.The conclusion? Everyone improved and

presented their song.Collaboration is also encouraged successfully, you make friends here!!

Arvi herself with her personality and cooking skills brings a wealth of knowledge and amazing

food preparation.

The meals were simply five stars! Plus she taught yoga as well as giving a cooking class. What

more could one ask?

This experience was the best yet, the location at Clarksburg Ontario is also comfortable and

spacious.on beautiful grounds. I would do this again anytime. Thankful participant.

~Jean Doench

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What a joyful retreat in a serene setting in Clarksburg. James skillfully nurtured our

songwriting efforts, while Arvi nourished us with delicious food and gentle yoga.

Collaborating with such talented participants as well resulted in many wonderful new tunes

and friendships. I so appreciate the trusting and supportive environment that allowed us

all to create something wonderful.

~Connie Murch

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I am still processing our weekend together, and always will be. Joy. It was one of those

experiences I think. Just by being put into a situation where I had to write a song, now I

appreciate others' songs so much more; so, the weekend ended up being more depth than

breadth for me, and I needed that in my world of temptation to distraction.

So somehow we touched on that, and of course James and Arvi know this, they both exude this

quality of kindness and depth, so that set the tone for the whole weekend. And I really want to

thank you James and Arvi for your efforts and the work you put in to create a weekend where

we could all connect, and focus on what is important and not necessarily comfortable or easy.

You are both masters in my opinion.

I appreciate you all, and I hope to do it again in whatever form, even though I have reluctance

and doubt.

The cuisine and accommodation were fantastic.

~Paul

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Thank you for an outstanding extended weekend on the art and science of songwriting.

The weekend saw an excellent progression of an introduction to songwriting, the use of the

group songwriting exercise as a way to point out and explore the different stages of

songwriting, the performance seminar and the conclusion with the finale performance by

each of us.

On a personal note, I was made most welcome by both of you, even though I did not know

you at all beforehand. Your relaxed manner was infectious with all of the participants. We

all got to know and enjoy each other's various songwriting and performing talents. The

informal jam sessions were most helpful to foster this familiarity and the development of

many friendships.

I would note that the accommodations and the food fit the occasion perfectly. The

courtesy, care and talent with the food preparation was an unexpected but most

appreciated benefit. The yoga was another unexpected treat and so helpful at settling the

mind to focus on songs.

I wish you all the best with any such future endeavours. I hope to get the opportunity to

return to another one soon.

~Mike Burke

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Ditto your comments, everyone. Super weekend. Lovely to spend time with all you talented and

supportive people.

~Wendy M.

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Thanks for everything Arvi and James for making this songwriters' retreat a success. I

never thought when we first assembled that it was possible - but everyone turned out

songs and most of them were really amazing. Whatever James is doing to make these

workshops work, he is doing it right. Again it was a pleasure to attend - accommodations

were excellent, and food and refreshments wonderful. Finally this was an enriching

experience being with all those other talented people - and the building of community in

such a short time almost a miracle.

~Ray