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View Will Robinson's Bio
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View Rob Crosby's Bio
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The Elite Retreats

[Also see FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS]


INTERESTED IN THE ELITE RETREATS?

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March 9th - 11th, 2012;
St. George Island, FL
Cost: $4,500

Songwriter Institute is hosting a Mini Retreat, a variation on our popular and successful Elite Retreats. Join hosts/mentors Joe West and Tim Johnson, songwriters who have written major hits for artists such as Keith Urban, Jimmy Wayne, Toby Keith, Mark Chestnutt and many others

The event will be held at Sunrise Point, a beautiful private St. George Island beach home overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, situated on one of the top ten beaches in America.

Take a look at this beautiful beach home Overlooking the beach

The natural beauty of the location serves as the perfect backdrop for finding inspiration and writing great songs. They'll be grilling fresh fish, shucking oysters, playing their hits, and listening to your ideas and songs. They will mentor you and help guide your writing to a new level.

We can’t and won't guarantee a cut or a hit song. We can guarantee a unique and rewarding experience, that will benefit your songwriting for a lifetime. All meals, lodging and beverages are included.

This event is limited to three attendees. Please call 1-877-974-8344 or email us with any questions.

Upcoming retreats:

    • March - Mini Retreat in Apalachicola, FL
    • June - Elite Retreat in New Orleans
    • July - Mini Retreat in Virginia
    • September - Elite Retreat in Ireland
    • December - Elite Retreat in Texas


    Tim Johnson

    Tim Johnson has written four #1 hits and has over 100 major label cuts to his credit.

    Most recently, Tim celebrated a hit with "Do You Believe Me Now" recorded by Jimmy Wayne. Other hits include "I Let Her Lie" with Daryle Singletary, "Thank God For Believers" by Mark Chesnutt, "Someone You Used To Know" Collin Raye, and Diamond Rio's moving single, "God Only Cries."

    Tim's song, "To Do What I Do," was recorded by Alan Jackson and inspired the title of his 2004 release, "What I Do." Tim also co-wrote the song, "When I Think About Leavin,'" on Kenny Chesney's quadruple platinum selling album, When the Sun Goes Down. Tim co-produced Blaine Larsen's first two albums Off To Join The World, and Rockin' You Tonight, on Giantslayer / BNA Records.

    Joe West

    Joe West Songwriter/Producer: As a songwriter he has had multiple #1 singles as well as cuts with Keith Urban, Toby Keith, Tim McGraw (watch for 'The One That Got Away' & 'Right Back Atcha' recorded 2010 for a yet-to-be-released record), Jimmy Wayne, Julianne Hough, Danielle Peck & many others.

    Most recently, Keith Urban released "Without You" penned by Joe West to country radio as his newest single off of his RIAA Certified Gold Record 'Get Closer'. His music has been featured in over 100 network, cable & feature films.


    For More incentive, we encourage you to take a look at these Testimonials.

    To Attend:

    Reservations are secured on a first-come/first-served basis. Reserve your spot by calling 877-974-8344 or by completing the form above.



    Frequently Asked Questions:

    What is SONGWRITER INSTITUTE?

    Songwriter Institute is an organization based in Nashville, TN. It’s a collective of accomplished, current and successful professional songwriters, dedicated to advancing the craft and experience of songwriting.

    The mission of the Songwriter Institute is to educate, develop, elevate and inspire writers from all genres of music, as they work toward their success as a songwriter.

    Who are Elite Retreat Attendees?

    Attendees come from all walks of life, ages and experience levels. Some attendees are lyricists only, while others are working musicians. Some practice songwriting as a hobby, others are pursuing a professional career. At the Elite Retreat, songs are written in many different genres, not just Country.

    What does it cost?

    The cost is $ 10,000.00. Pricing includes lodging and meals, and snacks and beverages throughout the week. We do our best to accommodate special requests or dietary requirements.

    Why attend an ELITE RETREAT? What does the attendee get?

    It’s a solid investment in your personal songwriting career and your future, with many benefits.

    • PROCESS: You will experience the reality of the creative work process of accomplished songwriters who successfully do this for a living, full time. You will learn things that can’t be learned from a book, seminar, school or self-study, and you will have a growth opportunity unavailable anywhere else. You will have interaction with, and exposure to, five different songwriting processes and styles, in one week, in one place. All mentors have been chosen carefully, and all have a teacher’s heart. Every day you will learn something new that will forever change who you are as a songwriter.


    • PEOPLE: You will have the opportunity to network and build relationships with other attendees, who likely have the same ambitions as you and with the hit writers.


    • PLEASURE: Retreats are scheduled at places of natural beauty that are interesting and inspiring to visit. It’s an event that you will remember for the rest of your life. Yes, the focus is on hard work and study, but you will have the opportunity to have some fun and recreation as well.


    • SONGS: You will write songs at this retreat. That is a stated goal of all retreats. We can’t guarantee a cut or a hit from any of the songs that you write at this retreat. We can promise that these pros will write their hearts out for you and create the best copyright they can.
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