Manor Mill
About
Classes
Events
Gallery
Music
Theater
Community
Rentals
  1. Events
  2. Songwriter's Retreat

Manor Mill

A restored, pre-revolutionary grist mill that now houses a fine arts gallery, musical performances, ceramics, yoga and meditation, workshops across all disciplines and organizational retreats. Manor Mill is a community built upon creativity and learning.

Voted Best of Baltimore for classes 2024

Explore

  • All Events
  • Live Music
  • Classes
  • Wellness
  • Ceramics
  • Community Events
  • Membership
  • Legends

Stay Overnight

The Miller's House

Renovated 2BR right next to the Mill

The Fisherman's Lodge

at the Monkton Hotel

Newsletter

Get updates on events, classes, and community happenings.

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Contact

2029 Monkton Road
Monkton, MD 21111
Accessibility
Wed – Sun, 12 – 6 PM
(410) 842-5590
info@manor-mill.com
manormill manormillmonkton theloftmonkton manormillgallery

© 2026 Manor Mill. All rights reserved.

Photos for this website graciously provided by Bo Willse, Zoe Leonard, and many others from the Manor Mill community.

Songwriter's Retreat with Cris Jacobs

About the Retreat

Join Cris Jacobs and friends for this inaugural retreat dedicated to the art of songwriting! Held at two picturesque historic locations in rural Baltimore County - Manor Mill and Oldfields School - this intensive weekend is an opportunity for both aspiring and established songwriters to build skills and gain confidence.

Whether you're just starting your songwriting journey or looking to refine your existing skills, this retreat is a perfect mix of group instruction, individual writing time, one-on-one mentor sessions, performance opportunities and a special live concert featuring the full roster of instructors - Cris Jacobs, Caleb Stine, Talbot Mayo, Letitia VanSant, Jordan Sokel of Pressing Strings & Laura Wortman & Kagey Parish of The Honey Dewdrops.

Participants will enjoy a low-key weekend in an idyllic setting, while gaining insight into the creative process of the DMV's most successful songwriters and learning to apply their wisdom and experience to your unique voice.

Let me know when next year's is available!

Sign up and we'll notify you when registration opens.

March 2026 Instructors

Cris Jacobs

Cris Jacobs

Instructor

A masterful guitarist with a soulful, expressive voice, Jacobs blends rock, soul, Americana, and funk. Known for fire and finesse on stage, he has collaborated across genres while building a career marked by authenticity and musicality.

Letitia VanSant

Letitia VanSant

Instructor

Paste Magazine named her among 10 Artists to Watch, and BBC Radio calls her a force to be reckoned with. She won the Kerrville New Folk Songwriting Competition and anchors the Baltimore Americana scene with intimate vocals and arrangements spanning sparse folk to rock anthems.

Talbot Mayo

Talbot Mayo

Instructor

Rooted in bluegrass, gospel, and folk from her family's Maryland farm, Mayo mixes old-time bluegrass with honky-tonk and alt-rock. Her debut EP reached #75 on the Americana Association Chart and features production from Grammy-winner Matt Rollings.

Caleb Stine

Caleb Stine

Instructor

A singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist performing 100+ shows annually with 14 albums of original music. His work blends mystic poet with traveling preacher energy, offering personal connections at venues nationwide.

The Honey Dewdrops

Laura Wortman & Kagey Parrish (The Honey Dewdrops)

Instructor

Touring since 2009, this duo showcases the power and intimacy of two voices and two instruments across two decades. They blend electric and acoustic guitars, mandolin, and clawhammer banjo with tight vocal harmonies while constantly experimenting with folk boundaries.

Jordan Sokel

Jordan Sokel (Pressing Strings)

Instructor

Multi-instrumentalist and vocalist blending finger-style folk, R&B, rock, and reggae with heartfelt lyricism. Since 2008, he has released 8 albums and 2 EPs with national radio airplay, performing with acts like Gov't Mule and The Beach Boys.


Example Schedule

Thursday, March 26

Check-in

12:00–4:00 PM

Opening Reception

5:00 PM

Dinner/Cookout

6:00–8:00 PM

Friday, March 27

Movement/Meditation

7:30 AM

Yoga

8:30 AM

Breakfast

8:30–9:45 AM

Sessions (3 tracks)

10:00–11:50 AM

Free Writing

12:00–1:00 PM

Lunch

1:00–2:00 PM

Sessions

2:00–3:50 PM

Free Writing / 1:1 Coaching

4:00–6:00 PM

Dinner

6:00 PM

Instructor Concert

7:30 PM

Saturday, March 28

Movement/Meditation

7:30 AM

Yoga

8:30 AM

Breakfast

8:30–9:45 AM

Sessions (3 tracks)

10:00–11:50 AM

Free Writing

12:00–1:00 PM

Lunch

1:00–2:00 PM

Sessions

2:00–3:50 PM

Free Writing / 1:1 Coaching

4:00–6:00 PM

Dinner / Student Open Mic / Jam

6:30–10:00 PM

Sunday, March 29

Optional Movement / Yoga / Hiking

8:00 AM

Breakfast

9:00 AM

Closing Activity with Cris

10:00–11:30 AM

Check Out

11:30 AM


Sample Workshop Classes

Jordan Sokel: Melody Poetry & Untying Your Mind, Musical Emotion

Caleb Stine: Fishing With The Muse, How To Practice Guitar

Letitia VanSant: Three Chords and the Real Sh*t, Getting Through the Jitters

Laura Wortman: Walking for Inspiration, Beginners Guide to Instrumental Music

Kagey Parrish: Writing a Chorus, Guitar Basics & Songwriting

The Honey Dewdrops: Arranging for Duos, Co-Writing

Talbot Mayo: I Can't Teach You How to Write a Song, Making an Audience Listen


Accommodations

Lodging is provided at Oldfields School, a beautiful campus spanning 100+ acres located approximately 5 miles from Manor Mill. Accommodations include single rooms and shared rooms.

Linens are provided. Bathrooms are shared. WiFi is available on campus. Shuttle service between Oldfields and Manor Mill will be provided. Parking is available on campus.


Frequently Asked Questions


2026 Songwriter's Retreat Recap

Open-Mic Pictures, 2026

Photos by Cary Rothman

Photo 1
1 / 30
Manor Mill Songwriter's Retreat
Oldfields Campus