Charango Retreat at MOCD

*The Magic of the Charango*

What is the Charango? Can I play it too?
How does it make me feel so good??

The Charango is an enchanting 10-string instrument from the Andean highlands of South America. Known for its ethereal sound, it’s been used for centuries in ceremonies and healing practices. And yes, you can play it too!

Join us on this retreat to explore the magic of the Charango and uncover why it feels so good to play. We’ll dive into the basics with a relaxed, fun approach— and then go beyond, per the magic of the group. Whether you’re new to the instrument or already play, come deepen your connection. An offering to the sacred land, trees and elements, amplifying our prayers.

This is a rare opportunity to experience a Charango retreat right here in the U.S. – possibly the first one ever!

This will also be Monique’s very first time leading a 3-day charango retreat so it is an glorious musical explorations you will be part of. We will open ourselves up to Great Spirit and flow with the magic of the group.

Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, this retreat offers a sanctuary space to connect with nature, your inner voice, and the spirit of the Charango.

LIMITED SPOTS

COST:

• Full 3-Day Retreat ($375.00) (delicious 2 meals per day included) bring your charango
• One Day Only Saturday ($175.00) with meals
• Pre-ordered Charango ($300.00) for those who don’t own it

As charangos are coming from Bolivia we would appreciate your order by April 1st.

Possible discount if anyone wants to volunteer to cook (only two slots).

Deposit $300.00 is required by April 1st in order to hold your spot.

For Karma Yoga discount, email: karina@koloch.org

About Monique

Monique is a ceremonial musician and charango teacher and created Charango With Monique, a didactic and cultural platform all about this magical 10-string Andean instrument ( www.honeybird.net ) . 20+ years of exploring the charango in depth. Monique’s mission is to listen to intersectional wisdom and ancestral voices; and to connect to Great Mystery, Spirit and Purpose via the magic of the charango. Grateful for this path and the space between the notes. Studies of Charango, Music, Life & Andean Offerings with Maestro Kike Pinto. Drumming & Sacred Song Studies with Mestre Amen.

Any questions about details, pricing, payment methods, lodging, booking please email karina@koloch.org

Important note:

If we have enough of participants who would like to purchase a Charango at the retreat center – we will order handmade beginners charangos from Pedro Quispe Torrez in Bolivia for a discounted price of $300. Please email me at karina@koloch.org or indicate in the ticket section if you are coming with a charango or buying it here.

Highlights of the retreat:

This retreat is an opportunity to connect to the magic of the Charango, an instrument that can expand our voice, help us express ourselves musically and as a form of prayer. We will look at its origins in the Andes, how it is used to connect to and honor nature & the elements, exploring how the Charango can show up in ceremonial plant-medicine healing spaces. Improvisation, chords, creation. Technique and practical theory applied to ceremonial playing. Giving songs breath. Music as an offering. Developing a storyline and arranging musical ideas for further healing and accompanying. Includes a unique opportunity to explore the charango in a sacred space with the group of participants.

Nighttime Group Healing With Music around the Fire! Welcoming Spring and all Growing Things with our Charangos. Playing to the fire.Springtime Intention Setting as connected to MUSIC and Charango. Showing up in our own communities with song and sound to enrich our lives. Cacao ceremony or another medicinal evening.

Requirements/Prerequisites/Notes:

• An open heart and open mind.
• A charango (option to buy at the retreat, maybe possibly rent…)
• A desire to connect to music in a spiritual and healing way.
• Being on a path.
• No prior knowledge of the charango nor of music theory is necessary.
• An intake call will be available for those wishing to connect beforehand and establish an intention.
• Flow of retreat will be based on the magic of the participants.
• Come as you are! Open to all people, all ages, all orientations, all genders.
• Charango heart opening instrument and Monique teaches it this way!