Music as a Spiritual Practice
With Martha Gallagher
May 22 - 24, 2026
Music as Spiritual Practice
Weekend Retreat with Martha Gallagher
May 22 – 24, 2026
During this contemplative retreat we explore music as spiritual practice, using several beautiful practices that, while seemingly simple are actually quite potent, enriching our time with and in our music. These practices come together to offer us the opportunity to connect more deeply with ourselves, our instruments, the music and Spirit. Whether we are playing, singing, practicing, learning, creating or performing, we can transform our involvement with our music into a deep and rich spiritual practice.
This retreat is for all musicians (instrumental or vocal); most suitable for intermediate beginner to advanced-level experience. Note: this retreat would not be suitable for novice levels.
Please bring your instrument.
Please note: this is not a technique or repertoire worship; it is a spiritual retreat.
In his collection of Bengali poems, Gitanjali, Rabindranath Tagore writes that the song he wanted to sing has never happened because he spent his days “stringing and unstringing” his instrument.
“Whenever I read these lines a certain sadness enters my soul… I get so preoccupied with the details and pressure of my schedule, with the hurry and worry of life, that I miss the song of goodness which is waiting to be sung through me.”
Joyce Rupp
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OPEN TO ALL ADULT MUSICIANS AND SINGERS, REGARDLESS OF EXPERIENCE.
BRING YOUR INSTRUMENT!
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Welcome to Holy Mountain Franciscan Retreat Center
Address for GPS: 40 Franciscan Way, Garrison (Philipstown), NY 10524
Enter Graymoor from Route 9, drive to the top of the mountain, and turn left into the large parking lot by the Welcome Center. Enter under the Graymoor sign and take the elevator to the Retreat Office (5th floor) to pick up your room key and back door code. First Aid and Lost & Found are also located there.
Meals: 8:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 5:00 PM
Dining Room (5th floor) — open all day for water, tea, juice, and ice.
Wi-Fi: No password required.
Assistance: Security: 845-803-6068 | Emergency: 911
Facilities & Amenities
- Private rooms, shared bathrooms. Please bring soap, towels, and toiletries (sheets provided)
- Trail of Glory Art Exhibit: 3rd floor
- Snack & soda machines; Café refrigerators: 4th floor
- Book & Gift Center (4th floor): Wed–Sat 9 AM–5 PM; Sun 9 AM–3 PM
- Kitchenette, conference room & living room: 7th floor
- Labyrinth Prayer Walk: daily, next to Our Lady of Atonement Chapel
- “That Nothing Be Lost” Thrift Store: 16 Franciscan Way, Wed–Sun 9 AM–5 PM
Departure Instructions
- Place sheets in a pillowcase outside your door (leave comforter in room)
- Turn off lights and fans
- Place trash outside your door
- Bring water bottles and recyclables to the 7th-floor kitchenette
- Return keys to the basket outside the Retreat Office
Thank you for visiting the Holy Mountain!
About the Leader
Martha Gallagher
Musician, storyteller, and poet, Martha Gallagher delights in supporting individuals and groups in revitalizing and growing their spiritual practices through music, dance, and poetry. Nature connection and imagination exploration are among the joys of her ministry.
Learn more about Martha Gallagher