Visitors are now able to access Esalen as well as other businesses and trails in northern Big Sur via twice-daily convoys on Highway 1 operated by Caltrans.
Convoys run only at 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. each day. These are the only opportunities to travel into and out of Big Sur, so visitors must plan accordingly.
Need a scholarship? Apply here.
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Please note: On Wednesday September 20, online registration may be unavailable for up to 15 minutes while system maintenance is performed. If the 'Register Now' page does not load, please wait about 15 minutes and try again.
Join acclaimed multi-instrumentalist, composer, poet, and record-doula Shahzad Ismaily for a deep and inspiring journey into the liberating realms of spontaneous sound and written word. This unique workshop invites participants to embrace the creative process of making music in the moment — free from judgment, structure, or expectation.
We begin each day with the gentle ritual of morning journaling to pour out, to notice, to name. From these raw and honest reflections, words and phrases will emerge as seeds for sonic exploration. Whether through voice, body, or instrument, you’ll be guided in shaping these fragments into songs, meditations, and rituals that honor the truths they carry.
Together, we’ll explore sound and songwriting as a living, breathing process — a way of transmuting emotion into vibration, memory into melody, and stillness into sound. With exercises designed to break through creative barriers, awaken intuition, and foster connection, participants will be encouraged to play without pressure and create without expectation.
Experiment with various instruments, vocal expression, found and natural sounds as tools for discovery. Drawing from devotional music traditions, experimental sound art, and collective ritual, Shahzad guides sonic meditations while holding space for somatic movement exercises that reconnect us to our breath, body, and intuition.
Open to all — writers, musicians, seekers, and the quietly curious. This is a space for presence, for play, and for the brave act of letting go through sound and song. No prior musical or writing experience is needed. Just bring your voice, your notebook, and a willingness to explore.
Learn more about the requirements to receive continuing education credit.
Multi-instrumentalist, producer, composer, and master improviser Shahzad Ismaily has become a much-sought-after session musician owing to his instrumental prowess and knowledge of the musics of many different cultures. After playing in bands during his college years, Ismaily moved to New York City in 2000 and opened his own studio, Figure Eight.
Read More
Monday
5:00 pm – 5:45 pm *How to Drop into Esalen*
7:15 pm – 9:30 pm
Tuesday
10:00 am – 1:00 pm
7:15 pm – 10:00 pm
Wednesday
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
4:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Thursday
10:00 am – 1:00 pm
7:15 pm – 10:00 pm
Friday
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Summer Groovers will experience Esalen in a format similar to our Self Guided Explorations workshops. Each Summer Groove week or weekend will open and close with a circle, and be filled with festive, nostalgic activities that harken back to those days of yore.
More activities can be found on our open class schedule.
See general schedule information including arrival, departure and meal times.
Click Register Now to view availability of accommodations and all-inclusive, program-specific tuition. Please note that not all accommodation levels are available for every workshop and additional faculty fees may apply.
We offer scholarship funds for those with financial need. Learn more.
Please note: On Wednesday September 20, online registration may be unavailable for up to 15 minutes while system maintenance is performed. If the 'Register Now' page does not load, please wait about 15 minutes and try again.
Click Register Now to view availability of accommodations and all-inclusive, program-specific tuition. Please note that not all accommodation levels are available for every workshop and additional faculty fees may apply.
We offer scholarship funds for those with financial need. Learn more.
Please note: On Wednesday September 20, online registration may be unavailable for up to 15 minutes while system maintenance is performed. If the 'Register Now' page does not load, please wait about 15 minutes and try again.
Click Register Now to view availability of accommodations and all-inclusive tuition that includes lodging, three meals per day, access to the baths, and all activities on the Summer Groove schedule.
We offer scholarship funds for those with financial need. Learn more.
For this workshop, you will register and pay for accommodations and tuition in two separate steps.
Second, click Book Accommodations from this page and enter the password to complete your reservation to stay at Esalen.
Prices for accommodations include your lodging, meals, open classes, and use of the baths and other facilities. View partner program accommodations pricing.
As of June 30, 2023 we no longer require a negative COVID test at the time of check in. Please read our current COVID safety guidelines for complete details prior to booking your stay.
All guests and faculty must provide proof of negative test results at time of check-in. Please read our current COVID safety guidelines for complete details prior to booking your stay.
In addition to proof of vaccination, all guests and faculty must provide proof of negative test results at time of check-in. Please read our current COVID safety guidelines for complete details prior to booking your stay.
Effective January 7, 2022 in response to the rapid spread of the new Omicron variant, all guests and faculty will provide proof of negative PCR, NAAT, or antigen test results at time of check-in. The test must be taken within 72 hours nd results must come from a laboratory or healthcare provider.Please read our updated COVID safety guidelines prior to booking your stay.
Effective December 15 in accordance with new guidance from Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Department of Health, all guests, students, staff, residents, and faculty are required to wear masks in all indoor public settings, irrespective of vaccine status, for the next four weeks (December 15, 2021 through January 15, 2022). Please read our updated COVID safety guidelines prior to booking your stay.
Effective November 19, 2021, in accordance with new guidance from the Monterey County Board of Supervisors, all guests, students, staff, residents, and faculty are no longer required to wear masks indoors on campus. Please read our updated COVID safety guidelines prior to booking your stay.
Starting November 5, 2021, due to substantial levels of COVID-19 transmission in Monterey County, a mask mandate established by the Monterey County Board of Supervisors will go into effect. Please read our COVID safety guidelines prior to booking your stay.
All guests will be required to provide proof of vaccination upon arrival starting September 3, 2021. Please read our COVID safety guidelines prior to booking your stay.
Masks are no longer mandated indoors or outdoors, except during massage sessions. Guests are not required to provide testing or vaccination verification before arriving on campus. Please read our COVID safety guidelines prior to booking your stay.
Need a scholarship? Apply here.
Join acclaimed multi-instrumentalist, composer, poet, and record-doula Shahzad Ismaily for a deep and inspiring journey into the liberating realms of spontaneous sound and written word. This unique workshop invites participants to embrace the creative process of making music in the moment — free from judgment, structure, or expectation.
We begin each day with the gentle ritual of morning journaling to pour out, to notice, to name. From these raw and honest reflections, words and phrases will emerge as seeds for sonic exploration. Whether through voice, body, or instrument, you’ll be guided in shaping these fragments into songs, meditations, and rituals that honor the truths they carry.
Together, we’ll explore sound and songwriting as a living, breathing process — a way of transmuting emotion into vibration, memory into melody, and stillness into sound. With exercises designed to break through creative barriers, awaken intuition, and foster connection, participants will be encouraged to play without pressure and create without expectation.
Experiment with various instruments, vocal expression, found and natural sounds as tools for discovery. Drawing from devotional music traditions, experimental sound art, and collective ritual, Shahzad guides sonic meditations while holding space for somatic movement exercises that reconnect us to our breath, body, and intuition.
Open to all — writers, musicians, seekers, and the quietly curious. This is a space for presence, for play, and for the brave act of letting go through sound and song. No prior musical or writing experience is needed. Just bring your voice, your notebook, and a willingness to explore.
Learn more about the requirements to receive continuing education credit.
Multi-instrumentalist, producer, composer, and master improviser Shahzad Ismaily has become a much-sought-after session musician owing to his instrumental prowess and knowledge of the musics of many different cultures. After playing in bands during his college years, Ismaily moved to New York City in 2000 and opened his own studio, Figure Eight.
Join acclaimed multi-instrumentalist, composer, poet, and record-doula Shahzad Ismaily for a deep and inspiring journey into the liberating realms of spontaneous sound and written word. This unique workshop invites participants to embrace the creative process of making music in the moment — free from judgment, structure, or expectation.
We begin each day with the gentle ritual of morning journaling to pour out, to notice, to name. From these raw and honest reflections, words and phrases will emerge as seeds for sonic exploration. Whether through voice, body, or instrument, you’ll be guided in shaping these fragments into songs, meditations, and rituals that honor the truths they carry.
Together, we’ll explore sound and songwriting as a living, breathing process — a way of transmuting emotion into vibration, memory into melody, and stillness into sound. With exercises designed to break through creative barriers, awaken intuition, and foster connection, participants will be encouraged to play without pressure and create without expectation.
Experiment with various instruments, vocal expression, found and natural sounds as tools for discovery. Drawing from devotional music traditions, experimental sound art, and collective ritual, Shahzad guides sonic meditations while holding space for somatic movement exercises that reconnect us to our breath, body, and intuition.
Open to all — writers, musicians, seekers, and the quietly curious. This is a space for presence, for play, and for the brave act of letting go through sound and song. No prior musical or writing experience is needed. Just bring your voice, your notebook, and a willingness to explore.
December 15–19, 2025
This program is full. Find another.
Applications are closed.
Applications are closed.
Join acclaimed multi-instrumentalist, composer, poet, and record-doula Shahzad Ismaily for a deep and inspiring journey into the liberating realms of spontaneous sound and written word. This unique workshop invites participants to embrace the creative process of making music in the moment — free from judgment, structure, or expectation.
We begin each day with the gentle ritual of morning journaling to pour out, to notice, to name. From these raw and honest reflections, words and phrases will emerge as seeds for sonic exploration. Whether through voice, body, or instrument, you’ll be guided in shaping these fragments into songs, meditations, and rituals that honor the truths they carry.
Together, we’ll explore sound and songwriting as a living, breathing process — a way of transmuting emotion into vibration, memory into melody, and stillness into sound. With exercises designed to break through creative barriers, awaken intuition, and foster connection, participants will be encouraged to play without pressure and create without expectation.
Experiment with various instruments, vocal expression, found and natural sounds as tools for discovery. Drawing from devotional music traditions, experimental sound art, and collective ritual, Shahzad guides sonic meditations while holding space for somatic movement exercises that reconnect us to our breath, body, and intuition.
Open to all — writers, musicians, seekers, and the quietly curious. This is a space for presence, for play, and for the brave act of letting go through sound and song. No prior musical or writing experience is needed. Just bring your voice, your notebook, and a willingness to explore.
Learn more about the requirements to receive continuing education credit.
Multi-instrumentalist, producer, composer, and master improviser Shahzad Ismaily has become a much-sought-after session musician owing to his instrumental prowess and knowledge of the musics of many different cultures. After playing in bands during his college years, Ismaily moved to New York City in 2000 and opened his own studio, Figure Eight.
Please note: On Wednesday September 20, online registration may be unavailable for up to 15 minutes while system maintenance is performed. If the 'Register Now' page does not load, please wait about 15 minutes and try again.
The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.
The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!
A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.
Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
Learn more about the requirements to receive continuing education credit.
The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.
The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!
A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.
Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.Summer Groovers will experience Esalen in a format similar to our Self Guided Explorations workshops. Each Summer Groove week or weekend will open and close with a circle, and be filled with festive, nostalgic activities that harken back to those days of yore.
More activities can be found on our open class schedule.
See general schedule information including arrival, departure and meal times.
Click Register Now to view availability of accommodations and all-inclusive, program-specific tuition. Please note that not all accommodation levels are available for every workshop and additional faculty fees may apply.
We offer scholarship funds for those with financial need. Learn more.
Please note: On Wednesday September 20, online registration may be unavailable for up to 15 minutes while system maintenance is performed. If the 'Register Now' page does not load, please wait about 15 minutes and try again.
Click Register Now to view availability of accommodations and all-inclusive tuition that includes lodging, three meals per day, access to the baths, and all activities on the Summer Groove schedule.
We offer scholarship funds for those with financial need. Learn more.
For this workshop, you will register and pay for accommodations and tuition in two separate steps.
Second, click Book Accommodations from this page and enter the password to complete your reservation to stay at Esalen.
Prices for accommodations include your lodging, meals, open classes, and use of the baths and other facilities. View partner program accommodations pricing.
As of June 30, 2023 we no longer require a negative COVID test at the time of check in. Please read our current COVID safety guidelines for complete details prior to booking your stay.
All guests and faculty must provide proof of negative test results at time of check-in. Please read our current COVID safety guidelines for complete details prior to booking your stay.
In addition to proof of vaccination, all guests and faculty must provide proof of negative test results at time of check-in. Please read our current COVID safety guidelines for complete details prior to booking your stay.
Effective January 7, 2022 in response to the rapid spread of the new Omicron variant, all guests and faculty will provide proof of negative PCR, NAAT, or antigen test results at time of check-in. The test must be taken within 72 hours nd results must come from a laboratory or healthcare provider.Please read our updated COVID safety guidelines prior to booking your stay.
Effective December 15 in accordance with new guidance from Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Department of Health, all guests, students, staff, residents, and faculty are required to wear masks in all indoor public settings, irrespective of vaccine status, for the next four weeks (December 15, 2021 through January 15, 2022). Please read our updated COVID safety guidelines prior to booking your stay.
Effective November 19, 2021, in accordance with new guidance from the Monterey County Board of Supervisors, all guests, students, staff, residents, and faculty are no longer required to wear masks indoors on campus. Please read our updated COVID safety guidelines prior to booking your stay.
Starting November 5, 2021, due to substantial levels of COVID-19 transmission in Monterey County, a mask mandate established by the Monterey County Board of Supervisors will go into effect. Please read our COVID safety guidelines prior to booking your stay.
All guests will be required to provide proof of vaccination upon arrival starting September 3, 2021. Please read our COVID safety guidelines prior to booking your stay.
Masks are no longer mandated indoors or outdoors, except during massage sessions. Guests are not required to provide testing or vaccination verification before arriving on campus. Please read our COVID safety guidelines prior to booking your stay.
The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.
The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!
A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.
Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.
The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!
A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.
Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.Learn more about the requirements to receive continuing education credit.
December 15–19, 2025
This program is full. Find another.
Applications are closed.
Applications are closed.
Join acclaimed multi-instrumentalist, composer, poet, and record-doula Shahzad Ismaily for a deep and inspiring journey into the liberating realms of spontaneous sound and written word. This unique workshop invites participants to embrace the creative process of making music in the moment — free from judgment, structure, or expectation.
We begin each day with the gentle ritual of morning journaling to pour out, to notice, to name. From these raw and honest reflections, words and phrases will emerge as seeds for sonic exploration. Whether through voice, body, or instrument, you’ll be guided in shaping these fragments into songs, meditations, and rituals that honor the truths they carry.
Together, we’ll explore sound and songwriting as a living, breathing process — a way of transmuting emotion into vibration, memory into melody, and stillness into sound. With exercises designed to break through creative barriers, awaken intuition, and foster connection, participants will be encouraged to play without pressure and create without expectation.
Experiment with various instruments, vocal expression, found and natural sounds as tools for discovery. Drawing from devotional music traditions, experimental sound art, and collective ritual, Shahzad guides sonic meditations while holding space for somatic movement exercises that reconnect us to our breath, body, and intuition.
Open to all — writers, musicians, seekers, and the quietly curious. This is a space for presence, for play, and for the brave act of letting go through sound and song. No prior musical or writing experience is needed. Just bring your voice, your notebook, and a willingness to explore.
Learn more about the requirements to receive continuing education credit.
Multi-instrumentalist, producer, composer, and master improviser Shahzad Ismaily has become a much-sought-after session musician owing to his instrumental prowess and knowledge of the musics of many different cultures. After playing in bands during his college years, Ismaily moved to New York City in 2000 and opened his own studio, Figure Eight.
The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.
The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!
A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.
Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.Esalen Institute
55000 Highway 1
Big Sur, CA 93920
US: 1-831-667-3000
info@esalen.org