Songfest: Harmony, Joy & Healing Through Song

Imagine a room full of voices rising together—not in perfect unison, but in authentic, collective harmony. This is Songfest, a transformative four-night gathering at the renowned Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY, where singers of all levels discover the profound healing power of raising their voices in community. Led by accomplished song leaders Maggie Wheeler, Melanie DeMore, Bruce Ncube, Luke Wallace, Sara Thomsen, and Meredith Scott Lynn, Songfest invites you to explore singing as both a spiritual practice and an act of liberation.

Whether you're drawn to contemporary compositions, songs steeped in resistance and struggle, or music celebrating joy and resilience, you'll find your place here. This isn't a performance workshop where you're judged on technique—it's a practice rooted in the belief that singing together deepens interpersonal connection, strengthens inner awareness, and offers a powerful antidote to the isolation many of us feel. Your voice matters, and it will be heard.

Over four nights in September, you'll blend traditional instruction with evening breakout sessions, faculty performances, and the magic of collective sound. You'll leave not just with new songs in your repertoire, but with a renewed sense of your own voice as an instrument of personal truth and community healing.

What to Expect

Songfest combines structured workshop instruction with intimate, exploratory sessions. Each evening features guided singing led by the faculty, where you'll learn repertoire ranging from healing mantras and contemporary compositions to powerful songs rooted in cultural resistance and celebration. Breakout sessions allow you to dive deeper into specific musical styles or vocal practices, while the faculty performance offers inspiration and a glimpse of what's possible when voices merge with intention.

The atmosphere is non-competitive and welcoming—many participants arrive as complete beginners, while others bring years of singing experience. What unites everyone is the desire to experience the transformative power of collective voice. You'll leave with new songs, deeper connections with fellow seekers, and a strengthened awareness of your own voice as a tool for healing and truth-telling.

Venue & Logistics

Songfest takes place at Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY, a renowned retreat center nestled in the Hudson Valley. The event runs over four nights beginning Monday, September 7, 2026. No prior singing experience is required—just bring an open heart and willingness to explore. The Omega Institute offers on-site accommodations and meals; check their website for details on lodging, accessibility services, and what to bring.