Hey, I'm Ivan
I bring people together through music, travel, and shared experiences that transform how we create and connect.
From building software systems to organizing transformative music retreats across the globe, I'm passionate about creating spaces where curiosity meets creativity and where every story matters.
✨ Join our global community of music creators and adventurers
About Me
My Journey: From Language Camps to Music Retreats
It all started with language camps at the Goethe Institut as a teenager. Those early experiences showed me the magic of bringing people together to learn and grow in immersive environments. Whether debugging code or discovering new guitar riffs, I've always been fascinated by how things connect to create something beautiful.
My path led me through international business competitions as a global case study competitor, where diverse minds came together to solve complex challenges. From boardrooms to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu camps with BJJ Globetrotters, I discovered that whether you're tackling business problems or training martial arts, the best breakthroughs happen in community.
Then came my first band experience and the realization that playing music with others is the ultimate connection. After a transformative 3-month sabbatical across South America in 2024, I knew there was more to life than just working for a company. Why not create spaces where people can step away from routine and find their groove together?
That's how The Groove Effect was born. Today, I'm building software, playing music, and creating retreats in beautiful places where strangers become collaborators and collaborators become lifelong friends. There's only one life – let's live it with music, community, and adventure.
Stories from Our Community
Hear from the incredible humans who've joined our global community of music creators and adventurers. Their stories inspire us every day and show what's possible when curiosity meets creativity.
As a beginner drummer, it was extremly useful to me to attend the weekend guitar sessions where I could learn more about rhythm, beat, feel and punctuations in western pop music. Lessons were made out to be beginner friendly and literally the whole room could pay attention and follow the instructor while he was speaking and playing some of the examples of what was being studied. This retreat is a warm recommendation to anyone who feels like he/she needs live music practice with people jamming in real time, while studying fundamental concepts of band roles and modern music theory. Cheers!
Veljko Marojević
Drummer
📍 Belgrade, Serbia
The Groove Effect is as a place of creativity, new friendships, and incredibly easygoing, positive energy. From beginners to experts in their craft, everyone can find their place here. From organizers to participants, each person leaves their personal mark on this place, making it better. Precisely because of this concept—open-minded and versatile—I believe this event can grow into something phenomenal and widely accessible, enriching the musical journey of every individual, even of those who do not know the language of music. And of course, we can't wait for the next session! 💪💙
Adam Petrović
Musician
📍 Belgrade, Serbia
I joined the workshop to really understand my role in a band and how I could contribute to the groove on keys without relying too much on computer effects. The structure of the sessions was inspiring, with clear and practical examples that helped me improve my playing and opened up new possibilities for improvisation. What I loved most was the energy of the rehearsals and jam sessions — it felt like being part of a real band. Now I feel confident jumping in and playing with any of the workshop members, which is such an amazing feeling!
Suzana Radojičić
Keyboardist
📍 Belgrade, Serbia
As someone without formal musical education and only modest theoretical knowledge, I found it incredibly valuable to meet people with different levels of experience and realize that there are no real barriers when open-minded individuals come together, people who have an ear for music and a genuine willingness to share. What's rare to find is a semi-spontaneous gathering where diverse tastes blend into harmony, creating a sense of joy when, through playing together, people truly connect. I'm already looking forward to the next retreat!
Mladen Šijan
Musician
📍 Belgrade, Serbia
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🎶 Let's create something beautiful together! 🎶
We'll only send the good stuff — music, food & creativity.