September 19, 2024

Happy Notes x Zostel Songwriter Starter Retreat

About The Event

Hello my dear guitar buddies. If you have followed Happy Notes and our activities for the past few months you would know that we have organised quite a few events, online & offline workshops followed by the student showcase concert and then India’s first Guitar Retreat. We believe in working towards the musicians community in India because everyone is talented and has the right to get access to quality music education which is why we wanted to take things to the next level!

This isn’t just about learning fancy chords or shredding (though there will be plenty of that!). It’s about igniting your musical potential and finding your own unique voice – all while surrounded by the stunning beauty of the Uttrakhand!

Think fresh mountain air clearing your creative fog, deep dives into music theory with yours truly, and campfire jams under a sky full of stars. ✨ Forget the city grind – this retreat is all about connecting with music and yourself in a truly inspiring environment.

Three whole days and nights gives us ample time to clear any roadblocks you’re facing and get you shredding like a pro. This is your chance to unleash your inner rockstar with my undivided attention!

So ditch the doubts, grab your acoustics, and join me on this epic musical adventure. Let’s turn the Dehradun hills into our own personal Woodstock! Spaces are limited, so sign up today!

What you’ll learn
  • Storytelling in song writing
  • Exploring different emotions through song writing
  • Arranging a song
  • How to overcome creative block in songwriting
  • Creating ear candy melodies
  • Exploring different time signatures
  • How to get good sense of time
  • Bonfire Jams
  • Writing your own grooves
  • Techniques like string skipping, bends, hammer on & more

To make sure you hit the ground running at the retreat, we’ll provide access to valuable practice materials after you register. This way, you can dive right in and make the most of this incredible experience!

What is included
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Limited Edition Happy Notes Merch
  • Study Material
  • Bonfires
What is the itineraryΒ 

Day 1

  • 11:00 AM – Check-In & Introductory Experience Guests will arrive and settle into the retreat venue. After check-in, there will be an informal introductory session, setting the tone for the weekend. Attendees will get to know each other through icebreakers, personal stories, and a Q&A session to address any initial questions about the schedule and what they can expect from the experience.
  • 2:00 PM – Lunch A relaxing lunch will be served, allowing participants to refresh and enjoy the surroundings before the day’s musical sessions kick off.
  • 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM – Introductory Jam & First Workshop on Harmony The retreat will kick into gear with an open jam session, where musicians can explore their instruments freely. This will be followed by the first in-depth workshop on musical harmony, diving into how chords, progressions, and harmonic textures shape songs. Attendees will learn how to blend various musical elements together to create cohesive harmony in their music.
  • 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM – Dinner & Bonfire Jam After a hearty dinner, participants will gather around a bonfire for an intimate evening of music, storytelling, and jamming. This is an opportunity to let loose, share creativity, and enjoy the organic flow of group improvisation.

Day 2

  • 8:00 AM – Breakfast The day will begin with a nutritious breakfast to fuel up for the morning ahead.

  • 9:00 AM – Trek & Rhythm Workshop A trek through the scenic surroundings will lead participants to a special spot in nature, where the second workshop on rhythm will be held. The natural environment will offer inspiration as attendees learn to sync their guitar playing with rhythmic elements, experimenting with patterns, timing, and syncopation to enhance their musicality.

  • 2:00 PM – Lunch After the trek and workshop, everyone will return to the venue to relax and recharge with lunch.

  • 4:00 PM – Informal Chit Chat Shoot & Mic Check This is a lighter, informal session where attendees can engage in a casual shoot to capture the memories of the retreat. Participants can also check their microphones and sound setups in preparation for the evening concert.

  • 6:00 PM – Improvisation Workshop The third workshop will focus on improvisation, where musicians will learn how to break out of their usual playing habits, explore new scales, and jam freely with others, unleashing their creativity and spontaneity on the guitar.

  • 9:00 PM – Dinner A delicious meal will be served, providing some time to relax before the evening jam.

  • 10:00 PM – 1:00 AM – Bonfire Jam The evening will culminate with another jam session around the bonfire, where participants can apply what they learned about rhythm and improvisation in a supportive, collaborative environment.

Day 3

  • 8:00 AM – Breakfast The day will start with breakfast to ensure everyone is energized for the songwriting session.

  • 10:00 AM – Songwriting Workshop This workshop will dive deep into the art of songwriting, teaching participants how to craft melodies, lyrics, and chord progressions that tell a story. Musicians will work on their own songs or collaborate with others, receiving guidance on how to shape their ideas into complete compositions.

  • 2:00 PM – Lunch After an intense and creative morning, participants will break for lunch, giving them time to unwind.

  • 8:00 PM – Concert The evening will feature a special concert where participants can showcase the songs they’ve worked on. This will be a chance to perform in front of an intimate audience, sharing their music and gaining valuable performance experience.

  • 10:00 PM – Dinner & Bonfire Jam Following the concert, everyone will gather for one final bonfire jam, celebrating the music and connections made over the past few days.

Day 4

  • 8:00 AM – Breakfast A final breakfast will be served, offering a chance to chat, share stories, and reflect on the retreat experience.

  • 11:00 AM – Checkout Participants will pack up and check out of their rooms.

  • 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM – Conclusion & Concluding Experience & Q&A The retreat will close with a final session, where participants can share their thoughts, provide feedback, and engage in another Q&A. There will also be time to reflect on the weekend’s experiences and ensure everyone captures some last moments for social media before the retreat officially concludes.


Our Speakers

24 Comments

  1. Prerit Thapa

    August 11, 2024

    Pls let me know how can I enroll for the retreat

    • User Avatar

      Abhishek Mittal

      August 11, 2024

      Hi Prerit. Buddy follow these steps:
      1) Click on Events
      2) Click on Happy Notes * Zostel
      3) Book your slot

  2. Aman kumar mishra

    August 11, 2024

    I would love to join , I anyway wanted a escape from everyday life in cities so this could be the chance ..

    • User Avatar

      Abhishek Mittal

      August 11, 2024

      Hey Aman. I feel you brother. Just register for the event. It will take you to the payment Gateway. Once you have made the payment, we will reserve your slot!

  3. Ayushi joshi

    August 11, 2024

    I would love to join

    • User Avatar

      Abhishek Mittal

      August 11, 2024

      Absolutely! Please register.
      Go to
      Events- HappyNotes*Zostel – Book your spot.

    • Disha

      August 25, 2024

      Is it only for guitarists / music writers or for people pursuing singing as a hobby too ?

      • User Avatar

        Abhishek Mittal

        August 27, 2024

        Hey its for everyone. You will really enjoy πŸ™‚

  4. Sushant Bhardwaj

    August 11, 2024

    Thoda mehnga nhi hai

    • User Avatar

      Abhishek Mittal

      August 11, 2024

      Kaafi sasta hai considering what all you will learn buddy!
      3 days of advance music learning with me
      Stay at a peaceful property
      Food
      Community access
      Learning by the riverside
      Bonfire Jams
      Songwriting with musicians.

      Its your personal choice in the end. Sasta mehenga is not the issue. Willingness to learn is.

  5. Deepak

    August 11, 2024

    Love to join

    • User Avatar

      Abhishek Mittal

      August 12, 2024

      Absolutely would love to have you. You should register. Using the laptop its quite simple. With the phone, click on 3 dots and 3 lines in purple. Its a sidepanel. That will take you through the registration process πŸ™‚ Hope it helps!

  6. Vidith

    August 12, 2024

    How to apply for the retreat

    • User Avatar

      Abhishek Mittal

      August 12, 2024

      Hey buddy. You will see a purple colour side panel with 3 dots and 3 lines. Click on that and then follow the steps πŸ™‚ Hope it helps!

  7. Karmesh

    August 20, 2024

    I’m so looking forward but couple of questions/ concerns.
    1. Will it be suitable for hobby guitarists/ beginners?
    2. Can’t share rooms :))

    • User Avatar

      Abhishek Mittal

      August 21, 2024

      yes absolutely it will be. You can opt for a suite. The charges for those will be separate. Will get in touch on Instagram.

  8. Shubham Gupta

    August 21, 2024

    Hi – is the accommodation on sharing basis?

    • User Avatar

      Abhishek Mittal

      August 21, 2024

      Yes it is. If you want a separate accommodation, the charges will be higher .

  9. ashith

    August 21, 2024

    really want to attend but its too far. Any chances of future sessions happening in the south? Bangalore?

    • User Avatar

      Abhishek Mittal

      August 22, 2024

      will make it happen brother!

  10. Parag jain

    August 22, 2024

    Hey, Where do I sign up for this, I don’t see a link anywhere

    • User Avatar

      Abhishek Mittal

      August 22, 2024

      Hey buddy.
      Go to events- Happy notes * Zostel – You will see 3 lines with a dot on the left side. Once you click on that, it will show you book now. Just make the payment and boom its done!
      Hope it helps πŸ™‚

  11. Srinidhi

    September 13, 2024

    Hi, What would be the timings? I have my remote work, would i need to take leave from that? It starts at 6pm and goes till 1am

    • User Avatar

      Abhishek Mittal

      September 13, 2024

      Hey Srinidhi please whatsapp me to 9953527787, i will brief you about everything.

Leave a Comment