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quantum sound artist retreat
Elevate your music production and songwriting in a six-day immersive experience in the mountains of Sun Valley, Idaho.
Join an intimate group of musicians and producers for a high-altitude retreat hosted at a private residence in Sun Valley, Idaho
June 4th-9th.
This is an opportunity to connect with forward-thinking artists from around the world, and to recharge your creative batteries through hiking, yoga, meditation, and conscious creation.
escape the city and feel your senses
Developed and led by producer Kate Ellwanger, this six-day immersion is designed to guide producers, songwriters, and musicians of all backgrounds on a journey of uncovering their unique sound and breaking through limitations as they learn practical skills to amplify their music and careers.
Find new inspiration under the stars in the first Gold-Tier Dark Sky Reserve in the US, and gain clarity from alpine lakes, rivers and hot springs in the area while honing your craft.
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Education
Discover new songwriting and production techniques, as well as fresh approaches to your workflow. Artists will also receive 1:1 instruction and feedback from dot and fellow artists in the retreat.
Support your music with the latest business and marketing strategies to share your work beyond the retreat, and leave with a personalized content strategy to follow for the remainder of the year.
Wellness
Join the group in guided meditation, yoga, hiking and visits to the local hot springs throughout the retreat. Led by expert local practitioners, artists may opt-in for daily mindfulness practices, or take time to experience nature in solitude.
Collaboration
Become part of a vibrant artistic community. Share ideas, collaborate on new music, and build lasting relationships with like-minded individuals who share your passion.
Create a new song or track with fellow members of the retreat, or work together on a final performance or DJ set to share at the artist showcase.
Inspiration
Find inspiration in the beauty of nature surrounding Sun Valley. Let the mountains and high-altitude atmosphere stimulate your creativity, reconnect with your senses, and help you produce your most meaningful music.
retreat dates: june 4th-9th 2025
apply now for a spot in our annual retreat
Alan M.
Kate is a master of her craft and is truly passionate about helping people express themselves through music. Her step-by-step processes are comprehensive and easy to understand while providing insightful positive feedback.
Ilsa R.
Where to begin...Kate is amazing. Not only as an artist but as a human being. I loved how real, personal, and connected this program is. I loved the creative challenges that forced you to get out of your head and your normal production routine and see things differently. I have developed so much more as a creative individual and finally feel confident about my music and my focus.
Joel J.
This program was without a doubt the best investment I could have made for my personal development as an artist. It gave me the ability to have more faith in my works and to adapt practices that are now reflected within my music. Kate was a tremendous leader who was not only dependable and consistent, but wise in how she approached the curriculum.
frequently asked questions
Who is this retreat for?
Whether you are a new producer looking to develop their music, or an established artist who is eager to take their work to a new level and grow their fanbase, there is nothing more powerful than having the support of a mentor and fellow artists to help you along your journey.
Ellwanger’s extensive background in music production and personal development strategies have led her to work with Grammy Award-winning artists and creative professionals in honing their crafts, cultivating self-awareness, and mastering the level of discipline required for peak performance and expression.
Do I have to use a specific DAW in order to participate?
The only prerequisites for this program are a means to record and share your music (any DAW will do, but Ableton is recommended), and willingness to learn no matter what your experience level is! This retreat is all about making the most of the time, skills, and resources you currently have -- NOT waiting around until you have that new synth or more knowledge to "begin" sometime in the future.
Are accomodations provided?
Yes, all artists will have a room and shared bathrooms in the Artist House near Ketchum, ID (location shared following registration). Meals will not be provided, but there will be opportunities for grocery store runs to keep food costs efficient, as well as options to dine out.
Please note that space is limited to 10 artists to ensure the quality and personalization of the experience for participants. Because of this, early registration is strongly recommended.
How do I get to Sun Valley?
Ketchum and Sun Valley are accessible by car or flight. Airport shuttles and taxis are available from Friedman Memorial Airport in Hailey, Idaho, which is only 12 miles south of Ketchum.
Car rental is suggested for artists flying into Boise International Airport, as private transport or Ubers from Boise can be expensive. If you are able to, it’s best to fly in to Friedman Memorial Airport in Hailey.
Note: There are extremely few Uber/Lyft drivers in the area, so pre-booking your airport taxi through a local company is encouraged. Once you’ve arrived, the town is very walkable, and transport will be provided for retreat activities.
What will I gain from this experience?
Sage Hill Artist Retreats are unlike any other music school or online tutorial series. While the tangible objective is for each artist to walk away with a new song or EP they feel great about, the lessons learned and relationships made during the program are lifelong treasures. Artists can learn technical skills from a multitude of resources or tutorials, but this curriculum takes artist development to a much deeper level in exploring each creator's unique sounds within a supportive community environment.
Like most things in life, you will only get out what you put in, so it's up to YOU to follow through with all assignments and opportunities for growth that the retreat provides. Being pushed outside of your comfort zone and opening to new ideas may not always be easy, but the results are well worth the effort.