Make Music | Build Friendships | Change Lives

Apply for the Retreat

April 25-27, 2025 | Scottsdale, Arizona

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The SongSight Retreat immerses blind and visually impaired attendees in the world of music

Over 3 days, attendees will take part in masterclasses, write songs, experiment with new and unique instruments, and record an original song with the whole group to be released online after the retreat.

This one-of-a-kind program will be an intimate experience, so each activity will not only be hands-on, but will allow participants to truly explore their potential and discover the life-changing power of music.

Weekend Activities

Activities range from instrument experimentation to songwriting sessions, music in the round, instrument focus, fireside chat and interaction with professional artists, guest lectures and performances from blind American Idol alum Scott MacIntyre and others, recording an original song for release, and a trip to the world-renowned Musical Instrument Museum.

 

What’s Included

  • All activities mentioned above
  • Snacks and all meals during the retreat
  • Hotel accommodations
  • Ground transportation to and from the hotel to the activity venue in Scottsdale, AZ
  • Ongoing access to industry professionals

Past Mentors

Scott MacIntyre

Scott MacIntyre

American Idol Finalist

Dave Bechtel

Dave Bechtel

Producer and Engineer

Mark Dowdy

Mark Dowdy

Producer and Songwriter

Kurt Heinecke

Kurt Heinecke

Film Composer and Multi-instrumentalist

Chris Hodges

Chris Hodges

Music Library Composer

How to Apply

Complete the form below. In the form, submit a video of yourself letting us know why this retreat would be perfect for you!

There is no fee to apply for this retreat.  If selected, attendees will need to pay $200.00 USD to secure their spot. The retreat has a value of $2,500 per person and over 90% of retreat costs are being graciously covered by donors. If you are unable to cover the $200.00 participation fee, financial assistance may be available, so we encourage everyone to apply!

Click to read the FAQs for more information

Where is the retreat located?

The retreat is taking place in Scottsdale, Arizona at an intimate home-like environment specifically set aside for this purpose. There will be plenty of room to spread out for focused mentoring and to come together for group activities and masterclasses.

Where do I sleep?

Accommodations will be provided for you at the Scottsdale Sonesta hotel (or a comparable hotel in the area), and transportation will be provided each day from the hotel to the retreat site and any other locations where retreat activities are taking place.

What meals are provided?

Full lunches and dinners will be provided at the retreat site. The hotel will have breakfast available, and there will be plenty of snacks available throughout the day.

What if I’m out of state?

All meals, hotel accommodations, and transportation from the hotel to the retreat venue each day are included. If you are out of state, you will just need to cover your travel to and from Arizona.

Can I bring my own instrument?

A range of instruments will be provided, however you are welcome to bring your own personal instrument as well.

Is there an age limit?

You must be 18 years old or older in order to attend.

Will I have the opportunity to talk one-on-one with the guest artists and speakers?

Yes, the guest artists and speakers will be hanging out with the whole group and would love to get to know you over the course of the retreat and beyond.

Questions? send us a note and we'll get back to you soon.

© Artists for Community Transformation Intl.