Workshop Testimonials

The workshops and retreats have created a community of like-minded creative souls who come back over and over—some to over thirty workshops now. Below are few testimonials from some who have been only once as well as those who come to several a year.

The Performing Songwriter Creative Workshop was absolutely the best songwriting workshop I’ve ever attended. Lydia did an amazing job of organizing this jam-packed-from start-to-finish workshop. The evening activities were just as cool as the workshop itself. I forged some great friendships. Thank you Lydia!!!

Melinda Milligan

Memphis, TN

Participating in one of Lydia’s workshops is giving yourself a wonderful gift. Assuming the role of “cruise director” and “cheerleader”, Lydia’s knowledge, love and appreciation for songwriters is infused throughout the workshop. Whether you are a first time writer or just need a little “reboot” this workshop fulfills your intent and more. It is a sacred time that marries private introspection with unconditional camaraderie. The only downside is that it doesn’t go on forever!

Jenny Plume

Toronto, Ontario

Lydia created a magical space that provided us with the experience of a lifetime. A group of strangers gathered to attend a songwriting workshop with backgrounds as diverse as the reasons they answered the call. Within three days later, that group of strangers became part of my family, a circle of love and friendship that will keep us connected not only to one another but the calling to write. When you are called, gather up your guitars, your lyrics, and your music and answer the call … your dreams are waiting for you.

Conni Ma’ilingan

Detroit, MI

Lydia is a true gem. Always willing. Always available. Perfect hostess with well organized events. Life-changing, full of heart, song-improving, intense, lifelong friendship making … 3 powerful days.

Missy Chamberland

Crested Butte, CO

Lydia is the perfect Workshop Organiser. She made it all run smoothly and feel joyful all at the same time. Very nurturing and caring atmosphere.

Keith Tutt

Hardingham, Norfolk UK

If you need to learn how to transfer what you see, and hear, and imagine, from your brain to whatever your medium of creativity is, Performing Songwriter Creative Workshops are for you. While the emphasis of the workshop I attended was on “songwriting,” the teaching and inspiration I received was applicable to virtually any outlet of creativity. Lydia is one of the most fun and “welcoming” people you will ever meet and her event planning skills are unmatched! From the online registration to the very end of the workshop I felt like I was in good hands.

Matt Steinhauer

Hendersonville, TN

This workshop completely defied my expectations. I left a changed person.

Tim Metz

Lawrence, KS

I was welcomed with a smile, kindness, and warmth… The perfect start to a perfect workshop.

David King

Decatur, GA

The Performing Songwriter Creative Workshop was out of this world! Impeccably organized, masterfully delivered and profoundly engaging for the students. A perfect balance of theory and practice; intense days of songwriting complemented by entertaining Nashville evenings; and just the kickstart I needed to get back into my songwriting and to go deep! Loved it!!!

Mel Farrimond

Halifax, Nova Scotia

As we know from the many years of great PS magazines, Lydia Hutchinson just flat out knows what she’s doing. So it’s no surprise to find top notch faculty in a well thought out program that will have you coming back for more. This is the real deal executed by writers..for writers in ways that matter. I could not have done my inner writer a better favor. Worth every penny and then some.

Phil Poli

Windsor, Ontario

Lydia thought of everything! From gathering the finest songwriters, to accommodations, social events and ensuring we all enjoyed a taste of Nashville, she covered it all.

Peter Price

Crystal River, FL

I’ve been writing songs for 4 decades and have recorded 7 albums. This workshop advanced my writing skills and focus more than I could have imagined. I’ve been inspired and more productive, and can see the difference in the quality and enjoyment of my songwriting!

John Mulder

Spring Lake, MI

These workshops are such a beautiful gift to the world. They give people an opportunity to connect, to be inspired, and to allow them to inspire others. I am deeply appreciative for all the work you put in to create these, and all the extra touches you add to make them even more magical. The experience has transformed my life. Thank you for everything!

Jennifer Tortorici

Nashville, TN

Having already taken several Performing Songwriter Creative Workshops, I can whole heartedly recommend the experience. Lydia is amazing. In addition to being a really wonderful person, she is a fantastic organizer who is totally focused on creating a workshop that is both supportive and very valuable to all the participants.

Ellen Gennaro

Nashville, TN

Lydia is a warm and caring person with a contagious smile, attitude, and work ethic. She only wants the best for each student and works very hard to make them comfortable, feel welcome, and to be a part of something bigger than themselves.

Robert Lindsay

Sunderland, MD

Lydia’s hospitality is infectious and the schedule for the workshop had something for everyone. The three-day schedule had a great balance of structured lessons, time to write and socialize, small group sessions and a song circle to end the day. Oh, and the surprises! Great surprises were built in and well worth waiting for! A treat indeed! I look forward to attending another Workshop in the near future!

M.E. Dunlap

Eugene, OR

This workshop was so well organized, and communication was out of this world. Coming into it I felt like i knew what to expect, which helps me feel comfortable. I loved the small size, and while I didn’t believe you guys when you said our group would really become like a family, it did! It’s the most standout workshop I’ve ever attended.

Marie de la Vega

Grand Rapids, MI

The workshop was FABULOUS!! Lydia is a class act. Not once did she ever let the ball drop! Everything ran like clockwork, she was always there—ready to help or clarify something. She thought of everything! And she made each of us feel important. I cannot thank her enough for all she did to make this experience one I will never forget. I can’t wait to be take part in another workshop.

Carol Lyman

Point Pleasant, PA

Lydia was thoughtful with every step of the way in communicating what Performing Songwriter Creative Workshops offered. She provided all the structure required, ironically, to be free in pursuing songwriting with others from across the USA as well as those from other countries.

Richard Weil

Takoma Park, MD

I have attended many Perforoming Songwriter Creative Workshops and each one has been a tremendous life changing experience. The workshops are professionally conducted and provide a safe haven for writers to learn, play, and participate. I would not trade these experiences for anything in the world.

Joy Newby

Brentwood, TN

As a life and executive coach, I’ve attended dozens of seminars and programs. This is HANDS DOWN the most inspiring workshop of all! Lydia’s attention to every detail, coupled with her caring and creativity, and her respect for the best teachers in the business make this a gem of a program you should not miss.

Debbie Phillips

West Tisbury, MA

Lydia strikes a perfect balance of professionalism and personableness — thoughtful host, organized leader, and dear soul. Can’t say enough about how wonderful the entire session was, from signing up, to telling everyone I’d made it home safe. A truly transformational time.

Linda Stollings

Edmonton, Alberta

Lydia Hutchinson knows her craft. She created an amazing workshop that integrated a historic facility, surprise visits to a few of Nashville’s music scene gems, and of course the fabulous performing songwriter and singer guest teacher troubadours. I left feeling fulfilled and anticipating my next workshop. The workshop far exceeded my expectations. Lydia is warm and gracious person who knows how to create a wonderful learning experience and environment.

Lynn Newman

Redding, CA

In addition to seamlessly executing a highly organized event on time for several days and nights, Lydia does it with warmth and grace putting any tensions at ease and facilitating the connections and sacred work taking place.

April Koester

Brooklyn, NY