Since 2007, Turtle Dove has been offering singing retreats throughout Europe and North America. Known for creating a safe and welcoming space for every voice, each Turtle Dove workshop brings together compelling leaders with different repertoire and a shared passion for community singing.
Upcoming retreats
October 24-26, 2025
Singing Weekend with Val Mindel and Brendan Taaffe
Join Brendan and Val for their 3rd annual weekend of close American harmony. Steeped for decades in early country and old-time harmony singing, Val is the kind of teacher who shows you how to fish instead of just giving you a meal. In addition to bringing great repertoire, she will explain how to find your own harmonies that fit within the tradition.
Cost: $285
Note: the tuition does NOT include accommodation. There are many places to stay in Brattleboro and in Greenfield, Mass., which are roughly equidistant from Basin Farm. The tuition DOES include three meals.
Schedule: Friday evening from 7:30 pm. Saturday from 10 am-5 pm. Dinner at 6:30. Sunday 10 am-3pm
COVID policy
Masks are respected, but not required. Please test the day of the event. If positive, please stay home. If you are symptomatic but test negative, please stay home. An ounce of prevention/ pound of cure and all that.
More about Singing Intensives
Modeled on the Bright Wings Chorus approach, singing intensives are an opportunity for a group of 12-16 experienced singers to dig deep and work hard. We expect that each singer will be able to hold a harmony part on their own. Rehearsals take place at Brendan’s charming 1796 Vermont farmhouse, and we eat lunch and dinner together. These intensives are non-residentia