Music as a Spiritual Practice

Music as Spiritual Practice

Weekend Retreat with Martha Gallagher

May 22 – 24, 2026

During this refreshing, contemplative retreat we explore music as spiritual practice. Whether we are playing, singing, practicing, listening, learning, creating or performing, we can transform our engagement with our music into a deep and rich spiritual practice. This retreat is for is for all musicians and music lovers (ages 18+); all music experience levels, music preferences, from casual music-lover to professional musician. Enjoy time and space, with gentle guidance, to deepen your love of making music, deepening connection to music, self and Spirit. This retreat welcomes all people who seek respite and delight, offering a time of peace, discovery and creation; a beautiful retreat as the seasons dance from Spring into Summer.

Please bring your sense of curiosity, a willingness to be surprised and delighted, an open heart, a journal, writing utensils, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes (there’s a beautiful labyrinth that we will be walking as part of the retreat). If you are an instrumentalist, you are welcome to bring your own instrument, if possible and practical. Note: this is not a technique or repertoire workshop; this is a spiritual retreat. Retreat takes place at the Holy Mountain Retreat Center, Garrison, NY Check in: Fri., May 22 3:00 PM – 4:45 PM.

Retreat opens with a Dinner Gathering on Fri. at 5 PM.

Check out: Sunday, May 24 by 11:00 AM. Retreat closes on Sun. morning at 10 AM.

Martha Gallagher delights in supporting individuals and groups in revitalizing and deepening their spiritual practices through engaging in music, storytelling, dance, poetry creation, Nature connection, and imagination exploration.

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!

www.HolyMountainRetreats.org