Music as a Spiritual Practice

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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We look forward to welcoming you to the Holy Mountain Retreat Center!

GPS 40 Franciscan Way, Garrison (Philipstown), NY 10524, and follow the signs to the Welcome Center at the top of the mountain. As the road bends left, turn left into the parking lot and enter under the GRAYMOOR sign.

Take the first elevator to 5 and stop at the Retreat Office to pick up your room keys.  Your Guests rooms are on the 8^th floor. Your meeting space is on the 5^th floor.

There is no password for Wi-Fi.   You will be provided with a code to re-enter the 5th-floor doors.

Holy Mountain Retreat Center does not have a large staff on-site.  For assistance, call Security at 845-803-6068.  In an emergency, call 911.  There is no IT professional on duty.

Meals are at 8 AM, 12 PM, and 5 PM promptly. The dining room is on the 5^th floor.

The Trail of Glory Art Exhibit is on the 3^rd Floor.

On the 4^th floor, there is a snack & soda machine and two refrigerators in the Café Lounge. There’s also a kitchenette on the 7^th floor.

First Aid and Lost and Found are in the Retreat Office on the 5^th floor.

Please bring your own towels and toiletries.  Sheets are provided.

Graymoor Book & Gift Center, on the 4^th Floor. It is open Wednesday – Saturday, 9 AM – 5 PM, Sunday, 9 AM – 3 PM.

That Nothing Be Lost Thrift Store, 16 Franciscan Way, is open Wednesday–Sunday, 9 AM – 5 PM.

The Labyrinth Prayer Walk is open every day next to Our Lady of Atonement Chapel.

On departure, put used sheets and towels in a pillowcase and place them outside the door. Leave the comforter in the room.  Please turn off the lights and fans.

All trash and waste baskets must be placed outside the door as well.

Bring water bottles and recyclables to the kitchenette on the 7^th floor. 69

Return keys to the basket outside the retreat office on the 5^th floor.