Dreamland Recording Studio · Hurley, NY · October 9-12, 2026

10 spots available

Thank you for your interest in Highwater. This application has five short sections and should take between 15–25 minutes to complete if you have the following at hand:

 

• Short bio (200 words or less)
• An original song you wish to record in Mp3 or Wav format ready to upload
• Short overview of what the song is about (150 words or less)
• Lyric sheet with chords or full chart in PDF or Doc format ready to upload
• Song file, overview, and lyric/chord sheet or chart for and additional one or two songs if you want help from the co-directors choosing the best song for the retreat.

 

Please note that all submitted materials — including song demos and lyric sheets — are reviewed solely by the Highwater production team and held in strict confidence. They will not be shared externally.

Help us understand who you are as a writer and where you are in your creative journey.

Tell us about the song you are bringing to Highwater. This is what our production team will study before the retreat begins.

Upload your song demos and lyric-chord sheets. Phone recordings and home recordings are completely fine. We are listening to the song, not the production.

Additional demos give the production team broader context for your work. Upload demos and lyric/chord sheets for up to 2 additional songs if you have them.

Pricing Structure

4 Day Retreat with All Meals Single Room (3 nights*) - $4,150 ($3,750 before 7/1)
4 Day Retreat with All Meals Shared Room (3 nights*) - $4,000 ($3,600 before 7/1)
4 Day Retreat with Lunch & Dinners No Housing Necessary - $3,750 ($3350 before 7/1)

*additional nights stay will be made available upon request

A few last questions before we receive your application.

Pricing for each option will be confirmed at the time of acceptance. Your preference here helps us plan — it is not a commitment or a deposit.

The Highwater experience is founded on collaboration, trust, and creative integrity. All participants - Songwriters, musicians, producers, industry guests, staff, and volunteers—are expected to uphold the values outlined below. Participation in one of our retreats constitutes agreement to this Code of Conduct.

1. CORE VALUES

These retreats are guided by the following principles:

• Professional Curtesy
• Collaboration over competition
• Respect for the creative process & artistic integrity
• Personal dignity and mutual respect
• A safe environment for creative risk and growth

The goal is to create a space where all participants feel supported in doing their best and most honest creative work.

2. COLLABORATION & CREATIVE RESPECT

Participants agree to:

• Engage openly and respectfully with fellow participants
• Endeavor to communicate clearly and professionally
• Listen actively and give feedback constructively
• Respect differences in background, culture, identity, and creative approach

Creative disagreement is natural and welcomed.
Disrespect is not.

3. SAFE & SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT

Highwater retreats are committed to providing an environment where all participants feel safe to:

• Take creative risks
• Share unfinished or vulnerable work
• Ask questions and seek guidance
• Grow artistically and professionally

Harassment, intimidation, discrimination, or exclusionary behavior of any kind will not be tolerated.

This includes, but is not limited to, behavior based on:

• Gender or gender identity
• Sexual orientation
• Race or ethnicity
• Nationality
• Religion
• Disability
• Age

4. PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

Participants are expected to:

• Arrive on time and prepared for sessions
• Respect shared spaces, venues, and equipment
• Follow all retreat guidelines and schedules
• Represent the retreat positively in public and online spaces

Excessive intoxication, disruptive behavior, or actions that undermine the collaborative environment may result in removal from programming.

5. CONFIDENTIALITY & TRUST

Creative camps require trust, an essential element in meaningful collaboration. Participants agree to:

• Respect the privacy of creative discussions
• Not record or share unfinished work without consent
• Not disclose personal stories shared in confidence

6. REPORTING & ACCOUNTABILITY

Any participant who experiences or witnesses behavior that violates this Code of Conduct is encouraged to report it to retreat coordinator.

All concerns will be taken seriously and handled discreetly.

7. CONSEQUENCES

Violation of this Code of Conduct may result in:

• A warning
• Removal from specific activities
• Removal from the retreat without refund
• Disqualification from future participation

Retreat leadership reserves the right to take appropriate action to protect the integrity and safety of the community.

8. AFFIRMATION OF COMMITMENT

By participating in the Highwater Recording Retreat I affirm that:

• I will engage honestly, respectfully, and collaboratively
• I will honor the creative contributions of others
• I will contribute to a safe, dignified, and supportive creative environment

Closing Statement

Highwater’s success is measured not only by the songs recorded and workshops learned from, but by the relationships formed and the trust maintained. Each participant plays a role in promoting & protecting such a space.