OUR 2026 RETREAT
WHEN: Thursday 15th January to Sunday 18th January 2026.
REGISTRATION please sign up HERE
BOOK TICKETS please click HERE
DOWNLOAD OUR 2026 PROGRAM HERE
Retreat kicks off from 5pm with registration & welcome drinks, followed by Cello Choir (orchestra) rehearsal. 7:30pm we have our exclusive private Retreat Welcome Dinner at Eudlo General Store (bookings essential). Our Retreat wraps up with goodbye drinks on Sunday after our final Summer Concert – Classical Cellissimo! Join us!
WHERE Eudlo Hall, 19 Rosebed Street Hinterland Sunshine Coast (Gubbi Gubbi country) QLD.
WHAT 3 full days immersion offering varied wellness and musical activities to create connection, continuum, challenge, and comfort.
WHO 2026 retreat artists and instructors are:
- Louise King (Retreat Artistic Director, Cello Dreaming, Muses Trio, Long Listen Festival and ABC Classics recording artist. Graduate of Royal College and Royal Northern College of Music, UK, former member of BBC Philharmonic, Halle Orchestra and Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra)
- Rachel Johnston (former member of the Australian String Quartet and Tankstream Quartet, graduate of Juilliard School, London University, and Canterbury University (NZ), ABC Classics and Move Records Artist and non-classical contemporary genre specialist)
- Gyorgy Deri (Senior Lecturer Cello, Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, Brisbane Queensland)
- Julia Janiszewski (Canberra Symphony Orchestra, Strings Teacher, Environmental Scientist)
- Francesca Masel (Retreat Emerging Young Artist in Residence 2026 Graduate Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and QCGU Brisbane, AYO Alumni and UpBeat Camerata artist 2023).
- Lisa Pirlo (Pianist, Retreat Accompanist)
- Sherab Holley (Strings Teacher, violinist, meditation teacher, naturopath)
- Liz Page (Feldenkrais Embodied Awareness)
- Nienke Berghuis (sound therapist, yoga instructor & sound immersion workshops)
SNAPSHOT DAILY ITINERARY:
- 8:00 Wellness Activity i.e. yoga, meditation or Feldenkrais method
- 9:00 Technique Class
- 10:30 Morning Tea (included)
- 11:15 Cello Choir (sectionals and tutti rehearsals)
- 1:00 Lunch (BYO or local cafe gathering)
- 2:30 Masterclass (advanced cellists only)
- 4:00 Afternoon Tea (included)
- 4:00 Break Out Pods: Guided Chats, Journalling, Theory Cram, Jam Sessions, Chamber Music Try Outs. We have a range of rooms and local spaces to facilitate small group sessions.
- 5:00 Personal Time
- 5:30 Sound Check for Concert (retreat faculty & guest concert artists only)
- 6:00 Dinner (BYO or local restaurant options)
- 7:00 Summer Concert (retreat faculty & guest concert artists only)
DINNER BOOKINGS Please make your reservation for our exclusive Retreat Welcome Dinner Thurs 9 January 2025 7:30pm $75pp HERE
ABOUT OUR FACULTY:
The faculty are generous practitioners who share tips and tricks, and open ways to learn a range of music from folk to jazz, tango, contemporary, improvisation, baroque to classical.
Our faculty include leaders in professional orchestras, contemporary folk, and chamber music practices, and specialists include practitioners in Alexander Technique, Feldenkrais Method, yoga, meditation and Body Mapping.
We address the physical, social and mental wellbeing of students, aspiring musicians, music teachers and professional practitioners. We create supportive and safe sessions that empower you towards creative and personal freedom.
We show you how to care for your body and your mind, as well as how to manage your inner-critic, self-doubt, performance anxiety, and provide strategies and resources to deal with injury and encourage freedom of movement and thinking.
OUR PROGRAM:
- Cello Choir – AMEB Grade 3 to L MusA, classical to modern works including world premieres in 3, 4 or 5 parts.
- Morning Wellness Classes – yoga, meditation, Feldenkrais (Awareness Through Movement), and body mapping.
- Masterclasses with our guest faculty and Louise King Cello Dreaming.
- Workshops explore tools for playing in ensembles and groups, improvisation, goal setting and how and what to practice.
- Technique Classes left hand – scales and arpeggios, right arm – bow strokes and articulation, studies – how to use them in your practice.
- Public Summer Concert Series featuring our faculty with guest professional artists, emerging musicians, and support opening acts from our Retreat Community Friday 7pm, Saturday 7pm and Sunday 3:30pm.
SUMMER CONCERTS
Enjoy our Summer Concert Series on Friday Folk & Originals 7pm, Saturday Baroque & Tango 7pm, Sunday Classical Cellissimo! 3:30pm. For more info on artist line-up and to book concert tickets, please search concert title via Humanitix. Concerts are sold as separate events on this ticketing platform. If you purchase a full retreat package or day passes, concert tickets are bundled as part of your ticket.
YOUR RETREAT INVESTMENT
- Early bird full package tickets $885 are available until 5pm Monday 15th December 2025 or until SOLD OUT.
- Full price package tickets $1,230 are then available until 5pm Monday 12th January 2026 or until SOLD OUT.
- Retreat Day Passes available $270 early bird, $385 full price or until SOLD OUT.
- Early bird tickets for individual classes and public concerts start at $35.
- Full price tickets for individual classes and public concerts start at $45.
- Observer tickets for classes, workshops, and masterclasses start at $25.
JOIN US! BOOK YOUR PLACE VIA OUR ONLINE REGISTRATION FORM HERE
ABOUT YOUR REGISTRATION:
- Early bird registration and payment deadline is COB 5pm Monday 15th December 2025.
- Full payment is due upon registration and booking.
- Book and pay for individual classes, activities and concerts via the ticketing link.
- Our full retreat package covers all educational activities, public concerts, morning and afternoon tea refreshments during breaks from Thursday welcome drinks to closing event Sunday.
- Lunches and dinners are BYO or can be purchased at Eudlo General Store or Sweethearts Cafe in Eudlo, walking distance from the hall.
ACCOMMODATION
This is a non-residential retreat with all activities held in and around our small hall in Eudlo. Please support our local accommodation providers all tucked away within 20 minutes drive radius. Providers range from Air BnB’s, bed and breakfasts and boutique cute cabins.
This retreat creates vital cultural tourism and activates our local community and supports small businesses. Please look online and connect with other cellists to book air BnB’s as a group.
If you would like to request a local billet with other adult learner participants on the retreat, please email your request to Louise. We can’t guarantee billets are available but will put a request out through our student and community music network.
ABOUT OUR RETREAT
The Cello Dreaming Summer Intensive Retreat redesigns how music is shared, taught, experienced and practiced. Our retreat stands out as a highly focused and immersive musical experience designed specifically for cellists, held annually in the serene setting of Eudlo, Queensland, each January.
The retreat offers participants a rare opportunity to work closely with renowned cellist and educator Louise King, with a curated guest faculty in an intimate and supportive environment that fosters both artistic growth and personal development.
We offer an inspiring retreat designed to create space to pause, explore and refresh through community exchange and powerful learning.
The intensive program offers something for every cellist and meets musicians at any level from established beginner students to professional players, emerging artists, community practitioners and instrumental teachers seeking inspiration for their teaching year ahead.
We offer a mixture of opportunities for cellists to deepen their knowledge from masterclasses, skill enrichment workshops and classes led by a unique community of internationally acclaimed musicians, teaching artists and holistic practitioners that explore a range of skills relevant to the modern musician from the physical to the intellectual and spiritual.
The retreat is designed to deepen your approach to practice, improve your musical knowledge and technical skills.
Our retreat is unique and one-of-a kind program in Australia, and New Zealand. It attracts participants from across the country from talented young musicians looking for excellent intensive summer school programs, to dedicated amateurs and professional artists seeking inspiration, insight, community and creative freedom. Join us.
Our key points of difference include:
- Personalized Instruction: The retreat emphasizes small group settings, allowing for personalized attention, tailored feedback, and coaching with a range of experienced mentors.
- Holistic Approach: Beyond technical mastery, the retreat integrates aspects of mindfulness, relaxation, and physical awareness, helping cellists focus on both mental and physical well-being.
- Performance Opportunities: Participants are given opportunities to perform and collaborate with other cellists, building confidence and stage presence in a nurturing atmosphere.
- Stunning Location: Eudlo’s natural surroundings provide a peaceful, inspirational backdrop that encourages creativity and focus away from the distractions of daily life.
- Diverse Repertoire and Techniques: The retreat covers a wide range of cello repertoire and techniques, encouraging both classical and contemporary approaches, with emphasis on developing individual expression.
This combination of focused artistic instruction and personal well-being makes the Cello Dreaming Summer Intensive Retreat a unique offering in the Australian landscape of retreats and summer schools.
Learning experiences are with an international faculty of musicians and include Cello Choir, Technique Bootcamps, Workshops, Masterclasses, Creative Classes, and wellness activities such as meditation. Feldenkrais and yoga.
FAQ
What levels does the retreat cater for?
- Established Beginner (grade 1 to grade 4 AMEB)
- Intermediate (grade 5-7 AMEB)
- Advanced (grade 8-Amus LmusA)
- Professional (emerging artists, string teachers, professional players, community practitioners, amateurs, retired teachers
Who is this retreat for?
Our Summer Intensive Retreat is designed for:
- Aspiring young cellists (looking for school holiday activities).
- Emerging artists (aiming for a career in the music industry).
- String teachers (looking for professional development).
- Amateur cellists (beginner to advanced adults).
- Community practitioners (members of community ensembles and orchestras).
- Professional practitioners (looking to deepen their practice).
Who are the guest instructors and artists?
Each year the line-up will change and guest artists, specialists and instructors are invited by Louise King, the retreat designer and Artistic Director.
Do I book for the whole retreat or can I select the activities best suited for me and my interests?
- Yes, book the whole retreat with early bird tickets available closing COB 5pm Friday 15th December 2025
- Yes, pick and choose your activities and create your own retreat package.
How much does it cost?
You can purchase the retreat package, or buy a bundle of activities best suited to your needs and interests. Price is calculated at checkout.
How do I travel to the retreat?
Train: Eudlo Hall is accessible via the train direct from Brisbane and is 150 meters walking distance from the station. Please see translink for the latest service timetable.
Car: If driving, it takes 1.5 hrs by car via the M1 from Brisbane CBD. Car Parking is available outside the hall on the street or at the school opposite the hall or on Rosebed St near the Eudlo General Store.
Plane: Sunshine Coast Maroochydore airport is 30 mins away from Eudlo. Uber, taxis and airport transfers are available and can be booked online.
Do you have a list of local accommodation providers?
Yes, please request a list. Please support local accommodation providers and small bed and breakfasts in the community.
If you are interested in being matched with a local billet, please indicate this on the registration form. We can’t guarantee local billets are available.
TESTIMONIALS
“Shania absolutely loved the retreat which provided a sound haven for her social, musical, academic and emotional development.” – Dr Sharon Dekkers PhD, MEd.
“I feel that this retreat gives us the key to open the door to not only better playing, but also the heart of music-making.” – Maria Bashford – Gold Coast.
“You have helped us translate ink on a page into the most beautiful musical meaning, put our emotions into the way we play and be okay with our mistakes!” – Julia AYO Young Symphonist Program.
“I can’t thank you enough for your animated teaching and the passion for music which you openly shared with the participants. She had a fantastic retreat weekend and loved every minute of the experience.” – Amanda Heit, mum.
“A rich musical experience for students, from the enthusiastic beginner to the aspiring professional with opportunities to perform and to take part in ensembles and master classes.“ – Dr. Cowley LWCMD, ARCM, ARCM
RETREAT TERMS & CONDITIONS
Please read the following terms and conditions carefully. You must not make any booking unless you understand and agree with the following terms and conditions. References to “us”, “we” and/or “our” in these booking terms and conditions shall mean Cello Dreaming.
HEALTH PROTOCOL
Our first priority is to protect the health of everyone who comes to the retreat program, including our instructors, practitioners, participants, and audience, while respecting their personal health practices. Please do not attend if you are feeling unwell and present with viral symptoms.
CANCELLATION FEE
Subject to your refund and remedy rights under the Australian Consumer Law, the following cancellation fee applies to our full retreat package and online bookings.
- Cancellations to confirmed bookings made up to 1 month prior to retreat will not incur a cancellation fee.
- Cancellations to confirmed bookings within 7 days of retreat will incur a cancellation fee of 50% total cost of your booked activities.
Upon cancellation, we will endeavor to resell your place on retreat. However this is not guaranteed and if unsuccessful you will incur the cancellation fee as per our policy.
REFUNDS
Where applicable, refunds will be processed back to your original method of payment.
PRICES
All prices are subject to availability and can be withdrawn or varied without notice. To proceed with your registration and secure your booking, we require full payment.
LIABILITY
To the extent permitted by law, neither Louise King or Cello Dreaming, employees or guest artists accept any liability in contract, tort or otherwise for any injury, damage, loss (including consequential loss), delay, additional expense or inconvenience caused directly or indirectly by the acts, omissions or default, whether negligent or otherwise, of third party providers over whom we have no direct control, force majeure or any other event which is beyond our control or which is not preventable by reasonable diligence on our part.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Please advise any special requirements you may have including travel arrangements, special meals, or disabled access.
