Unfortunately, the first RFSR was cancelled due to COVID19. We are very sorry, and hope to get the program going once the pandemic is over. All ticket-holders have been refunded. – JE – 5/13/2020

The info below was posted before the retreat was cancelled for 2020.
–
The 2020 Roaring Fork Songwriting Retreat will now be held online. Workshops, feedback sessions, and performances will be conducted via Zoom. Participants will have access to supplementary learning materials online.
Between May 28th and 30th, songwriters will have access to six group workshops (topics and schedule listed below), two live performance opportunities, and mentoring sessions with award-winning songwriters, Mary Bragg and Jackson Emmer. The retreat is open to all, ages 16+.
Questions? Contact Jackson Emmer directly: (650) 799-5379, jemmer.music@gmail.com
Registration fee: $350 – Includes:
Two full days of songwriting mentorship.
Two performance opportunities for participating songwriters.
The chance to connect and network with songwriters from around the country.
Time to write, reflect, and hone your songwriting.
Virtual Concert by Mary Bragg and Jackson Emmer.
Attendance will be capped at 15, so each participant will receive ample individual attention.
Meet Your Mentors
Mary Bragg

Mary Bragg is often noted as one of the finest, up-and-coming songwriters in Nashville. With five albums to her name, Bragg’s work has been praised by NPR, Billboard, Rolling Stone, Nashville Scene, and Music City Roots. Her songs have been streamed over 3 million times on Spotify alone, and she has toured the US many times over.
Read more about Mary Bragg here: http://marybragg.com
Jackson Emmer

Based in the small town of Carbondale, Colorado, Jackson Emmer has quietly built his reputation as a songwriter’s songwriter on the outskirts of country music. His music has been featured in Rolling Stone, NPR, the Cannes Film Festival, and played on over 150 radio stations worldwide. Emmer tours the US regularly, often performing 100+ concerts each year.
Read more about Jackson Emmer here: https://jacksonemmer.com
Schedule & Workshops
*Schedule is subject to change and is being further developed for the newly adopted online format.
5/28 – 5:30pm Mountain Time – Virtual Drinks, Introductions, Open-Mic.
Day 1 – 5/29
9am – Mountain Time – Chords (how to use them thoughtfully), Melodies (how to write original ones), and how to make them work together for you (60 min)
10am Break (30 min)
10:30am Finding Your Own Writer’s Voice, Generating Ideas, and Breaking Through Writer’s Block (60 min)
Lunch break.
1pm Individual meetings with Mary and Jackson. Sign up ahead of time for a 30 minute, mentoring session. Participants can also use this time to free write individually, or co-write. (4 hrs)
5:30pm Microphone + Sound Tips for Facebook Live (30 mins)
6pm Song Circle (60mins approx)
Day 2 – 5/30
9am Co-writing Demonstration: Respecting the Space, Honoring Your Co-Writer, and Getting the Best Song in the Room (60 minute song written by Mary & Jackson in front of the group)
10am Co-writing debrief & questions (30 min)
10:30am Break (30 min)
11am Writing is Re-Writing (Bravery, Humility, Patience) (60 min)
12pm Lunch
1pm Music Business 101 (for those interested) (Touring, Publishing, Recording) (45 min)
2:00pm Individual meetings with Mary and Jackson. Sign up ahead of time for a 25 minute, mentoring session. Participants can also use this time to free write individually, or co-write. (2 hrs)
5:30pm Participant Concert. An opportunity for participants to showcase a song they’ve been working on at the retreat (60 min)
7:30pm Concert by Mary Bragg and Jackson Emmer in the Big Red Barn. Farewell, and thank you!
*Schedule is subject to change and is being further developed for the newly adopted online format.