Return of the SONGBIRD:
Story-Songwriting Retreat
Uncover the songs and stories
you've been longing to express.
Saturday, April 23rd, 10 am to 8 pm ET
"When I am silent, I fall into the place
where everything is music."
Rumi
As the birds start to return and sing their songs, announcing their place "in the family of things" as Mary Oliver says below --- think about your song? What do you want to sing out right now?
In this retreat, you'll tap into the stories inside you and learn the core practices I've used to create every song I've ever written. What's unique about this framework is that your stories will be found through exploring your sense of place.
This process works for all levels of experience. Songs are just teeny, tiny compact stories. Seasoned pros get tools to add more descriptive details to their songs or come up with new ideas for songs.
Novices gain practices for tapping into their creativity and turning their thoughts and feelings into words and songs. All you need is an appreciation for the craft of lyric writing and a desire to tell a story well.
"Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself to your imagination,
calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting –
over and over announcing your place
in the family of things."
Mary Oliver, from "Wild Geese"
As you emerge into spring, what are the songs and stories you are yearning to express?
Questions you might have:
Do I need to have songwriting experience?
No. This is for all levels of experience and any kind of writer. The process of trying to write a song will give you fresh tools and insight for whatever you want to create.
Do I need to have any musical skills?
No. As Harland Howard is noted for saying, “All you need is three chords and the truth.” While this retreat won't include musical instruction, I will be sharing ideas for how to use the cadence or "music" of words to drive your story forward.
Will I come away with a song?
Probably! During the retreat, you’ll generate writings and ideas you can use in a song, and you’ll get my 4-part formula for song crafting. You’ll have time to work on songwriting, and together we’ll brainstorm ideas for getting past any stuck spots.
What if I am an experienced songwriter?
Come to learn some more tools of the trade! (That's what has always inspired me.) My unique approach of using a sense of place as your entry point will kickstart your songwriting and give you fresh ideas to write new songs, or add polish to songs you've started.
For all levels of experience, from the curious novice to the seasoned pro.
What to expect:
10:00 to 10:30 Welcome and introductions.
10:30 to 11:00 Overview of my take on the elements of story songwriting and sense of place writing. Learn my 4-part songwriting formula to create and shape a meaningful song. (These are the steps I use to create my songs-on-the-spot – and you’ll find it super easy to do.)
11:00 to 12:00 Participate in my core writing practice for finding meaningful insights and connections to use in your songs or stories. Sharing and songwriting demonstration.
12:00 to 12:30 Core sensory practice for honing your descriptive writing skills.
12:30 to 1:00 Lunch Break
1:00 to 4:00 Songwriting Deep Dive. A practice for uncovering and honing your ideas. Office hours for support.
4:00 to 5:30 Reconvene. Share progress and drafts. Stuck spots. Q&A.
5:30 to 6:00 Break
6:00 to 7:00 Instructions for song revision. Revise. Practice.
7:00 to 8:00 Share songs and insights. Define next steps. Celebrate!
You'll go from yearning to create and express yourself, to generating ideas and putting your stories together into a song!
I have recorded and released a half-dozen CDs of original songs, and have decades of experience as a touring songwriter and performing artist. I have written songs that charted on Gavin's "Billboard Americana Chart" and recordings that garnered accolades across the country.
And, I know personally how hard it is to envision a song you want to write, and get a song started. I also know how rewarding it is to get rolling and nail the story you’re trying to tell.
The process I used to create all my songs is the exact process I am going to share with you!
My framework will help you find, hone, and express the songs or stories you want to create. From teaching my sense of place writing process at hundreds of workshops, conferences, and events, I have seen how powerful it can be for people with all levels of experience.
“Wheeler is adept at melding people, place and events in simple ways that illuminate all three...her imagery can nail down relationships in a single verse.” The Washington Post
“The album "three wishes" is full of sharp, detailed storytelling wed to catchy melodies.” San Francisco Bay Guardian
Erica's music combines “the literary sensitivity of New England with the pastoral vision of the American West.” All Music Guide
“When Erica paints a landscape with song, she strikes a chord that resonates at a deep emotional level.” Baltimore Woods Nature Center, Marcellus, NY
Songwriting Awards Include:
Winner: Rocky Mountain Folks Festival Troubadour Contest

Winner: National Association for Interpretation Media Award, Best Interpretive Music

Finalist: Telluride Festival, Troubadour Contest

Finalist: Kerrville Folk Festival, New Folk Contest
Ready to learn how to write story-songs and express yourself?
Return of the Songbird: April Songwriting Retreat
$175
Saturday, April 23rd, 10:00 am ET to 8:00 pm ET
Sign up Now