This workshop is designed to provide students with an array of powerful songwriting tools aimed specifically at improving the effectiveness of creative expression.
Students will be given an efficient and effective process for tailoring songs to better express their ideas and emotions.
Sessions will look at detailed strategies for developing song ideas and investigate how all the individual elements ie lyrics, harmony, rhythm, melody and form can all be utilised to effectively support one another.
In addition to the traditional classroom style lessons each day, students will spend time crafting and presenting new work as well as having daily opportunities to present both existing and new work for valuable feedback.
About Jen
Jen Mize regularly performs, teaches and is always songwriting. Her most recent album is a collaboration with Mark Sholtez – Twilight on the Trail – “a tribute to the great cowboy crooners and their iconic cowboy songs”.
Coming off the back of her stellar album (‘Fear, Pride & a few Stubborn Angels’), which charted in the US on the “Americana Top 100”, Jen has been busy touring and earning the accolades that come with the hard work of being an alternative country troubadour and letting authentic songs stand on their own two feet.
In April 2016, Jen took 26 songs down to the central coast of New South Wales to record the 12 track album ‘Warnings & Wisdom’ with Aria, APRA & Golden Guitar winning producer & songwriter Shane Nicholson.‘It was like being in the lair of a musical mad-scientist...’ said Mize. There is a ‘no fear’ attitude on the record. A kind of shout-it-from-a-mountain-top epicness about it... One that, I think, fits both where I am in my life, and the songs themselves.’
Early 2017, Jen Mize released a bittersweet ballad of two broken souls, Mize's 'Forget Her' is a timeless duet with Duncan Toombs. This is the second single off Jen's second album "Warnings & Wisdom". Download this track at jenmize.com
A descendant of the Lumbee Tribe of Native Americans, Mize hails from a family of Georgia cotton farmers. Jen graduated from the Boston Conservatory and has since shared the stage with the likes of Michael Buble, Iris Dement, The Duke Ellington Orchestra, former Supreme Mary Wilson and Duncan Toombs.
‘Jen Mize is more than a great singer-songwriter... she’s a true artist. From the first time I heard her sing, she gripped my heart with raw honesty and deep soul.’ -John Walker, Music City Roots
‘The album (Warnings & Wisdom) contains lovingly crafted songs and can be filed alongside the likes of Lucinda Williams & Patty Griffin – fine company indeed.’ – Lachlan Bryan, Mint Magazine
| Type of Registration |
Early Bird Registration ends 18 November 2019 |
Standard Registration |
| Junior (12-17 years)** | $475 | $475 |
| Workshop Registration | $630 | $695 |
| Friends of McGregor | $600 | $665 |
| Accommodation |
Junior $560 Shared Ensuite $595 Private Room $750 |
|
Payment Plans are available with a $100 deposit.
** Junior must be 12 – 17 years at time of the Retreat.
Accommodation
This provides you with 6 nights of accommodation (check in 2pm Sunday 12 January and check out 10am Saturday 18 January 2020). Continental breakfast and buffet dinner are included. Accommodation is provided on campus at the University Residential Colleges. The Colleges are within easy walking distance of the Campus. Juniors are accompanied by a qualified House Parent from time of check in to check out.
Scholarships
The McGregor Art Retreats form part of the School of Creative Arts, USQ and are supported by the Friends of McGregor. Together, McGregor offer partial and/or full scholarships, pending the support available. Selection for all scholarships is made by a consensus rating of a panel including representatives from McGregor and other relevant bodies; this is based on:
- Location of student
- Artistic potential, and/or;
- Degree of financial need for assistance
For more information please visit the McGregor scholarship page.
Registration Cancellations
Cancel by close of business 13 December 2019 — refund less $100 non-refundable deposit. Cancel after 13 December 2019 — no refund. Cancel accommodation after 13 December 2019 — $50 cancellation fee. The McGregor Retreat may waive or reduce the cancellation penalties if a participant has cancelled due to a medical condition or bereavement.
Workshop Cancellations
The McGregor team reserves the right to cancel a class if minimum enrolments are not reached or if any unforeseen circumstances occur. If your workshop is cancelled you will receive a full refund or the option to transfer to another class.
All prices are GST inclusive
Online: Using the Book now button above
Phone: School of Creative Arts Box Office on 07 4631 1111. Box Office hours are Monday to Friday 10.00am to 4.00pm.
In Person: A Block, Box Office, USQ, West Street Toowoomba, Monday to Friday 10.00am to 4.00pm
Payment Plan: You can select a payment plan option with a $100 non-refundable deposit. Pay off the balance by 13 December 2019.
Phone: School of Creative Arts Box Office on 07 4631 1111. Box Office hours are Monday to Friday 10.00am to 4.00pm.
In Person: A Block, Box Office, USQ, West Street Toowoomba, Monday to Friday 10.00am to 4.00pm
Payment Plan: You can select a payment plan option with a $100 non-refundable deposit. Pay off the balance by 13 December 2019.
The McGregor Music Retreat is an action packed week of core learning, specialised electives and ensemble jam sessions.
Check out the full program to see what is involved for the week.
Each participant will also get to undertake an elective in addition to their core learning for the week, check out the elective options for more information.
Create. Collaborate. Connect.
Along with your practical skills as a musician, singer or songwriter, 21st century musicians need to be creative, collaborative and sustainable. Here at the McGregor Music Retreat, we hope to provide you with the tools required to become all of these things. Our 5-day summer music program is built on a framework that can facilitate musicians of varying experiences and ages. You’ll pick your ‘music major’ and then through group instrument lessons, ensembles, industry workshops and performance opportunities you’ll embrace music fundamentals, create your own tune and be guided on your journey to become the musician you want to be!Create your own tune
Our music industry is ever evolving and so are we. Along with your practical skills as a musician, singer or song writer; 21st century musicians need to be creative, collaborative, sustainable and flexible. Here at the McGregor Summer Retreat you will experience and discover multiple career pathways such as solo or ensemble performance, studio recording, music technology, teaching, songwriting, music as therapy or perhaps you are just passionate about music, want to have fun and be inspired by industry professionals.The music retreat is a recreational 5-day music program built into a framework that can facilitate musicians of varying experiences and ages through group instrument lessons, performing in ensembles and participating in inspirational workshops. No matter your age or experience, our tutors will guide you to embrace the fundamentals of music and inspire you to create your own tune in a safe and encouraging environment which is essential to achieving the goals of each musician and artist.
Core Studies of the McGregor Music Retreat
- development of instrumental and musicianship skills
- development of song writing skills
- ensemble and performance skills
- experience with music technology and recording
- get to know and learn from music industry professionals
- learn all the other skills needed apart from your chosen instrument.
Our goal
We will support, teach and encourage you in individual lessons with specialist sectional tutors. You will experience and learn ensemble performance, gain an introductory understanding of recording and music production techniques and in addition to your principal area of interest have an opportunity to choose from electives in improvisation and music theory, composition and arranging, song writing, performance or music technology.This intimate setting will ensure you receive maximum time with specialist teachers learning through the making of music and achieving core goals. Tutors are well connected, highly prolific professional musicians and educators, creating a vibrant collaborative atmosphere that allows students to achieve their goals.
In this highly competitive industry it’s essential to stand out from your peers and colleagues. Our tutors will mentor you to connect, collaborate and create. Whether you want to take the next step before studying creative arts or just want to have fun we welcome you to the McGregor Music Retreat.
What you will get out of McGregor?
Apart from learning with specialists in your instrument, voice or song writing, you will create with musicians that regularly ‘gig’, record, tour, teach privately and at tertiary institutions and work daily in the music industry. They are well connected in the industry, talented artists and are ready to mentor you. You will gain an introductory experience of recording and music production techniques and in addition to your principal area of interest, you can choose an elective to help you reach your goals.As well as working with your music industry mentors daily, you will have access to USQ Creative Arts Music lecturers, who will be available to discuss the degree programs as well as a broad mix of sustainable career paths in the music industry. They may inspire you with career options that you haven’t before considered. There are so many amazing opportunities out there. Create your own tune at McGregor Music in 2020.
Have a Question?
Check out the McGregor Music FAQs
Still not sure? Give us a call on +61 7 4631 1111, Monday to Friday, 10.00am - 4.00pm or email mcgregor@usq.edu.au.