We run an informal songwriting residency program at Birdsong under the auspices of the Birdsong Arts and Culture Society (a registered non-profit).

Four times per year (once per season), we host a songwriter to come stay with us for 5-10 days. The songwriter shares our home with us for that time and is given use of the songwriting studio (dubbed “Paradise” in honour of John Prine) which is a separate outbuilding on our property.

In addition to a private room and the songwriting studio, residents have access to our full property including a meditation space, a music studio with basic recording equipment, and a small home gym as well as the kitchen and other spaces in our home. We feed residents dinner every night, and provide food for other meals as well.

We do not offer mentorship, but we are here to cheer you on and happy to talk about your project with you! If you are looking for songwriting mentorship on Gabriola while you are here, we can hook you up to folks who you can enlist for a fee to listen and provide coaching.

Gabriola Island is a place full of artists and musicians - offering quiet and solitude alongside regular community happenings, open mics, and concerts. We can provide you info on whatever you are interested in while you are here working on your latest offering to the world.