2025 LUTSONGS SONGWRITING RETREAT SCHEDULE 

THURSDAY

3:00 - Check-in and Registration

5:00 - 6:00 Welcome! Introductions/Expectations/Meet the teachers.

6:00 – 7:15 Dinner together at Cascade Lodge Restaurant (included)

7:30 - 9:00    Song circle at the Main Lodge (perfect chance to pass songs around and get to know each other)

FRIDAY

8:00 – 8:45 Continental breakfast in the lodge

8:45 – 9:00    Good Morning get together  

9:00 – 10:30 MASTER CLASS

STEVE SESKIN will start the classes with a talk on Lyric Writing

What elements make up the most potent and engaging lyrics? In this workshop we take a look at lyrics that have that magical combination of imagery and emotion and how those two factors contribute greatly to drawing in the listener. I always say “show me, don’t tell me.” We need to paint pictures with our lyrics. We’ll talk about some of the tools every songwriter needs to be a better lyric writer.

10:30 – 10:45 Break

10:45 – 12:15 MASTER CLASS

MARY BRAGG will lead a session North Star, Why We Write

As you launch into fleshing out a new idea, before you've settled on a verse or a chorus, zoom out to consider, at your earliest convenience, what your central idea is - your north star - in order to identify the focal point that each and every line of your song should be serving and pointing toward. Taking the time to explore what your north star could be, and also what it isn't, helps us move through the writing process with intention and productive curiosity. 

We'll also spend some time in this class discussing why we write, exploring the deeper purposes behind songwriting. Whether you're drawn to write for yourself, to inspire others, or to share a unique perspective, we'll explore connecting with the "why" that fuels your songwriting.

12:15 – 1:15 Lunch on your own (and a chance to explore our beautiful surroundings)

1:15 – 2:45 MASTER CLASS

Steve Seskin and Mary Bragg will talk about co-writing. Co-writing is getting together with another songwriter and writing a song together. The do’s and don’ts, the ins and outs. How to find the collaborator of your dreams. Steve and Mary have written many songs together, and they are still great friends!

2:45 – 3:00 Break

3:00 – 4:30 BREAKOUT SESSIONS  

STEVE SESKIN  -  Inspiration: Where do songs come from?

Here we explore ways to “jump start your creativity with morning pages, object writing, etc. I will try to empower you to write about more than just your own life and to use emotional moments as catalyst t inspire you. We’ll also delve into the power of fiction and examine what’s really important in songs – emotional truth. My friend Allen Shamblin always says “A great writer never lets the facts get in the way of the truth.” 

MARY BRAGG - Harnessing your vocal chops

Everyone’s singing voices are incredibly individual. Whether you’re a songwriter who hardly sings or a classically trained singer who hardly writes, we’ll identify what makes your voice special in all its physiological intricacies, and help you deepen your understanding and use of that instrument to better deliver your songs

SARAH MORRIS – The Steady Beat Of It: Finding rhythms and practice to sustain our creative spirit

In the flow, writer’s block, on a roll, in a rut…the highs and lows of creative living can feel thrilling, and/or tiring.  Fostering and committing to a practice - whether daily, weekly, or seasonally - can offer a solid foundation to weather well the natural waxing and waning of inspiration or spark.  Join Sarah Morris for a conversation around rituals, habits, systems that serve and nourish our creative work.

Sarah Morris is a singer, songwriter, Mama, and firm believer in the magic of dedication.  After spending a decade as a sometimes songwriter, Sarah joined a weekly, prompt-based songwriting career, and became…a reliably-often songwriter.  A seemingly small change, with a huge impact on her life - resulting in roughly 200 songs, 4.5 albums, and a foundational calm in her relationship with songwriting, and the making of most things.

MOLLY MAHER – Open Tunings

Let’s take the “ope” out of open tunings. Molly wants you to find inspirations in open tunings. She will show you two variations of tunings, and a few tricks to move up and down the fingerboard. “Open tunings transformed the way I play guitar and approach songwriting. I want the same spark for you”. Bring your guitar and an open mind. Molly will demystify these really accessible tricks.

4:30 – 7:00 On your own, or with friends…

Dinner is on your own tonight. Practice what you have learned? Co-write with another student? Walk along the Big Lake or river for inspiration? Visit Grand Marais? This is time for you to do you.

7:00 – 9:00 SONG CIRCLE in Cascade Restaurant (or at the campfire if the weather permits)

Song Circles are a chance to get to know each other and to share some of your songs. Listen to others. Tell stories. The song circle will be held in the Cascade Bar/Restaurant and will likely go for several hours. You can stay for the night or listen for a while and then do something by yourself or with others. You decide, but most people will likely want to participate so they can listen and share.

SATURDAY

8:00 – 8:45 Continental breakfast in the lodge

8:45 – 9:00       Good Morning get together

9:00 – 10:30 MASTER CLASS STEVE SESKIN –  Melody

When focusing on melody writing, I teach from a place of writing melodies for lyrics. Prosody is the marriage of music and lyric. We explore ways to determine if the overall vibe of the music feels right, and look at specific parts of songs in terms of choosing an appropriate melody that milks the emotion that the writer would like the listener to feel from the lyric. I also talk about phrasing and accents. There is an important word in every sentence. We look at choosing accent places that stress the right syllables and help drive home your point. Music can actually change the meaning of a lyric when used to its fullest potential. We also discuss rhythm and range and how to to use the effectively in songs. 

10:30 – 10:45 Break

10:45 – 12:15 MASTER CLASS  MARY BRAGG -  Performance & Heart 

Let's talk about reaching people. Ever felt like your favorite artist was singing straight to your heartstrings, like they had written the song just for you? That connection is powerful, personal, and achievable - by every songwriter. Using performance dynamics, diction, and other selective delivery techniques, we'll explore ramping up your performance skills in order to more effectively reach your listeners. 

We'll work toward crafting performances that foster a sense of belonging, where your listeners don't just hear your music—they become part of it.

12:15– 1:15 Lunch on your own (maybe try co-writing or rewriting)?

STEVE SESKIN AND MARY BRAGG will talk about re-writing. Writing can more easily come from that dreamy/stream of consciousness place. Rewriting involves considering what you’ve already written and in many ways is a lot more tedious. In this seminar we will examine all types of rewriting. Are you rewriting because the content is not serving the moment in the song? Or is the problem the tone of how you put forth your idea? We’ll also look at how to know when a song is done and the wisdom of sticking to the task versus putting a song away for a while and giving it a rest. Many times, I write more than I need just to give myself choices. We will choose songs we have heard students play, and talk about what the writer might consider re-writing and why.

 3:00 – 4:30 FEEDBACK SESSIONS: STEVE, MARY AND SARAH!

During these sessions we will break into small groups and an instructor along with other students will provide feedback on a song you have written. Bring your instrument and be ready to learn and share!

4:30 – 5:30 Break

5:30 – 7:30. Dinner and a show! At the Surfside Ballroom. We will all gather for a family style meal at Surfside where we can eat, drink, and enjoy each others music before the “Lutsongs Presents” concert (cash bar).

7:30 – 9:00 Surfside “Lutsongs Presents” Concert

Lutsongs Presents will feature our instructors and select students for an intimate free concert that is open to the public.

9:00 - ? Final song circle!!!

SUNDAY

8:00 – 10:00 (Continental Breakfast provided)

Good Bye get together 

A time for hugs, laughter, and connection with new friends. We’ll spend some time debriefing and talking about our weekend. We hope to see you at the Lutsong Music festival in July, and maybe next year at our second annual Lutsongs retreat!