Voices of the Valley: A Songwriting & Creative Expression Retreat is a full day immersive experience in Yosemite Valley to foster nervous system regulation, emotional healing, and community connection through music.

Designed for all skill levels, the workshop integrates nature-based songwriting, guided by local Sierra artists, to tap into creative expression. Your instructors Heather Sullivan, Jamie Gonzalez and John Dorrego will lead you through presentation, prompts, rhythms, and writing exercises to spark curiosity and creativity.

Set against the majestic backdrop of Yosemite’s granite cliffs and serene waters, this retreat invites you to slow down, listen deeply, and gather in community. Through heart-centered lyric writing, collaborative melody making, and grounding mindfulness tools, we will explore music as a pathway to process burnout or creative blocks and restore vital energy.

No formal musical background is required—just an open heart and a willingness to explore your authentic voice alongside a supportive circle of peers. Together, we will create a brave space to share our stories, celebrate our collective resilience, and honor the healing power of creative expression.

Sample Schedule (note: this is subject to change):

• 10:00 AM – Opening Circle & Grounding
  Arrive at the beautiful outdoor Lower River Amphitheater and settle into the space with a brief meditation, warm tea, and introductions. 

• 10:30 AM – Lecture-Style Presentation: The Expressive Voice
  A presentation by Jamie Gonzalez exploring basic song structures & rhythms.

• 11:15 AM – Creative Sparks & Writing Prompts
  Interactive, low-pressure group wordplay and somatic exercises to open the creative channels and move past creative blockages.

• 12:00 PM – Solo Reflection & Nature Writing Block
  A dedicated block of time to find a quiet space outdoors, leaning on the wisdom of Yosemite's landscape to draft individual song ideas or journal entries.

• 1:00 PM – Community Nourishment & Snack Break
  Gather back at the amphitheater to share a delicious spread of locally sourced, organic snacks and engage in casual, intentional conversation.

• 1:45 PM – Small-Group Collaboration & Creative Jams
  Transition into supported small groups to co-write, share ideas, and blend individual snippets into cohesive melodies.

• 2:45 PM – Final Refinement & Rehearsal
  Time to put the final touches on your piece, practice with a supportive peer, or simply sit in quiet reflection before our showcase.

• 3:15 PM – The Finale Showcase & Celebration
  A joyful, celebratory group performance where everyone has the opportunity to share one full song, a simple chorus, or a favorite spoken snippet with the circle.

• 3:45 PM – Closing Integration
  A collective gratitude circle to ground the day’s work and discuss simple ways to carry these resiliency tools back into daily life [Balanced Rock].

• 4:00 PM – Departure

This session will be offered at the Lower River Amphitheater in Yosemite Valley.

If we have inclement weather, participants will be notified via email on an alternate indoor location within Yosemite Valley.

You will receive a Welcome Email upon registration with more information and location details.

To ensure your comfort during our outdoor session, please pack the following essentials:

• Journal and pen for writing exercises

• Yoga mat and a camp chair for comfortable seating

• Layers of clothing (Yosemite Valley temperatures can shift quickly throughout the day)

• Personal water bottle, lunch, and snacks

• Musical instruments (optional): If you play an acoustic instrument, you are highly encouraged to bring it along! 

We will be providing light snacks throughout the day. We will also have some musical instruments to loan at the workshop.

Registration for this workshop includes the following:

• Detailed, professional instruction

• Light snacks

• Some musical instruments to use during the workshop

Yes, PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. These sessions will cap at 20 participants. If we reach max capacity there will be a waitlist.

No prior experience is necessary! This session is open to all who are excited to learn and explore a new skill in a supportive community setting.

How much does it cost?

This workshop is free, thanks to a generous grant from the Yosemite Conservancy and brought to you by Yosemite Health and Wellness in partnership with Balanced Rock.

If you’d like to support future programs like this, donations to Balanced Rock will help us continue offering accessible, subsidized experiences for years to come.

Learn More and Donate Here