Tina attended Secret Coast Songwriting Masterclass #6 in Feb / Mar 2025. She was delighted to be able to give her account.
"As soon as I walked in the door, I felt welcome, relaxed and at home. “The Hollies” is a beautiful, homely environment in which to learn and the setting at Tighnabruaich is simply breathtaking… you can’t help but take a deep breath and know you’ve arrived somewhere special.
It has been a long-standing ambition, since I received my very first guitar at the age of 13, to be able to play this wonderful instrument, and to be a part of the music industry in some way. Life took over and that ambition was never realised until around 2020. I purchased my first new guitar in several years and started to learn the basics again. One thing led to another over the last few years, and slowly, I’ve been able to reinvigorate that ambition but only very recently attempted to write my very first song.
As a fledgling songwriter I was nervous to attend this Masterclass, but very quickly, I felt I was able to evolve over the weekend, and was more able to push forward with the possibilities open to me whilst taking on board the learning, freely gifted from the phenomenally experienced mentors and willing and friendly participants alike. It was clear from the outset that the mentors were fully invested and interested in my development as a songwriter no matter my current level of ability. I felt entirely supported and so did everyone else.
The bedroom accommodation was beautiful and the food, drink and constantly available refreshments, were all delicious! My fellow attendees were amazing people from varied walks of life and a full range of abilities and musical interests. The friendships made over that weekend have held fast and the ongoing support, fun and connection from the whole group is quite magical.
I would have no hesitation in recommending this retreat to others. Why not invest in yourself in this warm, friendly, and welcoming space."
