You can uke
Ghost ranch
Abiquiu, new mexico (North of santa fe)
october 19-25, 2025
FIND YOUR ARTISTIC MUSE IN THE DESERT SOUTHWEST!
If you’re a ‘ukulele enthusiast who is ready to amplify your musical gifts to the world and bring joy and abundance to your music making – then join us at Ghost Ranch, just north of Santa Fe, New Mexico, for a soul-stirring never-to-be-forgotten voice and ukulele retreat.
IS THIS YOU?
- You yearn for uke-nique, LIFE-changing experiences
- You CONNECT to your community through music making
- You crave freedom and time to RECHARGE and nurture your creativity
- You DESIRE adventure
- You seek the SPACE to connect with other like minded music makers to exchange ideas and possibilities
If you answered yes to 3 or more of these, then this ukulele and voice retreat was made JUST FOR YOU… That’s why you’re going to LOVE this You Can Uke retreat in Grand Lake, Colorado!
“Two walls of my room in the Abiquiú house are glass and from one window I see the road toward Espanola, Santa Fe, and the world. The road fascinates me with its ups and downs and finally its wide sweep as it speeds toward the wall of my hilltop to go past me. I had made two or three snaps of it with a camera. For one of them I turned the camera at a sharp angle to get all the road. It was accidental that I made the road seem to stand up in the air, but it amused me, and I began drawing and painting it as a new shape. The trees and mesa beside it were unimportant for that painting—it was just the road.” – Georgia O’Keeffe
Connect. Cultivate. Create.
This retreat is 7 days and 6 nights of soul stirring adventure, delicious food, music making, connection, rejuvenation, learning – and FUN!
Nestled amidst the breathtaking red and yellow cliffs of the Piedra Lumbre, where the vibrant colors dance to life, let yourself be awestruck at the intersection of history and spirituality. From captivating archaeological sites to invigorating outdoor activities, Ghost Ranch provides a sanctuary for exploration, rejuvenation, and the nurturing of one’s inner self.
The Northern New Mexico spirit is the unique cultural and geographical character of the region, encompassing its Spanish and Native American heritage, rugged landscapes, and artistic and spiritual influences. It’s a blend of the Old West, the vibrancy of the arts, and the mystical connection to the land.
What YOU are going to walk away with…
So what can you expect if you spend 7 incredible days and 6 nights solely focusing on your music AND enjoying yourself on a soul stirring adventure on a 21,000 acre historic dude ranch?
-> Well, what if you got the exact INSPIRATION you needed to perfect your ‘ukulele playing and singing?
-> What if you were finally able to release into your own UNIQUE sound with professional guidance?
-> What if you had access to like-minded individuals who are willing to SHARE ideas?
Would THAT be worth traveling to New Mexico? Absol-UKE-ly!
There are only 12 spots available because we want to create an intimate environment where everyone receives individualized attention and gains life-long friendships along the way.
Our Venue: Ghost Ranch
Our immersive home for the week is Ghost Ranch. Situated on 21,000 stunning high desert acres, only 62 miles northwest of Santa Fe, has a diverse and storied past, which encompasses the majestic era of dinosaurs and the artistic presence of icons like Georgia O’Keeffe. Ghost Ranch warmly welcomes individuals from all corners of the world who seek inspiration, connection, and a profound sense of wonder within its transformative embrace.
The world‐famous site known as Ghost Ranch is a place of magnificent natural beauty, comprising deep, multicolored canyons and bluffs, plains, grasslands and streams. Its rocks span 130 million years of ancient geological history, representing lakes, floodplains, and deserts. Its fossils illuminate the beginning of the Age of Dinosaurs in North America and provide a new paradigm of how they took over terrestrial ecosystems for the next 150 years. Its archaeological record predates adobe walls and kivas; its hearths and other sites date to 8000 years ago.
Its history includes a Spanish land grant, Mexican, French, and Anglo colonizations, a rough‐and‐tumble ranching period, a dude ranch, a conference center, and the longtime residence (and subject of the paintings) of Georgia O’Keeffe. The ancestral sediments deposited 200 million years ago, when the region was much closer to the equator, have over eons eroded out and in turn attracted first ancient people, who used the resources of the landscape, and later colonizers from other lands, including artists, adventurers, and entrepreneurs who were attracted by the stunning beauty.
In short, Ghost Ranch is a unique combination of natural beauty, geology, paleontology, archaeology, history, and art. It is not just the values of each of these separate aspects of Ghost Ranch’s resources, but rather the synergy of its beauty, its scientific value, its cultural and historical traditions, and its spirituality that make it like no other place in the world.
Take A Sneak Peak: Live Stream from Ghost Ranch
Enjoy a live view of Ghost Ranch! The frame will change every 15 seconds to provide a full 360-degree view…
A Typical Retreat Day
Although we have curated bountiful days filled with engaging music making and private consultations, we have left time for you to explore, rest and rejuvenate on your own terms. You are welcome to create the day you want. Music making activities will be tailored to each retreat based on the unique desires of the participants – that’s you!
The morning could include a cup of tea on the porch watching the wildlife, followed with a nourishing breakfast. A late morning group music making session with Marnie, and plenty of time for a refreshing walk on the property to find inspiration in the many colorful vistas or thru the medicine water wheel or labyrinth.
After a hearty lunch, your afternoon might include a stimulating private consultation with a facilitator or a music making session with Heidi & Daniel, our Guest Facilitators. There is still time to take a walk around the property for inspiration, visit the dinosaur museum, or take a horseback ride.
In the evening, we’ll be treated to a mouthwatering dinner followed by the possibilities of stargazing to see the glittering canvas above in the dark sky, maybe an early bed time for extra rest and recovery, or some music making with new friends around the campfire.
“Bonding”
“So much fun and bonding on our final evening. Sharing is living.”
“Thank You”
“This was a great experience. Thank you for letting me be a part of it.”
Retreat Details
What’s Included:
- Seven inspiring days (and six nights) together with daily deep-dive sessions for personal growth
- All coaching and group music making session
- Two private consultations (30 minutes each – choose between Marnie, Heidi or Daniel)
- Six delicious breakfasts
- Five beautiful lunches
- Six mouth-watering dinners
- Personal down time for relaxing, hiking, walking, napping and more!
- Salon of Sharing – a time for sharing music, camaraderie, and celebrating on our final night together
What’s Not Included:
- Your round-trip airfare or travel from home
- Transportation to/from Ghost Ranch
- Other non-included items would include: souvenir shopping, spa services and additional activities not listed (ie. hot springs, horseback riding, boat rental, guided hike, etc)
- Personal, medical or trip cancellation insurance (we highly recommend purchasing travel insurance)
- Special dietary needs (most can be accommodated with an additional fee)
- Staff gratuity (optional)
Flights/Travel Planning
Arrive: Sunday, October 19th
- Check in: 3:00pm
- Ghost Ranch, is a 2 hour 10 minute drive from Albuquerque International Sunport (Airport), or 1 hours 10 minutes from Santa Fe, plan accordingly
- You Can Uke meet up around 4:00pm
- Dinner will be served from 5:30pm
Departure: Saturday, October 25th
- Breakfast: 7:30-8:30am
- You Can Uke goodbye 9:00am
- Check out: 10:00am
Land of Enchantment
New Mexico is known as the “Land of Enchantment” with diverse landscapes from mountains and deserts to vast plains. It shares borders with Colorado, Utah, Arizona, Oklahoma, Texas, and the Mexican states of Chihuahua and Sonora. The state got it’s name when the Spanish colonists came to settle in New Mexico, they originally named it Nuevo México (Spanish for New Mexico) after the Aztec Valley of Mexico – not the country of Mexico.
The state’s vast geography includes parts of the Southern Rocky Mountains, the Colorado Plateau, and the Basin and Range Province, contributing to its diverse climate and natural beauty. It has some of the flattest land as well as some of the most rugged mountains in the country. Some portions of the state are rich in pine forests, meadows, and fish-laden mountain streams, while other areas are devoid of any water bodies, and even cacti struggle to survive.
New Mexico has a long history of Native American settlement, with agricultural Pueblo Indian civilization developing before the arrival of the Navajo and Apache. Spaniards claimed the area for Spain in the 16th century, and Santa Fe was established as the first settlement in 1610.
The state flag consists of a sacred red sun symbol of the Zia tribe on a field of gold, combining a symbol of the Puebloan people, who have ancient roots in the state, with the colors of the flag of Spain.
Abiquiú is one of the most beautiful locations in Rio Arriba County, if not all of North Central New Mexico. It’s most famous for being the home of Georgia O’Keeffe, who lived there from 1949 until shortly before her death in 1986 at 98 years of age. Abiquiú is also a very popular filming destination for Westerns and other movies, this includes the opening scene of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Cowboys & Aliens, City Slicker (the cabin will greet you as you enter Ghost Ranch), Red Dawn, Wyatt Earp, The Last Outlaw, and the TV series Earth 2.
Meet Your Facilitators
We are professional musicians and teaching artists who will guide you through this transformative experience with musical breakthroughs, challenging creative exploration, and helping you find your authentic musical voice.
Marnie Ward
Heidi Swedberg
& Daniel Ward
Marnie deeply believes that music is for EVERYONE. Sharing music amongst others is a fundamental joy and responsibility and her passion is to give the gift of music to anyone she meets, without judgement. She is happy to share her knowledge of over 30 years as a performer and 15 years as a teaching artist.
As a performing artist, Marnie has been seen on a multitude of musical theatre stages to Carnegie Hall, with jazz and swing bands, her her Andrews Sisters Tribute Act – Reveille 3, and presents at ‘ukulele festivals across the US. She has been an arranger and performer with the Rocky Mountain Ukulele Orchestra for 8 years. Marnie is a certified James Hill ‘Ukulele Initiative (JHUI) teacher and holds a Certificate of Hawaiian Music from the University of Hawaii’s Windward Community College.
Marnie created You Can Uke Retreats to provide transformational learning opportunities in stunning locations grounded in nature; focusing on small, intimate group learning where long-lasting connections can be made. She is excited you are here for this opportunity she holds so dear!
As a teacher, she provides private and group instruction as the owner of Marnie Ward Voice & ‘Ukulele Studio based in Denver, Colorado.
Fun Facts!
Daniel was born in Los Alamos, 55 miles from Ghost Ranch – about the same distance away from it that he and Heidi curently live, in Santa Fe.
Heidi was born 3,415 miles away, in Honolulu.
The Easter Bunny gave Heidi her first ukulele when she was 5.
Heidi gave Daniel his first uke when he was 44.
Marnie and Daniel share the same last name but are not related to eachother, other than thru music. Coincidentally, both of their fathers are nuclear scientists and both worked at Los Alamos National Lab.
She has been a performer for more than 30 years, working in music, film and television, and is known for her role as “Susan” on Seinfeld.
Born in Hawaii, but her family relocated to New Mexico, the place she considers home. Currently based in Santa Fe, Heidi and Daniel have helped start uke programs internationally: in schools, hospitals, orphanages, churches and libraries. They love making new friends while performing and teaching at music festivals around the globe.
Heidi is a contributing editor at Ukulele Magazine, where she writes about community and connectedness. She collaborates with her husband Daniel Ward on recordings and instructional books, including “’Tis the Season for ‘Ukulele” and “Color-Along Ukulele: a Method Book for those Drawn to Play”. Their forthcoming book “Simple Gifts”, is a collection of rounds, lullabies, sea shanties and folk songs from around the world.
Daniel Ward is an accomplished musician, composer, and educator, who has become one of the country’s top clinicians and performers on the ‘ukulele circuit’. He is known for his command of Latin styles and teaches right-hand techniques, adapting his style and knowledge from the classical and flamenco guitar.
As a guitarist, Daniel has toured the world playing flamenco guitar as well as performing with the flamenco dance ensembles, and 20 years playing rock-n-roll electric guitar. And is a commissioned classical composer and has scored music for film, television, and video.
In the field of recording, he has won awards (Parent’s Choice NAPPA, NM Recording Arts, Fids, and Kamalies) on both albums he collaborated with Heidi Swedberg and is a sought-after producer and arranger. His own CD “After the Storm” is an award-winning virtuosic performance of original compositions masterfully played on electric and flamenco guitar.
Daniel Ward graduated from the University of New Mexico with a degree in classical guitar performance, and a minor in composition. He is also a seasoned educator and has 25 years of experience teaching music to all ages. He is a consultant and music typographer for music method books and writes as a columnist for Ukulele online magazines.
As a performer and a teacher, Daniel believes the Ukulele holds a strong place in the music industry and music education as an expressive instrument that still remains accessible and approachable to all levels of students and professionals alike.
We are so excited to join you on this magical journey! Thank you for choosing us.
“Marnie and Cynthia were fantastic hosts! The setting was great and all the sessions were a fun and great learning experience. And we got to share this with a great group of like minded other ukulele players.”
“I found this retreat an excellent learning experience. The small number of participants, with 2 highly capable instructors, made for a very focussed learning opportunity. Much material was covered and the instructors were able to successfully target all levels of learners. I would highly recommend this retreat to anyone interested in expanding their ukulele and singing skills. Thank you Marnie and Cynthia!”
Accommodations
All rooms are in the Aspen and Poplar Lodges. Two room options available:
- Private: There is a bathroom in the room that is not shared. (only 2 available)
- Shared: There is a bathroom between two rooms that is shared by the occupants of the two rooms.
If you would like to bring a musical friend and share a room we have a double occupancy rate; but we do not assign roommates.
Private SOLD OUT
Single Occupancy
$3,447.00
per person
Located in Aspen or Poplar Lodges. Private bedroom with private bath.
ADA Accessible.
Bring a friend rate: $2,897.00 each for double occupancy bedroom, separate beds available.
Semi-Private
Single Occupancy
$3,197.00
per person
Located in Aspen or Poplar Lodges. Private bedroom with shared bathroom between the bedrooms. Lockable from both sides.
ADA Accessible.
Bring a friend rate: $2,647 each for double occupancy bedroom, separate beds available.
Trombe (semi-private)
Single Occupancy
$3,297.00
per person
This free standing unit offers 2 bedrooms, with multiple beds, separated by a shared bathroom. A unique opportunity for a group of friends or two couples to share this space!
Bring a friend rate: $2,747 each for double occupancy per bedroom. Contact me for pricing with more than 4 people in the whole unit.
NEW! RV Camping TWO SITES REMAINING
$2,597.00
per person
Bring your own RV and camp with us! Limited spots available. Includes: electric and water at each site. Accommodates up to 55′ unit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Payment Schedule & Cancellation Policy
- If accepted, a $500 non-refundable retainer/deposit and signed participant Agreemetn is due to reserve your place
- 50% of remaining balance is due on or before July 12, 2025
- Remaining balance is due on or before August 12, 2025
Refund Schedule
- 100% refund (minus retainer/deposit) before July 11, 2025
- 50% refund (minus retainer/deposit) before August 11, 2025
- After August 12, 2025, NO REFUNDS can be made. In some extenuating circumstances, a credit may be applied to a future retreat.
Can I share a room with another participant?
Absolutely! We do not assign roommates but you’re welcome to invite a friend or we can introduce you to someone else who is interested and you two can see if there is a fit. You will each get the “You & a Friend” rate each.
May I bring along a non-playing guest or partner?
Of course, we welcome guests. You will each get the “You & a Friend” rate.
I have dietary restrictions, do they make accommodations?
Some dietary restrictions may require additional fee, just let us know in advance. We will ask you for your dietary preferences at a later time.
I’m new to ‘ukulele and singing, can I still participate?
All are welcome, even beginners. We anticipate a wide variety of skill levels at the retreat and since a lot of the participation is individualized it gives you a chance to grow at your own pace. With a limited number of participants, Marnie, Heidi, and Daniel will create a tailor made program for just you!
How do I get to Ghost Ranch?
Closest airports are: Santa Fe or Albuquerque
Car Rental is the easiest mode of transportation from either airport to Abiquiú / Ghost Ranch. Santa Fe is about a 75 minute drive; Albuquerque is about 2 hours and 15 minute drive.
There are shuttle services from Albuquerque and Santa Fe. If you’re interested in this option, let me know and I can forward the information to you so you can plan accordingly.
If you would like to carpool with a fellow participant we are happy to introduce you to help coordinate that ahead of time.
Is Ghost Ranch mobility-accessible?
Yes! The facilities at Ghost Ranch are mobility accessible. Lodging in Aspen and Poplar have ramps plus ADA compliant bathrooms. From lodging to dining and our meeting spaces have mostly flat (some slight inclines) gravel / packed dirt paths between them. If you have specific questions about accessibility, please reach out to me.
Is there cell service or wifi?
Cellular service is unreliable at the Ranch, though some carriers are better than others. Wi-Fi is offered in several areas on the Ranch, including the Welcome Center, Library, and Dining Hall.
What is there to do at Ghost Ranch in my free time?
Ghost Ranch has several hiking trails, two museums and a variety of Outdoor Adventure activities. From stunning tours to breathtaking horseback rides to sunrise paddle boarding excursions. We’ll have plenty of free time for you to unleash your adventurous spirit and embark on the endless exploration and joy!
Can I tour Georgia O’Keeffe’s home at Ghost Ranch?
O’Keeffe’s Ghost Ranch house has never been opened to the public. They do offer walking tours, by bus, or on horseback.
Tours of her home and studio in Abiquiú are available separately through the O’Keeffe Museum in Abiquiú.
