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Immersive songwriting retreats for committed creatives.

Harness your songwriting potential—and transform your music career.

 

Join legendary music publisher and songwriting coach Judy Stakee in a life-changing retreat for committed songwriters.

 

To make it as a songwriter, you have to be the best.

The Judy Stakee Company songwriting retreats help you develop, fulfill, and transform as a creative and human being. Exclusive and intimate, the retreats will build a holistic and professional foundation to support your chosen future in music.

Five days to strengthen your body, mind, and soul.

Anchored by Judy Stakee’s renowned songwriting methodology, the retreats will nurture your natural talent, provide concrete songwriting tools, and deepen your self-awareness. The retreats limit decision making so you can focus on what matters: your music.

Designed with your creative process in mind.

 

Your songwriting abilities are muscles that need a system. Each retreat day follows a schedule that maximizes creativity. With nourishing food options, yoga classes, and plenty of nature, you’ll undergo a creative cleanse that will impact your health for years to come.

 
 
 

 The retreat is only the beginning.

 

Join over 700 passionate and committed alumni.

 

Whether you’re looking for a co-writer, a producer, a guitarist, or a sounding board, our inclusive community of retreat alumni will support you with open arms. Our alumni recognize that we’re stronger together, and many of our alumni barter talent trades—like vocals in exchange for a marketing plan—to help each other succeed.

 

Praise from our alumni:

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The songwriting retreats are structured with your future in mind. You’ll learn what it takes to make it in the music industry, and Judy will provide actionable steps to elevate your career.

 
 

Attending Judy’s retreat was the beginning of a journey for me to embrace songwriting as my calling instead of my hobby. Learning about her experience, industry insights, and techniques for developing yourself holistically as a songwriter inspired me to take my craft seriously. I learned what it takes to become a professional and I still use Judy as a sounding board for my songs today. The retreat introduced me to the world of co-writing and welcomed me into a community of other songwriters which I am still learning from and writing with two years later.

Kevin McAleer

NY May 2019

I found Judy’s retreat at a time in my life where I was feeling lost creatively, emotionally, physically; and those 5 days were everything I needed to feel grounded again. Judy’s methodology and practices helped me build a newfound confidence in my songwriting and overall in myself, with her workshops and holistic practices I genuinely felt refreshed and inspired to continue my creative endeavors. I can’t express enough how much this retreat changed my life and how valuable Judy has become in my artistic career!

Jasmine Valdes

NY May 2018

I went on Judy’s retreat last April and can honestly say it was one of the best musical experiences of my life. Judy is such a wonderful lady and so so helpful and knowledgable.

Gracie Van Burnt

CA Apr 2018

If you’re thinking about doing one, I absolutely recommend it. There are not a lot of things in life that you can call a life-changing experience, and that was definitely a life-changing experience for me.

Lauren Weintraub

CA Feb 2017

My whole life is different because I went to that retreat and I’m so grateful because I don’t know how many years it would have taken me to figure out those things that Judy handed to me.

Nell Maynard

NY Aug 2017

After the retreat we could not stop writing. We wrote 100 songs by the end of last year and at the beginning of this year we recorded 3 of them and sold out our first show. Going to Judy’s songwriting retreat made me realize, oh man, I am a songwriter.

Dave Fontenot

CA Mar 2018

Attending Judy’s retreat was the beginning of a journey for me to embrace songwriting as my calling instead of my hobby. Learning about her experience, industry insights, and techniques for developing yourself holistically as a songwriter inspired me to take my craft seriously. I learned what it takes to become a professional and I still use Judy as a sounding board for my songs today. The retreat introduced me to the world of co-writing and welcomed me into a community of other songwriters which I am still learning from and writing with two years later.

Kevin McAleer

NY May 2019

I found Judy’s retreat at a time in my life where I was feeling lost creatively, emotionally, physically; and those 5 days were everything I needed to feel grounded again. Judy’s methodology and practices helped me build a newfound confidence in my songwriting and overall in myself, with her workshops and holistic practices I genuinely felt refreshed and inspired to continue my creative endeavors. I can’t express enough how much this retreat changed my life and how valuable Judy has become in my artistic career!

Jasmine Valdes

NY May 2018

I went on Judy’s retreat last April and can honestly say it was one of the best musical experiences of my life. Judy is such a wonderful lady and so so helpful and knowledgable.

Gracie Van Burnt

CA Apr 2018

If you’re thinking about doing one, I absolutely recommend it. There are not a lot of things in life that you can call a life-changing experience, and that was definitely a life-changing experience for me.

Lauren Weintraub

CA Feb 2017

Receive personalized coaching from an industry veteran.

Judy Stakee knows what it takes to write a great song. A world-renowned leader in songwriter development, Judy has 40+ years of music industry experience working with celebrated artists and songwriters, including Sheryl Crow, Katy Perry, Michelle Branch, Jewel, Joy Williams, John Shanks, and Julian Bunetta. Before founding her artist development company in 2009, she worked with Warner Chappell Music. Judy is the author of The Songwriter’s Survival Guide and a frequent speaker at universities and industry conferences.

 

Songwriters, artists, and producers—are you ready to take the leap?

 

Get the confidence you need to take the next step in your music career. The Judy Stakee Company songwriting retreat teaches you how to set your own intentions, chart your own course, and navigate the music industry.

 

Songwriters

Discover how to write undeniably great songs through story. Using your lyrics, melody, and voice, you’ll broaden your perspective in an environment of respect and trust. 

Artists

Learn how to tell your story through your music. Dive deep into yourself, find your voice, and learn tactics to get your music heard.


Producers

Make connections with artists and topliners while turning songs into winning products. You’ll also gain insight into the co-writing and toplining process.

“Judy has spent over two decades helping to build the careers of many incredibly successful performers and writers. I strongly encourage you to listen closely to what she has to say. Her methodology can guide you to success in everything from writing a hit song to learning how to handle meetings with industry executives, while her wealth of stories will inspire you to make your dreams come true.”

—Sheryl Crow

Here’s what you’ll learn in just five days:

How to overcome writer’s blockCraft a space where your creativity can fly. Judy will teach you how to escape stress, cultivate intention, and change your thought process.
How to be a better co-writerThe music industry is collaborative, and the retreats will challenge you to become an effective musical partner through daily co-writing sessions.
How to write hit songsYour song is your calling card. You’ll understand how to have the best chance at success by thinking like a music publisher or supervisor and creating a winning product.
How to establish your brandThis retreat will help you understand the type of songwriter, artist or producer you want to be through introspective exercises and feedback from the group.
How to design your music careerAs a songwriter, you’re the CEO of your own business. You’ll learn how to establish your songwriting, align your actions with goals, and maximize professional opportunities.
How to manifest your dreamsWhen your mind, body, and soul are nurtured and aligned, the impossible becomes possible. Believe in yourself, invite community, and say yes to the universe.
 
 

Your future begins now. Apply to jumpstart your music career.

 

Enroll in an upcoming retreat:

Community

September 16-20, 2024

Join a group of songwriters on a journey inward to discover the songwriter you were always meant to become.

Nashville, TN
Location details will be given upon acceptance.

Browse our frequently asked questions.

+ Why do I have to apply to attend?

Judy accepts artists and songwriters based on their demonstrated talent for songwriting. The application process ensures that all retreaters bring experience to the table, which ensures equal contributions with co-writing sessions.

+ How old do I have to be?

You must be 14 or older to attend a songwriting retreat. If you are 18 or under, your parent must sign a form that gives permission.

+ Does it matter what genre I am?

No. Judy encourages and welcomes variety at her retreats.

+ What if I don’t play an instrument?

You don’t need to play an instrument to attend. If you’re a topliner, Judy will assign you to a co-writing group with others who play an instrument.

+ What if I don’t sing?

You don’t need to be a singer to attend. If you’re a lyricist, instrumentalist or producer, Judy will assign you to a co-writing group with a singer or topliner.

+ How will I know if I’ve been accepted or not?

When the status of your application is finalized, a representative from The Judy Stakee Company will be in touch.

+ Why wasn’t I accepted?

Attendees of The Judy Stakee Company songwriting retreats are thoroughly vetted. We seek demonstrated experience, attention to detail, commitment to craft, and potential to grow. Please ensure that the song links you submit in your application are for three original works. If you don’t have any songs produced, you can make a video of you or someone else performing them. Production quality is not a determining factor in acceptance, unless you are a producer.

+ Will Judy actually review my application?

Yes. Judy reviews all applications before offering acceptance.

+ Will I need to bring my computer?

No. You’re encouraged to leave your computer at home and instead bring only your mobile device. If you do choose to bring your computer for any reason, there’s free WiFi at each retreat center.

+ Will I need to bring my own instrument?

If you want to bring your instrument, it’s recommended to bring an extra cable and your own guitar or keyboard. You don’t need to bring an amp.

+ Can I bring my camera?

Yes! There won’t be a lot of time for photos, but Judy and her team encourage you to document your retreat experience and share it on social media after the retreat.