Henry Miller Library

Song Writing Workshop
Music is a tonic for the pineal gland. Music isn't Bach or Beethoven; music is the can-opener of the soul. It makes you terribly quiet inside, makes you aware that there's a roof to your being.

To be is music, which is a profanation of silence in the interests of silence, and therefore beyond good and evil. Music is the manifestation of action without activity. It is the pure act of creation swimming on its own bosom. Music neither goads nor defends, neither seeks nor explains. Music is the noiseless sound made by the swimmer in the ocean of consciousness. It is a reward which can only be given by oneself. It is the gift of the god which one is because he has ceased thinking about god. It is an augur of the God which every one will become in due time, when all that is will be beyond imagination.

Henry Miller
































































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Welcome to the 4th Annual Listening Room International Songwriters Retreat, Big Sur

January 25 - February 3, 2009

A maximum of twenty songwriters will gather once again for an intensive week of co-writing, networking and development of craft at Pfeiffer State Park, Big Sur Lodge, amidst the giant redwood trees and majestic coastline of Northern California.

"As a professional songwriter for over 25 years I have participated in -- and facilitated -- many writing workshops. It's my pleasure to attest that the Listening Room retreat I attended was the most enjoyable and productive of them all." TOM KIMMEL (Johnny Cash, Joe Cocker, Shawn Colvin, Linda Ronstadt, Randy Travis)



CO-WRITING

Participants on the Listening Room International Songwriter Retreats work daily with different co-writing partners, and assignments designed to stimulate inspiration and help shape rough ideas into completed works - using everything that comes up along the way. At the end of our week together, the magic is in the songs which have appeared.



A special Listening Room Concert Series presentation will also take place at weeks' end at the Henry Miller Library, which is co-sponsoring the retreat.

"In 2004 I decided to re-invest in myself by going on a Listening Room retreat. The experience was literally transformational. I came back with renewed energy, some great co-written songs, a new network of songwriting friends from around the world and most importantly of all, I have come alive again as a songwriter. I can't recommend it too highly." JIMMY RAE, (Merseyside, UK)

Registration here.

CAREER BUILDING

Past participants have gone on to record and tour extensively outside their home countries as a direct result of the contacts and friendships established at these events, and many of the co-written songs have already made their way onto several artist's albums. You can check out some of those works, as well as a list of past participants, at www.myspace.com/listeningroomsongwriterretreats

"Attending the writing retreats has given me a wealth of new friendships and writing partnerships that I feel will last my lifetime, and countless memories of some of the most beautiful, inspirational natural settings I have had the good fortune to visit and work in. After two retreats and over a
dozen new songs I see a profound change in my creative life. Now if Icould just arrange to
attend every one..."

DANA COOPER (Former A&M Recording Artist, songs covered by Maura O'Connell, others)

Registration and details here.

"Brett Perkins' Listening Room Retreats have created some of the most magical and productive moments in my life as a songwriter. I would recommend it to anyone who want to grow as a songwriter/artist and human being." - SIMON LYNGE (Los Angeles)



COMMITMENT

The invesment in your artistry for the week is based on seven nights shared housing in the comfortable lodge duplex cabins (with fully equipped kitchens for participants preperation of individual meals). A group meal at the Henry Miller Library concert presentation is also included in the course fee. Individual housing options are available at additional cost, based on availability. Extended payment plans are also available to help writers make participation in this week possible.

Ability is relative. Talent can be developed through nurturing, or diminish through neglect. Music is an expression of self and spirit available to all who wish to follow its' path, and everyone has an audience for their works. If these statements resonate as true for you, I look forward to welcoming you on a retreat. - Brett Perkins, Founder.



Registration is open to writers at all levels of development who possess a sincere desire to grow, upon review of their work. Limited to 20 students on a first come, first serve basis, with spots confirmed upon receipt of a non-refundable 50% deposit.

Enrollment Is Open Now

Please direct requests for further information, and music submissions to: Brett Perkins



ALL PHOTOS © MAGNUS TORÉN. Shot during the retreat in early spring 2008.

...to be born a writer one must learn to like privation, suffering, humiliation. Above all, one must learn to live apart. Like the sloth, the writer clings to his limb while beneath him life surges by steady, persistent, tumultuous. When ready plop! he falls into the stream and battles for life. Is is not something like that?

Henry Miller
Nexus


Nearest airport: Monterey
It's about one hour drive to the State Park Lodge from the Monterey airport.

Car Rental

If you like to spend some extra time to enjoy Big Sur we can offer you a discounted price at the Lodge – let us know by e-mailing or calling 831-667-2574
© Copyright 2008, The Henry Miller Library