Hitmakers Live launches first-ever UK songwriting retreat

Hitmakers Live founders Mike Meiers and Judy Stakee will host the retreat throughout the week.

Attending songwriters will spend five days writing, collaborating and learning alongside acclaimed industry mentors in the heart of the Cotswolds

Hitmakers Live have announced details of the first UK edition of the Hitmakers Retreat, a five-day songwriting retreat led by Mike Meiers and Judy Stakee and supported by Songwriting Magazine. The retreat will take place from 4-8 October 2026 at Hawkwood Estate in the Cotswolds, a Grade II listed country house set within 42 acres of woodland and gardens, approximately one hour from London.

Described as an “immersive songwriting experience”, it is aimed at songwriters seeking focused creative development through daily writing sessions, collaboration, live feedback, and mentorship. The programme will include solo and co-writing sessions, teaching blocks, song critiques, and group workshops designed to help attendees develop songwriting techniques and creative confidence.

Hitmakers Live founders Mike Meiers and Judy Stakee will host the retreat throughout the week. Meiers is a Nashville-based Emmy Award-winning composer, producer, and songwriter whose work spans film, television, and sync licensing, including projects for HBO Max, Netflix, Hulu, Peacock, and Paramount+. He is also the founder of Songwriting For Guitar. Stakee spent 30 years as Senior Vice President of Creative at Warner Chappell Music, where she worked in artist and songwriter development. During her career, she helped develop artists including Sheryl Crow, Katy Perry, Gavin DeGraw, Joy Williams, and John Shanks. She now runs The Judy Stakee Company, focusing on artist development and songwriting mentorship.

The Hitmakers Retreat has been designed as a small, application-based event intended to create a focused and collaborative environment for participants. Rather than a conference-style format with guest speakers, the programme centres on hands-on songwriting work and direct interaction with the hosts across the five days.

Accommodation at Hawkwood Estate will include private bedrooms for all attendees, with meals provided throughout the retreat. Songwriting Magazine will partner with Hitmakers Live on promotion and support for the UK event, marking the first time the retreat has been held outside the United States.

Applications for the 2026 retreat are now open. Further information, including programme details and pricing, can be found at hitmakersretreat.com

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