Music Therapy Retreat Program

Challenge America recognizes that psychological and physical scars sustained by Veterans during military service can last a lifetime and compromise quality of life. The Challenge America Music Therapy Retreat Program uses the therapeutic power of music to offer healing, comfort, purpose, and a sense of achievement to Veterans experiencing post-traumatic stress, military sexual trauma (MST), and other trauma-related conditions such as depression and anxiety. Our virtual Music Therapy Retreats connect Veterans to music, to themselves, and to another.

Grounded in best practices in trauma-informed care, these retreats are led by a Board-Certified Music Therapist working alongside our team of professional Songwriters. The program focuses on therapeutic guitar instruction, foundational mindfulness and gratitude practices, and songwriting.

Throughout the retreat, guitar instruction is designed for all skill levels and intentionally supports anxiety reduction and improved concentration - common challenges related to trauma. Participants also learn mindfulness, gratitude, and self-compassion skills, and are introduced to Polyvagal Theory to better understand autonomic nervous system responses. As a part of this work, Veterans create personalized recorded playlists to encourage intentional living and receive additional follow-up resources.

With guidance from the Music Therapist, each Veteran also meets individually with one of Challenge America’s professional Songwriters to create a therapeutic, personally meaningful song. Each song centers on any topic, story, or feeling the Veteran would like to express during the retreat. In the final week of the program, the songs are shared in a virtual concert, performed either by the Songwriter or the Veteran participant. Following the program, each participant is provided with a copy of the song lyrics, chords, and recording of their song.

The Challenge America Team works closely with every participant to ensure they receive all materials and ongoing support before, during, and after the retreat. Each Veteran is provided a guitar and all necessary retreat materials at no cost. Retreats are held virtually over four weeks, with two sessions each week. Our model can also be adapted and tailored to meet the needs of partner sites.

The program offers a supportive space for Veterans to connect, express themselves creatively, and build helpful coping tools.

By the Numbers

A colorful infographic showing statistics related to retreats for veterans. It highlights 46 retreats to date, 16 states reached, 384 veterans served, and 736 session hours.

Program History

Challenge America was founded by Houston Cowan alongside renowned musicians and honorary co-founders Amy Grant and Vince Gill. In June of 2009, Amy and Vince launched the organization with a kickoff event at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., joined by a celebrated lineup of musical guests. The mission was simple yet powerful: to “connect Veterans to resources and solutions that build community and give purpose to their lives.” A central goal from the beginning was to create a Music Therapy Program that would offer Veterans the chance to “replace the gun with a guitar and stimulate creativity through music.”

In 2017, Challenge America began hosting in-person weekend retreats. Each retreat provided participants with a guitar and the opportunity to work in a group setting with a Challenge America Board-Certified Music Therapist. Participants also met individually with professional Songwriters to create original songs, which were performed at the conclusion of each retreat.

Between 2018 and 2019, Challenge America expanded its impact by offering continuing educational training for other Music Therapists to learn the retreat model and bring it to their own communities. Seventeen Music Therapists completed the training across three retreat weekends before in-person programming was paused due to the pandemic in 2020.

Staying true to its spirit of innovation, Challenge America used the pandemic period to develop a virtual version of the retreat model in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs. The resulting four-week online program preserved the core elements of guitar instruction, mindfulness practices, and songwriting.

This virtual retreat has since been implemented at VA medical centers, Veteran Treatment Courts, and a wide range of Veteran Service Organizations nationwide.

Three people in a cozy wooden room are gathered around a microphone. One person is playing guitar, another is touching the guitarist's shoulder, and the third is standing nearby. There are string lights hanging overhead.

Group of ten people standing on a wooden deck outdoors with green trees in the background, smiling and laughing together.

Two women, one sitting and playing a guitar, the other standing and watching, inside a rustic wooden room.

Group of eleven people standing outdoors on grass with trees in the background, some holding guitars, dressed casually.

Two men shaking hands inside a white tent at an outdoor event, with banners, guitars, and informational posters visible behind them.

People sitting in a circle outdoors on wooden benches during a gathering or event, with a large tree, a building with string lights, and lush green trees in the background.

Two women perform music outdoors with microphones, one playing an acoustic guitar and the other singing, surrounded by trees and rocks, with American flags in the background.

Two people sitting on a park bench playing acoustic guitars.

Three women sitting on chairs outdoors, with one playing guitar and others listening, in a wooded area with tents in the background.

A row of six decorated acoustic guitars on stands, with some having backpacks behind them, in a wooden-floored room.

Group of people on stage inside a barn with string lights and Christmas trees, posing for a photo.

Impact

Testimonials

"I finally see hope again."

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“Two weeks ago I couldn’t coordinate my left and right hands/fingers. With just a little work every day, I muddled through a little picking. Thank you for bringing the guitar back to me!"

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“The amount of stress hasn’t changed, life has gone on and things are coming up but my ability to manage them has increased."

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“My flame is reignited. I’m setting new goals and getting back on track. I could never have found my way back by myself.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“As awesome as the retreat was, my favorite part was that it sparked something in me and I started to paint. I sort of "woke up" during the retreat. That was the most meaningful part.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“Being able to get my feelings out and putting them into a song was powerful for me!! I have never processed my feelings in that way and it reduced some stress and anxiety by getting all that out.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I am going to play my guitar daily and get better at playing it. I will continue to use the gratitude journal to write down the things that I am grateful for every day!"

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“Adding the calm protocol and attempting to play the guitar, I feel, has helped reduce some anxiety and anger. While I’m practicing, my mind is not on my feelings.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“Music is the best help I’ve ever had.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I am doing things differently now. I have more awareness.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I am finding my voice. It brings me joy.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“There were other people like me. We had similar situations.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I felt safe and social. I could let myself go when I performed my song.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I am now able to be 'with' my family more.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“We were allowed to express without fear of repercussions.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“The concert was the most inspirational time of my life. There was connection.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“To all those who are dubious about the success and results of this program, trust the process. There is a reason for this program’s mantra, and before you know it, you will be pleasantly surprised with the results."

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
"I am able to cry now – I got back my feelings that I had lost. It is great to feel again."

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
"I listen to my song everyday."

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
"I am more self-aware and more self-compassionate."

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
"I let stuff go through my song."

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
"My biggest takeaway was the phrase ' trust the process.' "

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
"I learned it was OK to not be OK."

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“This is the first VA program that has really helped me and will benefit me for the rest of my life.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
"We were given a lesson, not taught a lesson."

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
"The retreat made my year."

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I would recommend this program to anybody!”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
"This retreat made me more appreciative of music and now I’m seeing it differently."

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
"My song helped me to connect with my kids."

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
"Getting the guitar was like hitting the lottery – pure gold! It helps me get my mind off things. Mostly, it is a non-destructive and non-violent way of dealing with PTSD. Now I’m playing the music."

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I was able to access some bad memories from being in the service and work through them - I’m not the same - It’s incredible!”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“Being a part of the retreat helps me understand I’m not alone.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I never thought I’d play guitar and write a song - I feel like this retreat has given me motivation to get on the path for a proper career.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“The creative process from learning chords to songwriting to the concert is a pathway to wellness and healing that Veterans don’t usually get an opportunity for.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“Just thinking about my guitar helps me to calm down.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“This is one program the VA got right.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I am light years ahead of where I’ve been.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I’ve reached out to friends to encourage them to ask their VA about having this program.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I’d encourage all Veterans to participate in this program because it’s a good outlet, gives you something new to learn and gets you to step outside your comfort zone.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I also play the guitar now when something is bothering me, and I'll start strumming. It helps me forget the problem for a moment, and when I'm through, the problem isn't as important as before."

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“The guitar puts me in a different state of mind.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“Holding the guitar is my new coping skill.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I'm not the only Veteran out there. We're all the same. I'm not alone. It came at the right time for me because I felt that nobody cared, that I was just a number. I have more focus now. It was a blessing. It was something that I needed, something that has been knocking on my door.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I highly recommend this program for anyone struggling and wanting to be a part of something beautiful – music. It woke me up. It opened my eyes big time.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“The retreat helped me to be a better person. I now have a different level of compassion. I have a different perspective of who I am. I need to let go of things. This brought some closure.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I can now pause before acting.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I learned I still need my military community. Community is important.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“With the Calm Protocol, I can diffuse faster.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“Learning the guitar has brought my son and I closer together because it’s something we can share; also, it has inspired him to do more self care for himself, as he is a Veteran also.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“This retreat has enabled me to become a ‘time traveler’ – I’ve been able to learn how to use music to tap into memories of different eras of my life and sit with the feelings, good and bad.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I’ve been able to get back into writing and it has inspired me to move forward.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I learned through this retreat that it’s okay to ask for help.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
"Getting to know other Veterans was very meaningful for me.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I am more in tune with myself now, feeling who I am and more sound. It brought excitement!”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“My isolation has diminished.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
"The retreat was empowering.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“This retreat has given music back to me.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I now have a better understanding of how to match music to my mood and then use it to change my mood.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I just retired two years ago, and I miss the camaraderie. This retreat has brought back the family I had when I was enlisted.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“The whole experience has been very healing for me.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“When I was stressed at work, I would find myself walking around, using the bilateral drumming on my chest to calm me down. It really works.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I joined this retreat to be a better husband and father and man, and everything I’ve learned has helped me grow.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I love every aspect of this retreat - I have joy again, and I can’t remember the last time I felt that.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
"Receiving a gift in the mail of a hand painted guitar was a step towards gratitude, a state of mindfulness that was encouraged throughout. More than a gift, it was a thank you. And it is lovely."

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
"As someone who is overly task-oriented with a clear objective to complete and 'move out', I was now given permission to be immersed in an agency that has no goal but to bring you to a calm and soothing state only. Performance was not the objective. Slowing down, listening, feeling the vibrations from my actions was."

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
"Working with my songwriter, my fellow collaborator in song, was amazingly fun. She was able to hear my lyrics and keep it genuine to my feelings and it was very cathartic."

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
"I sit here looking at this mirror in others, I see learned lessons, strength and pride in myself.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“We don’t feel alone anymore.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“When I got my guitar, it immediately motivated me towards life.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“It brought me out of myself; out of isolation.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I got to be free and meet wonderful people who will be in my life from here on.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“This retreat was a moment to slow down, connect and express - everybody, Veteran or not - should do this retreat.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I came in thinking I'm just going to add to my music tool box, but I was surprised I took away a lot more than I really expected.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“Every Veteran and the Challenge America team touched my life.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“Compassion for self and others was evident in everything we did.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“You should bring this program to active duty personnel - they need this, I wish I had something like this.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“Everyone’s songs were relatable.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I didn't realize how much I need something like this.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“These beautiful guitars were such a gift - and that they were decorated by high school students made it all the more meaningful.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I didn’t realize how much I needed to share.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“This retreat is the best thing in the world.”

——Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I realized I could do something that I never thought I could do.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“Being a part of this retreat hit me in the soul.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I don’t want this to end.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
"My daughter says that I am now the dad that she had before.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I am more calm now, and I don’t get so upset now. I am more aware of my triggers and can handle them better. I am practicing self-compassion now. I am getting things done now! And I can feel a trigger coming on, and I know to do the Calm Protocol and get myself in a better place now.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“The retreat helped me to figure out what was important to me."

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
"I listen to my song every day.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I’ve been telling people about this retreat every day, it’s made such a difference in me”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I’ve been doing better with coping since the retreat started than I have for a long time.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I realized I can be a bright light through my music”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“This helped me get my motivation for living life back”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I feel like a different person. The retreat helped me put fragments of my life back together.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I’ve always known who I don’t want to be. The retreat helped me find who I do want to be.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“The Calm Protocol is invaluable - I’ve been able to use it during panic attacks at work and afterward I feel so much better.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“The retreat added to my life in a very big way.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“My life has really changed as a result of this retreat.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“Songwriting has enveloped me - I’m seeing songs in everything and I can’t stop writing music!”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“This completely changed my life. The change it’s made in me is just the start.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I showed up for myself, and I went from self-destruction to self-reflection.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“The concert made me feel courageous.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“This made me feel like I matter, like I should keep going and pursuing music.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I knew every day that joining the session would bring peace to me.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“The retreat gave me an opportunity to see that there’s hope, even when I don’t feel like there is. I had hope.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“For two hours a day, this got me through and gave me hope to go on.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I came into this not knowing what to expect, and this program absolutely exceeded my expectations.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“The retreat really helped give me structure and improved my focused attention - I went from being behind in my schoolwork to being weeks ahead on assignments.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I felt so supported during the retreat."

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“Being able to share my story without having to verbally recount it was really helpful - it was a creative way to share it, a way where I got to control what to share and what to keep.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“The retreat gave me so many tools to help myself.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“The retreat sparked my creativity, it gave me more motivation and more joy.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“The songwriting process helped me re-establish emotional connectivity - with myself, my spouse, my family. It helped tear down barriers I’d put up.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“The Calm Protocol helped me find inner peace.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“This helped me see that I’m not alone, that other Veterans have issues too and that we can get through them together.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“The retreat gave me the tools to find myself and connect with other people.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“Sharing my words through music gave me a sense of purpose and fulfillment.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“Meeting other Veterans was really special. There are times when you just feel alone, but this really helped me see I don’t have to suffer in silence.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“Now, when I want to crawl into bed and be alone, I pick up my guitar and it brings me back to life.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“This gave me confidence, it helped me see what I can do and accomplish. There’s purpose again.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“This retreat was a gift and absolutely made a difference. It was a life changing experience!”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“The guitar really helped me connect to my emotions and understand what I’m feeling more.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“This was such a positive and encouraging experience - I needed to connect with myself and with other people, and music helped me to do that.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I can’t tell you how much this helped me. It gave me structure and consistency when I needed it.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“This program helped me feel safe and feel seen.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I’m telling everyone I know about this retreat! It was a transformative experience.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“Without this retreat, I would never have picked up the guitar and stepped into my purpose.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“My songwriter picked out pieces of my soul, and turned them into a perfect representation of my story. It touched my heart and soul.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
"I’m sharing myself again.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I feel in my heart and in my life that I’ve reconnected with my purpose. I want to share my music with my community.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I never looked forward to something but then I really started looking forward to the sessions.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I felt very safe and comforted during the retreat. I learned to calm down and not shut down."

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
"I now have a huge relationship with my guitar, I can look at it as a friend and companion.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I have been surprised at how I’m able to use a wider vocabulary to express my emotions. Instead of the same 5 words for the basic emotions. I feel like I’m able to access my old vocabulary. And being able to express things that I was afraid to before.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“It’s helping me heal so quickly. Through the music I am more trusting and able to self-express. I’ve learned that music for my healing is vital.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“After the concert, I felt super empowered. I’ve been singing everyday. Something clicked in a different way. It’s just easier to feel like I can do that.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“It was a distraction from my pain. When I start singing along, the pain is gone.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“The retreat made me more decisive. It increased a sense of my needs.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“This retreat reignited my love for music and my love for singing - my musical self. It set me on a journey to take me back to myself and my music.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I’m reconnecting with songs from my past, and I’m writing new songs. I’m so excited to express myself.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I would recommend this to anybody, whether they’re musical or not!”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
"I felt a big difference in my pain once I started doing the things we were learning.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I felt like I was a part of something, part of a group and part of something special with the music.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I never thought music would have the calming effect that it did. When I picked up the guitar, everything calmed down and I felt better.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
"The calming effects from the guitar are lasting, it helps me through the night. I want to carry the guitar with me 24 hours a day."

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“The retreat gave me so many really fun tools to have in my toolbox. It taught me that music is a path toward calmness and serenity.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“It was such a positive escape, a way for my brain to rest - and now my mind is in such a positive place. This is a healthy way to escape without numbing the world around me.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“Every single element of the retreat contributed to my life. I will always have a spot in my heart for this program - I looked forward to it every week. It’s a huge thing to know you’re not alone.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“This is something I’ll carry with me until the day I die. It was a highlight in my life.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“Getting out with the other Vets in person for the concert was a really special thing, and it was a great way to isolate myself a little less. I was so touched by each person in the group.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“This is the best therapeutic session I’ve ever been in in my entire life. Music gave me a back door to address some of the bigger things in my life.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“This was such a milestone, I haven’t played music or sung in so long. It was a really big deal for me.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“Because of this retreat, I am making Thanksgiving dinner and hosting 15 people - I realize I can do hard things. I’m doing this for myself. I’m making new challenges for myself.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I loved the songwriting process. It helped me reconnect with myself and my love of writing.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I never felt such immediate calming as I do using the guitar.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I was impressed with Challenge America with their organization and how tight they ran things. I think it’s amazing what they’re doing!”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I was stunned at the impact of writing a song and how quickly 5 very different people bonded.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“More and more I tell myself 'I am worthy and I have value.' ”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“It’s weird how a short bit of time can do this much good.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“One thing that came out of this is – I want to help people more.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“It’s amazing how much a short program can do.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“The concert was such an insanely powerful experience. It was so personal and emotional.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“The retreat made me so much more self-aware, and I noticed my boundaries, limits and what I can do.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“The retreat taught me that even in your darkest spot you can still make meaningful relationships with people.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I listen to music in a completely different way than I used to.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“It gave me an opportunity to have a nurturing and safe space to encourage my vulnerability.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“The retreat gave me something to look forward to and took my attention and thoughts away from my grief and depression.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“The inclusion of music and learning guitar in a therapy setting helped me get out of my head and express myself. I typically cry throughout therapy sessions, but this was fun. I feel like a little girl.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“This retreat was above and beyond my expectations. It was a reconnecting experience.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“A lot of things came out in the songwriting process – I hadn’t taken time to look back and reflect, I was so busy looking forward and being in the present.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I’m more capable of listening to others’ stories without running away. I’m less irritable.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“The concert was really impactful, so much more so than I ever imagined it would be, I couldn’t fathom that it would be that incredible.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I never thought about this, it never dawned on me before holding the guitar and learning this, that everything is connected.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“When I played the guitar, I wouldn’t think about any of that stuff. It freed my mind.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I’ve been going to CAVARTS everyday and am practicing the modules.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I’m going to have to get on a plane soon, first time since 1974 and this retreat really helped me get ready for that.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I learned that I could use the guitar to help me with my emotions. It's one thing to learn the guitar, it's another to add so many things to my toolbox. It opened up a big door for me.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I’m using the Calm Protocol and the paradiddle every day, it gives me some kind of comfort and puts me in the here and now and not thinking about negative stuff.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“It opened up a world of possibilities for me.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“It felt empowering to work with my songwriter.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“We had a dinner last night with some friends from the retreat and next time we’re going to bring guitars.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“The concert was phenomenal; for everyone to put their hearts out there, it was very moving and very emotional.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“Having my song sung and put out into the universe meant a lot, it was very releasing, to take it off my chest and put it out there.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I’m using the guitar to help me through nightmares, I now have something physical that calms me.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“The retreat got me out of isolation and gave me tools to help me with stress.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I’m absolutely blown away by the whole experience, I’d recommend it to anybody.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I got things back in my life on day one. It was very comforting to know that some of these things aren’t permanent.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“During the concert, the greatest impact was listening to everyone else’s songs, I underestimated how powerful that piece would be.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“This kind of therapy is life saving.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“This is what matters, this is effective, this is what works.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“It healed a part of me that I didn’t know needed to be healed because I was suppressing it.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I can see the green in the trees and feel the warmth of the sun again.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“This is a beautiful, valuable experience, I fully support it.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I felt so much energy from the concert, it gave me the strength to carry on.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I can look at my combat experiences differently now.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I realized that I wasn’t alone, I’m not the only one feeling these kind things. I felt community.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“Making time for myself makes me feel better about myself. It makes me feel productive because I’m learning something new.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I’m now getting out of my house and wanting to see people again.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“This was my first group session, ever, I realized what we share.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“It was the greatest gift to receive.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
"The retreat reignited my hope; It gave me a new hope, the baby steps and lead to giant steps.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“The biggest take away from the retreat was listening to other participants' songs, having the opportunity to engage in healthy safe socialization, and finding my voice.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I really related to some of the other Veterans and felt connected to all of the songs they wrote.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“The guitar and music therapy tools I have remind me that I can do anything.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I really felt connected to my other group members.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“This retreat was just different.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“The mood see-saw still happens, but I have more tools to get out of it.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I think with you guys, I have exceeded my goals. It went beyond my expectations.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“That creative side gives me more courage. Now I’m feeling like I can turn and see the beauty.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
"I found peace and tranquility, quietness.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I found it all to be uplifting.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“Composing the song helped me be more confident in expressing myself.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“You all was able to get some stuff out of us that was churning around in our heads for a long time.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“When we was in the session, we was always happy.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I always show meek and well-mannered me, but with the song I let it all out.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“Somehow, something in the retreat showed me that it’s ok not to be an overachiever; if I’m just plucking away at these chords poorly, I don’t have to stop just because I’m not a pro.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I see the world in a different light – everyone has a story to share.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I want this retreat to last forever.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“This retreat was amazing. I’ve never had this much control over my emotions.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I used to be anxious and scared all the time, and installed security cameras; now I’m taking the dog out at night, I feel safe and secure at home alone.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“This was the most healing experience I’ve ever done.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“Before, I didn’t want to get out of bed, and now I wake up happy.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I can’t believe that song came out of me!”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“It got me connected with my strong emotions instead of running away or shutting down.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“This retreat really showed me how much I love myself. Because I’m giving myself a chance.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“It pushed me to grab my guitar when I started to feel a certain way instead of avoiding it.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I think my family is starting to “get it”, especially after hearing this song. I’m happy they’re asking questions now.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“Now I’m free to dream again. I’m able to think about what's next for me.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“The retreat brought me joy."

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“This was the best group experience that I’ve ever had.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“This is the first time I’ve been motivated to write since I was a teenager.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“It’s helped me realize how far I’ve come.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I try to pick up the guitar every day, it seems to calm me a lot.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“It validated my service, and helped me acknowledge that what happened to me is trauma.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“The concert made me feel like we’re all a supportive team, here together.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“For any Veteran who just feels stuck, it doesn’t matter if they want to or know how to play the guitar. This type of therapy has been instrumental in pulling me out of the stuck.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I feel I catastrophize less than I did at the beginning of the retreat. I feel more openness and willingness to connect with others.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“Mindfulness techniques using the guitar allowed me to be more present.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I found every bit of it useful.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“The entire thing changed my relationship with the guitar, it went from something that I had to master to a companion.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I felt something I hadn’t felt in a while, and it felt like it was okay.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I can’t say enough about it.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“It was life changing.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“The songwriting piece was really powerful. It helped me take a step back and reframe things and get a better perspective on it.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I always got done with sessions feeling much better than I did going in.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I don’t normally speak in therapy groups, but here I was able to speak.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
"The retreat has given me a wake-up call.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I feel better than I have in a long time.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I still have some barriers to get past, but I feel more positive; I’m not done yet. Knowing that I do have a talent for music, and maybe I can be good again, gives me hope.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
"It’s helped me stay present in my body and my mind, using tools that I probably wouldn’t have thought to use otherwise, and make some really tough decisions that I was not wanting to make."

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“And the cool thing is, you can share that art with other people; I’ve had a lot of people be impressed with my song, and that gives me a great deal of satisfaction.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I’m kind of timid about trying new things. The fact was, it was so easy and comfortable, it didn’t cause me any anxiety or fear, and it gave me a sense of belonging."

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I really feel like I’ve blossomed in this.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I listen to my song every morning!”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“My song tells me about my own power and that I’m allowed to have it.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“Hearing other people’s situations, you reach an intimate thing that helps you open up yourself.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“It was powerful medicine.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I haven’t felt like this about something since I was a kid learning martial arts.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“When I start feeling anxious or depressed, that’s when I’ll start doing the music tools.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“The affirmations spoke a lot to me. Now I tell myself 'you belong in the room, act like you belong in the room.' ”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“The biggest takeaway was closure. When the song was completed, I couldn’t talk; it just brought tears to my eyes. I was speechless. It’s something I’ve been trying to deal with for over 40 years, and there it was…I listen to the song every day.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“Thank you so much for this whole thing, for everything; I thought it would help me out a little bit, but I just never expected what I got.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“It was very powerful for me.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“Stay in the creative space. It moves mountains.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I would be complaining about the appointments I had to go to - but I wanted to go to these.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I’m expressing myself more through music. All of my songs are a story of my path.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“When I’m triggered - I have a guitar, and I can strum it…It makes me present.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“Every time I pick up the guitar I do the calm protocol, I use the strumming and breathing.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I’m more aware and grateful.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I can escape by playing one chord and saying an affirmation.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“Seeing my song come to life was amazing.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I not only looked forward to this, it was everything to me. It’s amazing.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I told everybody I was in this program, it was something I wanted to talk about. It's a very proud thing for me to be a part of it.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“I realized I can either walk around the problem or walk through them, learning music is learning myself and giving me the tools to walk through them.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“My wife said ‘who is this person that came home to me? This is not the same person.’ ”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“My guitar is now my escape from anxiety and anger. I can let go of my anger into a song.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“The depression stage is gone. I’ve never felt happier. I feel like my life is going to change for the positive.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
“They need more Veterans to get involved in this program.”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
"Without the retreat, I would not have been able to incorporate music and calmness into the enjoyment of my senior years."

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
"This program is very helpful and the staff has been empathetic and dedicated to Veterans’ well-being. So glad to have been a part of it!”

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant
"All through the retreat we could share or not share our thoughts and if we did it was always met with encouragement from the group."

—Veteran Music Therapy Retreat Participant

Program Partners

This program made possible through the generous support of our donors, sponsors, and community partners. The Guitar Center Music Foundation provides guitars and covers shipping costs, while Tandy Leather donates handcrafted, decorated guitar straps for our participants. Guitars 4 Vets further supports our Veteran participants by offering follow-up guitar lessons, online educational materials, live events, and support through our national peer support network, the Challenge America Veteran Arts Community (CAVARTS).

Decorated Guitars & Straps

A Celebration of Artistry, Gratitude, & Care for our Veterans

Professional artists from Colorado’s Roaring Fork Valley, the Muskogee Art Guild in Oklahoma, and students from Christ Presbyterian Academy in Tennessee have decorated over 150 guitars with love, gratitude, and brilliant artistry for Veterans participating in the Challenge America Music Therapy Retreat Program.

Our partners at Tandy Leather have also contributed handcrafted guitar straps to accompany these special instruments. The guitars themselves were generously donated by The Heartstrings Foundation and the Guitar Center Music Foundation, and each has been placed in the grateful hands of a Veteran.

Guitars and retreat materials on display for in-person pick-up at the Tulsa VA prior to the VA Eastern Oklahoma Music Therapy Retreat. These guitars were generously donated by The Guitar Center Music Foundation and hand painted by local artists from the Muskogee Art Guild. Each guitar was personally selected by a Veteran retreat participant displayed with their retreat materials for in-person pick-up.