Who is this residency for?
This residency is designed for songwriters who are actively engaged in their craft and looking to deepen their creative process in a focused, collaborative environment.
It is best suited for writers who write regularly, are developing a body of original work, and are committed to growing their songwriting practice.
We place more emphasis on creative intent, consistency, and openness to growth than on industry status or external validation.
Do I need to be a professional songwriter to apply?
No. This residency is not defined by publishing deals, representation, or income from songwriting.
It is designed for writers who are actively practicing their craft and committed to developing their voice, process, and body of work over time.
What is included in the residency?
Your experience includes:
- Structured creative writing sessions
- Small-group collaboration and feedback
- Dedicated independent writing time
- Guided discussion centered on craft and process
- Meals and beverages throughout the residency
- Transportation between lodging, workshop space, and airport
- A guided creative excursion to Red Lodge and the Beartooth Pass
- A closing River & Verse Showcase with a small invited audience
Where does the residency take place?
The residency takes place in Billings, Montana, with writing sessions held in a dedicated creative space and additional time spent in surrounding natural environments.
Lodging is arranged at a nearby hotel to keep the experience comfortable, accessible, and seamless.
Is food included?
Yes. All meals and beverages are included throughout the residency.
This is part of the experience design—allowing participants to remain fully focused on writing, collaboration, and creative work without logistical distractions.
What airport should I fly into?
All participants should fly into Billings Logan International Airport (BIL) in Billings, Montana.
Transportation between the airport, lodging, and workshop space is provided to ensure a seamless arrival and departure experience.
Where will I be staying?
A block of rooms will be reserved at a hotel in downtown Billings, located approximately a 14-minute drive from The Workshop.
Lodging details and booking instructions will be provided upon acceptance.
Will there be recording or production?
No. This is not a recording or production-focused experience.
The emphasis is on songwriting, creative development, and the refinement of your work in a focused, supportive environment.
However, minimal recording equipment may be available on a case-by-case basis for the purpose of capturing song progress or creating simple reference demos when appropriate.
What is the River & Verse Showcase?
The residency concludes with a live showcase in front of a small invited audience.
Each participant will share one or more songs in an intimate, supportive listening environment that reflects the work developed over the weekend.
How many people will be accepted?
This is a small-group residency with intentionally limited capacity to 8 songwriters.
This allows for a focused experience, meaningful participation, and a strong collaborative environment for every writer involved.
What should I bring?
We recommend bringing:
- Songs you are currently working on (finished or in progress)
- Ideas you want to explore further
- Openness to collaboration, feedback, and creative exploration
- Comfortable clothing for both writing sessions and time in nature
Is this a performance-heavy environment?
No. This is not a performance-focused experience.
However, there will be opportunities to share work in a supportive setting, including the final showcase.
The primary focus is on writing, development, and creative exploration.
What is the application process like?
Applications are reviewed based on creative voice, commitment to songwriting as a practice, and readiness to engage in a collaborative creative environment.
Selected applicants will be notified directly.
What is the refund policy?
A deposit is required to reserve your place in the residency.
Deposits are non-refundable, as they secure your spot and allow us to plan for a curated group experience. Remaining balance policies and payment details will be shared upon acceptance.
How do I apply?
You can apply by selecting “Step Into the Residency” on the main page.
This will take you to the application form, where you’ll submit your materials and share more about your work and creative practice.
How much does it cost?
Investment details are listed on the “Explore the Residency“ page.
A deposit is required to reserve your place, with the remaining balance due prior to the residency.
What makes this different from other songwriting retreats?
This residency is intentionally small and designed for depth over volume.
It combines focused writing sessions, thoughtful feedback, environmental immersion in Montana, and a carefully curated group of writers—all aimed at supporting meaningful creative growth.
What also sets this experience apart is the level of care and hospitality throughout the weekend. Everything is intentionally designed to allow participants to focus fully on their work while feeling supported, well cared for, and completely taken care of logistically and physically.
Think of it as the balance of a serious songwriting environment with the comfort and ease of a fully supported creative retreat—where meals, transportation, and daily needs are handled with intention, and the experience feels seamless from arrival to departure.
This is not a casual workshop environment. It is a fully supported creative experience designed to feel both elevated and restorative.
What if I’ve never done anything like this before?
You do not need prior residency or workshop experience.
You do need curiosity, openness, and a willingness to engage more deeply in your writing process.
Can I attend if I’m not based in the U.S.?
Yes. International applicants are welcome.
Travel arrangements are the responsibility of the participant, though transportation between airport, lodging, and workshop space is provided once you arrive.
ANGIE GOEKE 