A CREATIVE RETREAT TO MEXICO
With Guest Teacher VERLON THOMPSON
January 22-27, 2026
San Miguel de Allende, MEXICO
Limited to 10 Alumni of Performing Songwriter Creative Workshops.
High in the cool hills of Mexico’s Colonial Highlands region, San Miguel de Allende is a hidden gem of cobblestone streets and picturesque churches that inspire artists with its color, character and light. With its focus on the arts, the entire town is awash in music and creativity.
We’ll spend 5 nights at Casa Lenno, a 7 bedroom retreat venue located within walking distance to the historic center of San Miguel de Allende. Designed around the Japanese wabi-sabi philosophy of simplicity, the owners have created a refuge where inspiration and creativity are in the air. The villa features a 1000 sq. ft. wellness studio for yoga, a commercial kitchen and dining space, a solar heated pool and jacuzzi, a purified water system, fiber optic internet, and gorgeous suites that are cozy and private.
We’ll have space to write and play music there at the villa, with plenty of down time to wander the shops, museums and galleries of San Miguel, or hop a bus to nearby towns. Verlon Thompson will be leading three morning gatherings with writing prompts and song work, and our wonderful friend Angela Kaset — a hit writer from Nashville who nows lives in San Miguel — will also join us for some activities if she’s available. Oh … and the food! We’ll have a private chef with us each day to prepare a 4-course lunch (comida) and the opening and closing dinners at the villa.
Once you’ve arrived you will be completely taken care of. You won’t need a car, and there is a great bus system to get you wherever you might want to go during your free time, as well as Ubers. All of your meals are taken care of except for 2 dinners on your own (restaurants are everywhere, and you’ll be full from the lunches!), and lunch on your free day.
This is going to be So. Much. Fun!
A few of the things included:
- Group transportation to San Miguel de Allende from the Queretaro (QRO) airport the afternoon of Thursday Jan. 22 and return the morning of Tuesday Jan. 27.
- 5 nights in an apartment at Casa Lenno: Arrive Thursday Afternoon Jan. 22, 2026, and leave Tuesday Morning Jan. 27
- 3 mornings of classes and working on songs with Verlon Thompson
- Breakfast each morning
- 2 4-course lunches (comida) and 1 dinner prepared at the villa by a private chef
- An opening night gala dinner at Casa Lenno
- A closing night gala dinner at Casa Lenno
- A concert at a local venue with Verlon Thompson and Angela Kaset
Register
Cost
All-Inclusive Pricing (except for airfare and 2 meals):
- $2,995 Per Person Double Occupancy Room With Private Bath (Available for 6 People) NOTE: You’ll need to have your roommate planned—we won’t be assigning people to room together.
- $3,800 Single Occupancy Room With Private Bath (Available for 2 People)
Payment:
- $1000 Deposit (Plus $1000 Single Room Supplement if Applicable) Upon Registration
- Second Payment of $1000 Due October 15, 2025
- Balance Due November 15, 2025
Attendees
THIS WORKSHOP is limited to 10 alumni of Performing Songwriter Creative Workshops (spouse, partner, friend also welcome if room is shared).
You must be at least 21 years of age to attend.
Lodging
Casa Lenno in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. You’ll be assigned a room based on single/double registration and availability. All of the rooms have private baths.
Refund Policy
- All payments and deposits are non-refundable if we are not able to fill the spot. If we are able to fill the spot, however, you will be refunded all but $500.
Registration is on a first-come basis, as well as room availability for the breakdown of single and double occupancy. You are not confirmed until the deposit is received, and you receive a direct email from Lydia confirming it and addressing any questions. If you end up not being confirmed after your deposit is paid because of the event and rooms being filled, you will be immediately refunded in full.
A Creative Retreat to Mexico
Jan. 22-27, 2026
This retreat has been filled. Email Lydia@performingsongwriter.com if you'd like to be added to the cancellation list.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t play an instrument?
You don’t need to worry about that at all—except for Suzy’s and Matt’s workshops, playing an instrument isn’t required. The focus in the writing workshops is on telling your story in a way that connects with listeners, and if an instrument is needed the teacher can always help out with that.
Are the classes for all levels?
The songwriting classes are for all levels of writers, whether you’ve only journaled, written poetry, or are someone who actually performs and has recorded your songs. It’s designed to be three days of inspiration from the teacher, legendary guests, or each other as you support the efforts and bravery of your classmates.
There are three classes—Suzy’s performance class at the Bluebird, Matt’s melody master class, and Jonatha’s studio workshop—for alums who’ve already been through other Performing Songwriter classes. These three are by invitation based on if you’re ready and able to perform your songs, are proficient on your instrument, and if you have songs finished and ready to record.
What’s involved in song feedback?
Each person will perform a work-in-progress song in front of the class as the teacher listens and finds a teachable moment that everyone can learn from so more songwriting tools can be added to the toolbox. Feedback is strictly from the teacher, though, and the class is just invited into it as listeners — this keeps it safe and on track. You’ll also have a private 15 minute 1-on-1 with the teacher where you can talk about anything you’d like or get feedback on something you’re working on.
What does a workshop day look like?
The actual schedule for the workshop will be sent to you when we’re one week out. But in general, the mornings are for input — lessons from the teachers, song breakdowns, prompt exercises, etc. Then a lunch break for a couple of hours when 1-on-1s are also scheduled. Afternoons consist of the song feedback sessions with the whole class and any guests we might have pop in. The days start around 9:30 and end at 6:00, except for the last evening which goes through dinner.