Find Your Rhythm: Smoky Mountain Ukulele Zen Retreat
Find your rhythm amidst the serenity of the Blue Ridge Mountains. We invite you to join award-winning teaching artist and world-renowned instructor Stu Fuchs for the Smoky Mountain Ukulele Zen Retreat—a four-day immersive experience dedicated to music, mindfulness, and the joy of community.
Nestled along our peaceful shores just 30 minutes from Asheville, NC, this retreat is designed to help ukulele players of ALL abilities play with greater ease, deeper expression, and profound joy.
Whether you are a beginner looking to find your footing or an experienced player seeking new inspiration, Stu’s “Ukulele Zen” approach blends breathwork and mindfulness practices with the joy of music-making in a supportive, warm environment.
What to Expect:
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In-Depth Music Workshops: Elevate your skills with inspiring workshops tailored to streamline your learning process. Learn ergonomic playing, singing and practice techniques that save you time and frustration.
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Mindfulness & Vitality: Discover how to create and sustain a deeply satisfying music practice. Participate in simple, practical meditations and breathwork exercises designed to transform stress, cultivate inner peace and boost your health.
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Community & Celebration: Enjoy fellowship during open mics, concerts and community events.
Between workshops, take a moment to walk the rose walk, breathe in the crisp mountain air and enjoy the fellowship of fellow musicians in this beautiful setting. It’s more than a workshop; it’s an uplifting, soulful getaway where the music is as beautiful as the view.
“The UZ retreat exceeded all my expectations! An uplifting exploration of music, meditation, and humor. The atmosphere was warm, inspiring, and unforgettable.” Leslie L., Rhode Island
A Complete Mountain Sanctuary Package
To ensure you can focus entirely on your music and renewal, we have curated an all-inclusive experience. Your retreat package includes:
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Lakeside Lodging: Relax in comfort with accommodations at Lake Junaluska, just steps away from the water and our meeting spaces.
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Nourishing Fellowship: Eight delicious meals are included, providing the perfect opportunity to share stories and songs with fellow attendees in our dining room.
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Peace of Mind: Your package covers all Lake Junaluska program and facility fees, giving you full access to our 200-acre mountain sanctuary.
How to Register: A Two-Step Process
To join us for this special event, registration is required through both the venue and the instructor:
Step 1: Book Your Lodging & Meal Package Secure your stay and meal plan through Lake Junaluska’s reservation system. Reserve Your Room & Meals Here
Step 2: Register for the Ukulele Zen Workshop Complete your registration with Stu Fuchs to confirm your spot in the workshops and receive retreat materials. Register with the Instructor Here
Fuchs also will present a concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Memorial Chapel. Admission is $25. Purchase Your Concert Tickets Here
Retreat Schedule
Thursday, September 17: Kickoff Meet-and-Greet
Lambuth Inn Room 100 7 p.m.
Meet and Greet, Opening Circle and Kickoff Party with refreshments.
Name tags and welcome packets will be provided for participants.
Friday, September 18
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Morning Teaching Block
2:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Afternoon Teaching Block
Saturday, September 19
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Morning Teaching Block
2:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | AfternoonTeaching Block
7:30 p.m. | Concert with Stu
Sunday, September 20
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Final Morning Class, Open Mic & Closing
