ST. JOHN’S, NEWFOUNDLAND SONGWRITER GETAWAY RETREAT
MAY 3-7, 2023 :: ST. JOHN’S, NEWFOUNDLAND, CANADA – SOLD OUT!
We return to beautiful St. John’s, Newfoundland for a songwriting vacation in one of Canada’s premier music cities – and it’s going to be a time, b’ys!
Our St. John’s, Newfoundland Songwriter Getaway includes:
- songwriting workshops and original song feedback
- exclusive workshops featuring some of the East Coast’s most talented songwriters
- sightseeing excursions
- group sing-alongs
- one-on-one song feedback
- all meals with the exception of one “on your own” meal
- the chance to be Screeched In if this is your first visit to Newfoundland!
Our Songwriter Getaways have a great mix of returning songwriters and new guests who enjoy the welcoming and supportive environment. We welcome songwriters of all levels from total beginners to seasoned pros. You’ll head home from the songwriting retreat with new insights on your songwriting process, professional feedback on your original songs, and a new connection to an encouraging songwriter community.
Our special guest songwriters will be announced soon!
Songwriter Registration includes songwriting workshops, meals, and excursions.
Registration does not include airfare, lodging, alcohol or personal expenses. We have set up blocks of rooms at two hotels that are less than a five-minute walk from our Getaway House where workshops will be held.
LOCATION
Songwriter Getaway House
52 Springdale St.
St. John’s, NL A1C 5B2, Canada
PRICING
NOTE: We are currently sold out. Please email us if you wish to be added to the waitlist.
Songwriter Registration – $1150 +HST
Non-Songwriter Guest – $800 + HST
A $250 deposit will secure your space at the St. John’s Songwriter Getaway. Full Payment is due by April 3, 2023.
Note: Registration does not include airfare, lodging, alcohol or personal expenses. Please see negotiated hotel rate options below.
COVID-19 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
The health and safety of our guests is our top priority. All guests must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. We will also be monitoring case counts, and if there is a spike in cases, we will require a COVID-19 rapid test to be performed the day of arrival.
Note: Masks will not be required, but you are welcome to wear them if you wish.
SPONSORS
We gratefully acknowledge the support of the SOCAN Foundation for making this Songwriter Getaway possible.
SONGWRITER GETAWAY LODGING RECOMMENDATIONS
Our Songwriter Getaway house is located in downtown St. John’s less than 10 minutes walk from George Street. There are many Airbnb and hotel options nearby. We have arranged a special rate for our guests at the two closest hotels:
Hilton Garden Inn
150 New Gower St.
St. John’s, NL A1C 0C1
709-383-1310
Toronto Songwriting School rate: $169/night + Taxes. Please book using this link.
Delta Hotels by Marriott
120 New Gower St.
St. John’s, NL A1C 6K4
709-739-6404
Toronto Songwriting School rate: $189/night + Taxes. You must call the hotel directly and mention Toronto Songwriting School to book this rate.
Airbnb has many apartments and homes listed in downtown St. John’s, NL. We recommend reading the reviews and host policies for any property you consider renting. It can be a good, affordable option – especially for songwriters who want to share a space.
Looking for a Roommate?
Try posting in our Songwriter Getaways Facebook Group.
SONGWRITER GETAWAY ITINERARY*
Wednesday – Join us at the Songwriter Getaway House snacks anytime after 3pm. Dinner will be served at 6pm, followed by an exclusive workshop with Alan Doyle. Songwriters new to St. John’s will have the option of being “Screeched In” to become an honorary Newfoundlander. At 9pm, guests have the option to visit The Ship Pub for Folk Night.
Thursday – Our day begins at 10am with a tour of St. John’s and the surrounding area. Lunch will be provided after the tour. Your afternoon will be spent in songwriting workshops. Dinner will be provided at a popular local restaurant. After dinner, you can continue to explore St. John’s on your own or join an optional group outing to George Street.
Friday – Our day begins at 10am. Coffee and light refreshments will be available. Your day will be spent in songwriting workshops including a workshop with special guest Amelia Curran. Lunch will be provided. We’ll spend the evening enjoying the music of St. John’s.
Saturday – Songwriting workshops begin at 10am. Light refreshments will be provided. Throughout the day, songwriters will have the opportunity to get one-on-one feedback on your songs. There will also be time to relax and write on your own. Lunch will be provided. In the late afternoon, songwriters will share new songs before a final dinner.
Sunday – Check-out of your hotels and head home! (Or stay a few extra days enjoying Newfoundland!)
Alcohol policy: Non-alcoholic beverages are provided at all meals, but you are welcome to BYOB at the house. We are happy to accommodate any dietary restrictions.
Instrument Rentals: Instruments are not provided, but we are happy to help you get to a store to rent the instrument of your choice on Wednesday and to help you get back to return your instrument on time on Saturday.
*This itinerary may shift as we get closer to the event. Check back for updates. Registered guests will receive itinerary updates via email.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Participants who cancel up to one month before the getaway will receive a full refund minus a $50 cancellation fee.
If a participants cancels after April 3, 2023, the participant will receive a 50% credit or refund.
No refunds will be provided after April 26, 2023. If you have special circumstances, please let us know and we can discuss options.
If the getaway is cancelled by Toronto Songwriting School, participants will have the option of a credit or a full refund.
PET POLICY: As much as we love animals, we cannot accept pets on the property.
CHILDREN: Kids are great, but the Songwriter Getaway is for adults age 19+ only.