Mark your calendars, save the date, tell your friends… because it is going to be spectacular. This year we will focus on the magical powers of music to transform us, our communities, and our little slice of the world.

There really is magic in music (or maybe it’s just science); in how it affects our neural networks; how it transmits waves of energy. Through singing, writing, playing and performing we can improve our health and well being, create and strengthen community, and effect change in our world.
During Music at The Mountain, nationally touring musicians will guide you through writing workshops, help you interpret your favorite songs, help you improve your playing skills no matter what your skill level. Each morning we begin by engaging in music as a group. Whether singing, drumming, or writing, the act of participating together will build a bond between us and help each of us develop a confidence in our musical ability. The afternoon sessions will be smaller group classes, workshops, one-on-one sessions: delving deeper into writing through creative exercises, proven writing techniques, and in depth analysis of songs; smaller drumming workshops provide the opportunity to learn new rhythms and methods for joining in; vocal warm ups and performance tips will help you build skill and confidence; guitar and ukulele techniques will help you grow. We may develop music for rallies, causes and community building. Perhaps we will explore specific techniques for using music to improve well being.

The evenings are for enjoying – concerts, coffeehouse performances, and song circles. Music at The Mountain will help you discover your magic in music.

Instructors

Matt Watroba sings and writes songs of compassion, inner strength, humor, and everyday living. He was awarded “Best Overall Folk Performer” by the Detroit Music Awards for the year 2000, and his long list of credits include the prestigious Ann Arbor Folk Festival, the Detroit 300 Celebration, The Ark, The Old Songs Festival, Kentucky Music Weekend, Chicago’s The Fox Valley Festival Owen Sound Folk Festival in Ontario and hundreds of school and community presentations. He has shared the stage with some of our greatest performers, including Pete Seeger, Tom Paxton, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Arlo Guthrie, Christine Lavin, Peter Yarrow, and Richard Thompson.

Matt brings a unique set of talents to the stage as an educator, performer, and radio host. His passion for bringing community together through music and education is infectious.

Kiya Heartwood is a roots/folk singer songwriter, composer and change artist as well as a Unitarian Universalist minister. The UK’s Broadway Baby describes Kiya Heartwood as “an award-winning American singer-songwriter who writes smart, funny and poignant songs” Heartwood “serves up a lively batch of original songs that follow on to two of the oldest traditions of folk music: storytelling and political broadside.” She was signed to a major label with her rock band Stealing Horse, and beloved by the folk community in her duo Wishing Chair. She shines as a solo artist with honest songwriting delivered with passion and just the right amount of humor. Kiya taught songwriting and guitar at the National Guitar Summer Workshop in Toronto. She’s a great facilitator for drumming and a spirited song leader.

Friction Farm’s lyrically rich, harmony-driven songs have earned them spots as Kerrville New Folk Finalists and Falcon Ridge Emerging Artists. They are winners of the South Florida Folk Festival songwriter competition, and their latest album debuted at #3 on the folk DJ chart. Audiences lean into their stories, laugh at their humor, are inspired to do a little good in the world, and sing along once in a while. Aidan and Christine released a CD of songs inspired by books and, although they don’t plan another, they continue to use books as a source of inspiration. In order to help promote a love of reading and promote literacy among children under age ten, Friction Farm has also written and recorded a collection of songs inspired by children’s books.

Registration opens soon!