More than a harp retreat - this is a place to reconnect with your music, your creativity, and yourself

Awaken Your Creativity

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Awaken Your Creativity 〰️

The Retreat Experience

This is an intimate, intentionally curated gathering for harpists who are ready to expand musically, creatively, and personally.

Set in one of my favorite transformational places against the breathtaking red rocks of Sedona, Arizona, this retreat is an opportunity to slow down, reconnect with yourself and your instrument, and experience harp in a whole new way. Through creative workshops, musical exploration, time in nature, shared experiences, and plenty of space to simply be, every part of the retreat is designed to inspire you to step outside your comfort zone and reconnect with the joy of making music.

Arrive & Exhale.
Arrive, settle in, and let yourself slow down. We'll begin the retreat by grounding into the space, connecting as a group, and setting intentions for the days ahead. Leave the outside world behind and give yourself permission to be fully present.

Community Over Competition.
This retreat is about building genuine friendships with fellow harpists. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned performer, you'll be surrounded by supportive musicians who want to see you grow and succeed. Expect meaningful conversations, shared meals, spontaneous jam sessions, late-night laughs, and connections that continue long after the retreat ends.

Explore & Reconnect.
Sedona offers the perfect backdrop for getting outside, slowing down, and reconnecting with yourself. We'll spend time exploring the beauty of the red rocks, enjoying the outdoors, sharing meals, relaxing at the house, and creating space for both adventure and rest. Activities will unfold throughout the retreat, with a mix of planned experiences and spontaneous moments that allow us to follow the energy of the group.

Expand Your Creativity.
We'll explore the harp beyond the traditional boundaries of technique and repertoire through improvisation, creative exercises, collaboration, electronic music, and new ways of approaching your instrument. You'll have opportunities to experiment, play, create, and discover sounds and ideas that may have been waiting inside you.

Play Like a Kid Again.
Remember what it felt like to make music simply because it was fun? We'll reconnect with that sense of curiosity and freedom. Through improvisation, creative challenges, collaboration, and plenty of unstructured play, perfection takes a back seat to experimentation and joy.

Create Epic Content.
While I encourage you to unplug, be fully present, and soak in the experience, we also know opportunities like this don't come around every day. Between the incredible Sedona landscape, beautiful spaces, and musical moments throughout the retreat, there will be plenty of opportunities to capture photos and videos with guidance by Dre. Whether you're filming performance footage, creating a reel, refreshing your social media, or simply documenting the experience, you'll have the chance to leave with beautiful content that reflects your artistry.

Experience Harp Differently.
This isn't about becoming a better harpist in the traditional sense. It's about expanding your idea of what the harp can be - and what you can be as an artist. Expect unexpected musical experiences, collaborative moments, creative exploration, and opportunities to see your instrument from a completely new perspective.

More Than a Retreat. Harp Friends for Life.
This is a creative gathering designed to help you grow as a musician, reconnect with your artistry, and leave feeling renewed, inspired, and excited about what's possible with your harp. You'll leave with more than new ideas and experiences. You'll head home with fresh inspiration, renewed confidence, unforgettable memories, and a community of harpists who will continue cheering you on long after the retreat ends.

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The Retreat Space✨

This will be the fifth retreat I’ve had the honor of hosting, and each one has taught me something new about what makes a retreat truly special.

For the first time, I’ll be hosting the retreat in a house I’ve hosted in before. I already know how special this space feels, and I’m excited to experience it in a completely new way with this group.

The house is spacious and surrounded by nature, with stunning red rock views, fits my requirements for a beautiful pool and hot tub (obviously pool time is built into the itinerary :) and a huge yard perfect for morning yoga.

I create retreats I believe harpists need, but I also create the retreats that I need. And this time, I was craving nature, spaciousness, stillness, and the kind of environment where inspiration can find you when you aren't actively looking for it.

One of the things I love most about this space is that it gives us both community and solitude. You can gather around the dining table, make music with everyone, or join a conversation by the pool - and you can also slip away to the meditation room, sit by the pond with your journal, spend some quiet time with your harp, or simply find a peaceful corner to yourself.

There is something really special about having enough space to be together without having to be together every moment.

Everywhere you look, Sedona reminds you to slow down and pay attention. The landscape itself becomes part of the retreat - a backdrop for creativity, reflection, adventure, and those little moments we'll probably remember most.

After hosting three retreats, I’ve learned that the magic isn't just in the workshops or activities we plan. It's in the in-between moments: the conversation that happens over coffee before the rest of the house is awake, the spontaneous jam session, the song someone shares, the casual joke that becomes an instant forever inside joke, or the idea that suddenly comes to you when you finally give yourself permission to slow down.

Those are the moments I want to create space for.

This retreat isn't about packing every minute with activities. It's about creating an environment where meaningful experiences can naturally unfold - where we can learn, play, explore, rest, and reconnect with ourselves and each other.

I can't wait to share this special place with you. I hope that from the moment you arrive, you feel a little lighter, a little more inspired, and completely at home.

What’s Included

🎶 4 nights, 5 days accommodation (plus a free “bonus” day - I reserved the space until June 10)

🎶 Daily harp workshops (song writing, FX pedals, loop pedals, backing tracks)

🎶 Daily yoga, guided meditation, sound baths

🎶 Nourishing meals (all dietary needs supported)

🎶 Free jam time / collaboration space

🎶 Harp Rave (TBD if it will be public)

🎶 A supportive community of harpists & new lifelong friends

What You’ll Leave With

✨ More confidence

✨ More creativity

✨ More joy

✨ New musical tools

✨ Lifelong harp friends

✨ A renewed relationship with your instrument

✨ Permission to create your own way

✨ A deeper understanding of your artistic voice

Stay tuned for special guest facilitators

What is a Harp “Rave”?

The idea for the Harp Rave is the culmination of years of performing, attending festivals, DJing, and exploring the possibilities of the electric harp. I’ve experienced firsthand the way the harp can captivate an audience, and I’ve become fascinated with what happens when you take this ancient instrument and blend it with electronic music, effects, looping, and live performance.

During my first two harp retreats, I hosted an intimate harp dance party on the final evening at the retreat house. It started as a playful way to celebrate everything we had explored together throughout the retreat - and it quickly became one of my favorite parts of the experience.

For the June 2026 Sedona retreat, I decided to take that idea one step further and open it up to the public at Humankind in Sedona. I was honestly a bit nervous and thought I bit off more than I could chew. Afterall, I had to essentially prepare 10 other harpists in a way I never had before. Not to mention it was my first time hosting a Harp Rave publicly, and I had no idea how it would translate outside of the retreat bubble.

But the retreat girls absolutely thrived and shined. Watching them step onto a public stage, share their music, experiment, and support one another was incredibly special. It reminded me why I created this experience in the first place.

A Harp Rave is an immersive live music experience that blends the ethereal beauty of the harp with the energy of electronic music. Through effects pedals, looping, improvisation, and DJ elements, the harp becomes something entirely unexpected - part concert, part dance party, part sound journey.

It’s an invitation to move, experiment, connect, and experience the harp in a way you may have never imagined.

What will happen with the Harp Rave at this retreat?

Because I’m still in the early stages of planning this retreat, I haven’t finalized whether the Harp Rave will once again be a public event or remain an intimate experience exclusively for our retreat group.

I want to give myself the space to let the retreat unfold naturally and see what feels right for this particular group, this particular space, and this particular moment.

Whether we take it onto a public stage or create our own intimate dance floor at the house, the intention remains the same: to celebrate the harp, push creative boundaries, and give you permission to play, perform, and experiment outside of the traditional expectations of the instrument.

And if we do open it up to the public, you'll have the opportunity to experience what the June retreat girls discovered firsthand - that stepping outside your comfort zone and sharing your music in a new environment can be incredibly empowering.

The future of the harp is expansive, and I’m passionate about creating experiences that honor where this instrument comes from while exploring where it can go next.

Earlybird Investment

Private king bedroom and bath $2800 (1 spot)

Private queen bed upper level with bath $2800 (1 spot)

Shared room with twin beds and private bath $2400 (4 spots)

Shared room with twin beds (4 spots)

Ways to save $$: apply host a workshop or to assist with food prep

How the Application Process Works

This retreat is intentionally small so we can create a supportive, welcoming experience where everyone feels comfortable connecting, learning, and growing together. The application isn't about skill level or being "good enough" to attend - it's simply a way for me to get to know you, understand what you're hoping to gain from the retreat, and thoughtfully curate a group that will have a wonderful experience together.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

I aim to notify all applicants as they apply. If you're invited to join the retreat, you'll receive the next steps to secure your spot with a deposit. Early Bird pricing is available for accepted applicants through January 1, and those accepted before that date will have a limited time to submit their deposit to lock in the Early Bird rate.

My last 4 retreats sold out so if you’re thinking about coming, don’t wait!

Earlybird deadline is January 1, 2027

APPLY HERE

Dre aka Siren Gliss

Retreat Host & Harp Guide

My desire to host a retreat for harpists sparked back in 2024 when I attended a songwriting retreat that completely shifted my perspective, showing me the power of being held in an intentional space where creativity, community, and daily life were seamlessly woven together. I was given room to breathe and reconnect with my artistry in a deeper and more meaningful way. I returned home more inspired, more open, and more connected to my artistry - and I knew I wanted to create that kind of experience for other harpists.

Since then, I’ve hosted three incredible harp retreats, each with its own unique energy and dynamic. When we gather and share our stories, a common thread often emerges. Many of us were classically trained - I myself hold both a BA in Music and a MM in Harp Performance - and were guided toward orchestral paths. Somewhere along the way, some of us experienced burnout, stepped away, or explored entirely different careers. And yet, we found our way back to the harp - whether as a creative outlet, a personal refuge, or a full-time calling.

As a full-time harpist who has been performing for 15+ years, I deeply understand both the challenges and the possibilities of forging your own path. I love sharing the tools, perspectives, and encouragement I wish I had earlier in my journey - especially when it comes to improvisation, technology, and expanding beyond traditional expectations.

Many of us were taught that we needed to be perfect harpists. In that process, it’s easy to lose the creative spark - the freedom to experiment, make mistakes, and discover your own voice. This retreat is a space where you can explore new sounds and ideas without fear of judgment.

Whether you’re coming to finally learn how to use your loop pedal, explore sound baths, or simply reconnect with other harpists, all levels and ages are welcome.

My intention is for you to leave with a full cup - with new lifelong harp friends, expanded creative confidence, and a renewed connection to why you fell in love with the harp in the first place.

MEET YOUR HOST

How is a harp retreat different from a harp conference?

While harp conferences are wonderful for attending performances, exploring vendor halls, and choosing from a wide variety of classes, a harp retreat offers something entirely different: an intimate, immersive experience centered around connection, creativity, and personal growth.

With a small group of participants, we'll spend five days living, learning, creating, and sharing meals together in a beautiful home. This smaller setting allows for meaningful conversations, individualized mentorship, genuine friendships, and the kind of support that's difficult to find in a larger conference environment.

The retreat is intentionally designed with spaciousness in mind. Alongside hands-on workshops in improvisation, music technology, performance, content creation, and creative expression, there is time to rest, enjoy nature, explore the local area, and simply be present. Instead of rushing from one session to the next, you'll have the opportunity to absorb what you're learning, ask questions, collaborate with fellow harpists, and reconnect with your creativity.

This retreat isn't just about becoming a better harpist - it's about returning home feeling inspired, confident, creatively energized, and deeply connected to a community of harpists who genuinely want to see one another succeed.

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FAQ’s

  • Sedona, Arizona | June 5-9, 2027

  • Because this retreat is an intimate, intentionally curated experience, attendance is by application only.

    To begin, click the Apply Now button above and complete the retreat application. This helps ensure the experience is the right fit and allows us to create a meaningful, connected group of participants.

    Once your application has been reviewed, you’ll receive a confirmation email with next steps. If we decide to move forward together, you’ll receive a link to submit your deposit and officially reserve your spot.

  • Any age and level. Even if you think you may not be “ready” I believe you will be inspired at this retreat and gain new lifelong harp friends.

    To help ensure everyone can fully participate and get the most out of the workshops, I ask that attendees have at least one year of harp-playing experience before joining the retreat.

  • To get the most out of the experience, some light preparation and familiarity with the harp is recommended. If you’re newer to the harp or would like extra support before the retreat, you’re welcome to reach out about private lessons or guidance beforehand so you can arrive feeling confident and prepared.

    To help ensure everyone can fully participate and get the most out of the workshops, I ask that attendees have at least one year of harp-playing experience before joining the retreat.

  • No — everything is optional. This retreat is designed to support your creative and personal needs.

    You are welcome to attend as many or as few workshops and activities as you’d like. Some participants choose to immerse themselves fully in the schedule, while others take time for rest, reflection, hiking, or simply enjoying the space.

    This is your time to reconnect with your harp, your creativity, and yourself — and you are encouraged to listen to what feels most supportive for you.

  • This retreat is intentionally small so we can create a supportive, welcoming experience where everyone feels comfortable connecting, learning, and growing together. The application isn't about skill level or being "good enough" to attend - it's simply a way for me to get to know you, understand what you're hoping to gain from the retreat, and thoughtfully curate a group that will have a wonderful experience together.

    Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

    I aim to notify all applicants no later than August 26. If you're invited to join the retreat, you'll receive the next steps to secure your spot with a deposit. Early Bird pricing is available for accepted applicants through August 24, and those accepted before that date will have a limited time to submit their deposit to lock in the Early Bird rate.

  • Prior to the retreat, you’ll be asked to share any dietary preferences, restrictions, or allergies so we can thoughtfully accommodate your needs.

    Most meals will be enjoyed together at the retreat house, with nourishing, home-prepared options such as fresh fruit, yogurt, eggs, vibrant salads, sandwiches, charcuterie, and wholesome dinners like pasta or tacos.

    To help keep the retreat as affordable as possible, one optional meal at a local restaurant may be planned during the week. If we choose to dine out, the cost of that meal is not included in the retreat fee.

    Our intention is to provide delicious, supportive meals so you can focus fully on rest, creativity, and connection.

    • Red rock views

    • Hot tub & pool

    • Large lawn with pond

    • Fire pit

    • Creek access

    • Washer

    • Dryer

    • Wifi

    • Dedicated workspace

  • To help keep the retreat as affordable as possible, transportation to and from the retreat house is not included in the retreat fee.

    The easiest way to reach Sedona is to fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). If you'd prefer not to arrange your own transportation, a round-trip transportation option from Phoenix to the retreat house is available for an additional $200 per person.

    If you choose to arrange your own transportation, you're welcome to rent a car, rideshare, or coordinate with another retreat attendee. After your spot is confirmed, we'll connect attendees who are interested in carpooling or sharing transportation, making it easy to coordinate your arrival and departure.

    Having a vehicle can also be convenient if you'd like to explore Sedona during your free time, but transportation is completely optional - you can choose whatever works best for you.

  • This is a sample schedule:

    8 am - breakfast

    9 am - yoga

    11-3 pm harp workshop with lunch served during break

    3-5 pm free time to use pool, connect, create

    5-6 pm sunset excursion

    6 pm dinner at air bnb or restaurant

    8 pm evening circle / hot tub and s’mores

  • No — harps will be provided for all workshops and group sessions, so you are not required to bring your own instrument.

    You are welcome to bring your personal harp if you prefer practicing and playing on your own instrument, but it is not necessary. Many participants enjoy the ease of traveling without their harp and using the instruments available at the retreat.

    Our intention is to make your experience as seamless and supportive as possible.

  • Yes, absolutely. You are welcome to request a specific roommate. Both participants must submit an application and be approved for the retreat, and you can note your roommate preference on your application form.

    We will do our best to honor all roommate requests when both individuals are confirmed participants.

    • 4 nights / 5 days of accommodations in a beautiful private retreat home

    • Daily nourishing meals, snacks, coffee, tea, and non-alcoholic beverages (excluding any optional off-site meals)

    • Small-group experience

    • Harp workshops and creative masterclasses

    • Improvisation, songwriting, and creative exploration sessions

    • Recording, looping, effects pedals, and music technology instruction

    • Introduction to DJing with harp and live performance techniques

    • Group discussions, coaching, and collaborative learning

    • Time for independent practice and creative integration

    • Nature-inspired experiences

    • Evening gatherings and community connection

    • Retreat welcome gift

    • Access to a supportive community of like-minded harpists

    • Personalized guidance throughout the retreat

  • Transportation to and from the retreat house is not included. Guests are responsible for arranging their own travel to and from the retreat location. Before the start of the retreat I will create a chat group so rides can be coordinated to be shared if desired.

    Any meals enjoyed off-site during the retreat, should the group choose to dine out.

    Optional 1:1 sessions or other add-on experiences, if offered.

  • To reserve your place in the Harp Retreat, a deposit is required within 48 hours of receiving your confirmation email. The first installment will be due 30 days after your deposit. The remaining balance must be paid in full no later than December 12, 2026. 

    If a scheduled payment is not received within 5 days of its due date, a $50 late fee will be added to your balance.

    If payment remains outstanding 10 days past the due date and no communication has been received, your spot may be released and any prior payments forfeited.

    If you anticipate difficulty meeting a deadline, please reach out before the due date so we can discuss possible arrangements.

    By registering for the retreat, you agree to these terms.

  • Yes! Flexible monthly payment plans are available to help make the retreat more accessible. A non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your spot, and the remaining balance will be divided into equal monthly payments, with the final payment due by April 21, 2027.

    • $300 deposit secures your spot and is non-refundable

    • Full payment due 45 days prior to April 21, 2027

    • Cancel 45+ days before the retreat for a full refund, excluding deposit

    • Cancel within 45 days, a credit for a future retreat of equal value will be issued and available for 12 months from issued date.

    • No refunds or credits will be given for cancellations within 3 weeks prior to the start of retreat.

    • If the retreat is canceled due to any reason participants will be given a credit toward retreat of equal value on a future date.

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WHAT HARPISTS SAID ABOUT PREVIOUS RETREATS

“I left the retreat with a renewed sense of confidence in my relationship with the harp and others who play the instrument. Immediately after the retreat I played one of the most fun, confident sets of my life (at a wedding) and had multiple people come up to me to tell me how amazing I was. And for the first time in my life, I allowed myself to believe it.” - Christina Thomas @rvaharpist

“I left the retreat not only with new skills and knowledge but also with lasting memories and connections!” - Eleonora Pellegrini @california_wedding_harpist

“I had the time of my absolute life… 😇😁” - Dr. Heidi Hernandez @harproyale

“The workshops were a delightful journey, covering a wide range of topics. The pace was absolutely perfect—there was just the right balance between diving into new learning, sharing personal experiences, and engaging in meaningful discussions with the group. I felt both challenged and supported throughout, and it was refreshing to connect with fellow harpists in such an open, collaborative environment.”

“Dre’s Harp Retreat in Sedona was nothing short of extraordinary! From the moment I arrived, it was clear that every aspect of the retreat had been meticulously curated with passion and purpose. The focus on making attendees feel valued and engaged was evident in every detail.”

“I enjoyed every single aspect of it but if I have to choose an highlight I would say the fact that we were at the center of every experience. We had the opportunity to feel on our skin and in our soul the benefits of the sound bath, you had us experiment hands on with the harps and tech tools during the 1st night party and the composition practice and finally we had the opportunity of busking taking turns performing.”

“An eye opening full immersion into the endless possibilities of the harp world, with friends supporting you along the way.”

“You know when you’ve been part of an experience strongly and create a bond? Well that’s what happened while attending the first Harp Retreat in Sedona. I cried my eyeballs off, and I laughed so much my cheeks hurt. I bonded with harpist which I thought was the most unlikely thing I’ve ever done. I was astonished that they wanted us to do well. I have since gone to two more harp retreats in Arizona conducted by Dre. Each time I have gotten stronger and stronger with a clearer sense of how I want to move forward. The first one I learned how to trust other women and I was able to be rely on this harp community with questions. They responded and I reciprocated. It was the first time I truly believed in myself. These retreats have pushed me outside my comfort zones in a safe environment. I’ve recently returned from the third retreat and it was the best one yet. Professional development amongst modern harpists. Your retreat has changed the trajectory of my life. I am so grateful for the special community you are curating. I’m so happy I found my tribe.“ - Pumehana Wadsworth, @harphawaii

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