Ellis Paul

We are thrilled to announce that we will be running TWO retreats again in 2025!

NESR 9A: Fri Aug 22 - Tue Aug 26 (2025)
NESR 9B: Fri Aug 29 - Tue Sep 2 (2025) — Labor Day weekend

Each year, my partner Laurie MacAllister and I gather a collection of our favorite master songwriters in Chester, CT to work with 100 students who want to take a deep dive into the heart of their craft. It’s an intense, joyful, cathartic experience, that leaves everyone who enters a better artist, including the Instructors! Everyone leaves the weekend inspired and energized, with new songs, new ideas, and new lifelong friendships.

We are putting together a truly STELLAR lineup of Instructors for NESR 9, which will be announced soon.

There are engaging classes, student concerts, one-on-one meetings, song circles, and a vibrant community that will embrace the best version of your artistic self.

Our home for the weekend is in Chester CT, at Guest House Retreat and Conference Center, an historic inn. The accommodations are quaint and cozy, with a B&B vibe. OR you can commute from your CT home or a nearby hotel. The food is delicious, with plenty of healthy vegetarian options. Late summer/early fall is a perfect time to be in New England!

What better gift could you give the songwriter/artist in you?

I hope you’ll join us!

—Ellis

LODGING: A four-night stay at the Guest House Retreat Center in Chester CT, which has lovely B&B-style rooms.

CHECK-IN/REGISTRATION is on Friday Aug 22 (or Aug 29), 2025 at 3 pm

CHECKOUT is on Tuesday Aug 26 (or Sept 2), 2025 at 10 am

MEALS: Healthy, delicious, expertly-prepared meals throughout the weekend, including great vegetarian options. Friday dinner through Tuesday breakfast is included. Dietary needs are happily accommodated.

TUITION includes all of this and more:
Songwriting classes each day, led by some of America's premiere touring singer-songwriters
Additional courses covering topics related to songwriting, such as performance and singing
Small class size = lots of individual attention
One-on-one coaching from members of our team of excellent Instructors
Opportunities for live performance in a professional listening room setting
Lots of networking and fun with other aspiring musicians all weekend long
Late-night song circles all weekend long
A sweet bag of swag, including a nice journal
A party on closing night (Monday night)
A warm, welcoming, creative community