Welcome to Countryside Retreat
Join us for The Groove Effect's most ambitious adventure yet - a transformative multi-day music retreat in the calming countryside of Serbia.
Experience music creation in unique A-frame cabins surrounded by nature, featuring expert instruction, outdoor relaxation, and our signature community-focused approach to musical growth.
What to Expect
- 📅 October 18th and 19th in Kosmaj, Serbia
- 🚗 30-45 minutes drive from Belgrade
- 🎵 Musical workshops and courses all day long
- 👨🎓 Professional musicians and instructors
- ⏰ 15+ hours of classes, jams and creative activities
- 🍽️ One large meal per day
- 👨🍳 Cooking classes
- 🎸 Open space for jamming and creative activities
- 📸 Photo booth
- 🌟 All experience levels welcome!
What's Not Included in the Price
Important information about what's not covered in your retreat experience
Accommodation
Sleeping over at the retreat location is not included in the retreat price
Transport
Organized transport is not included, but we'll create WhatsApp groups to help coordinate getting there and back
Beverages
Drinks can be purchased on site during the retreat experience
The Location
SunMoon House on Kosmaj Mountain - where creativity meets tranquility
🏔️ Mountain Sanctuary
Nestled on Kosmaj mountain near Sopot, Serbia, SunMoon House offers an inspiring environment that perfectly balances comfort, nature, and functional creative spaces.
This peaceful, isolated setting provides the perfect backdrop for musical exploration, relaxation, and genuine human connection away from the distractions of city life.
🎵 Creative Focus
Comprehensive Course Details
Deep-dive into our expertly crafted courses, each designed to transform your skills and understanding
Masterclass: Jam Dynamics
"Music is conversation — learn to listen, respond, and guide the jam"
What You'll Experience:
- • Two days of hands-on learning with space for questions, practice, and live jams
- • Master band "signals" - learn the cues that guide every great jam session
- • Develop dynamic control - discover how to choose where to take the groove
- • Showcase your growth in a final group concert with fellow participants
- • Connect with a supportive musical community in nature's tranquil setting
Perfect For:
Both vocalists and instrumentalists who want to:
- • Make the band follow your musical phrasing confidently
- • Learn how to signal smooth transitions between song sections
- • Respond naturally when someone else takes the lead
- • Transform jams from dead ends into musical journeys
"This masterclass gives you the tools to lead, respond & never feel lost in a jam"
Music Production Essentials
"Shape your sound. Elevate your music"
What You'll Master:
- • Interactive workshop gaining core tools for shaping your sound when mixing
- • Understand what makes a mix sound balanced and professional
- • Master EQ techniques for sculpting and shaping your sound
- • Learn compression for controlling dynamics and adding punch
- • Explore reverb and delay for adding space, depth, and character
Ideal For:
Producers and musicians who struggle with:
- • Mixes that don't sound as good as you want them to
- • Endless tweaking without knowing when a mix is finished
- • Not knowing where to start with mixing on your own
- • Feeling like working with producers is a struggle
"Gain the tools to know when your mix is done and how to get the sound you really want"
Live Audio for Musicians
"Don't get lost when it comes to stage audio"
What You'll Master:
- • Interactive workshop gaining understanding to control your sound on stage
- • Build real-world audio awareness for live performance situations
- • Master the essentials of live sound for musicians and engineers
- • Solve feedback before it happens with proven techniques
- • Learn about power, noise management, and safety protocols
Perfect For:
Sound Engineers & Musicians who want to:
- • Fix sound issues mid-show with confidence
- • Feel more in control when things go wrong on stage
- • Understand how your gear really works
- • Shape your tone exactly how you imagine it
"Gain the skills to be in control of the equipment you're using"
Lebanese Cuisine Workshop
"Cook, taste, and share the flavours of the Levant"
Culinary Journey:
- • Learn to make authentic hummus, baba ghanoush, tabboule, and traditional pastries
- • Explore Middle Eastern spices, techniques, and modern plating approaches
- • Cook together and enjoy shared meals at lunch with music workshop participants
- • Connect through food - cook, eat, and share stories around the table
- • All skill levels welcome in our supportive culinary community
Perfect If You:
All levels welcome - especially if you:
- • Think you can't cook Middle Eastern food at home
- • Want to learn authentic traditional techniques
- • Love connecting with others through food and stories
- • Are curious about Lebanese culinary traditions
"This workshop gives you the confidence to recreate Middle Eastern dishes in your own kitchen"
Each course is designed not just to teach techniques, but to build confidence, foster creativity, and create lasting connections. Whether you're jamming with friends, producing your next track, or cooking for family, you'll leave with practical skills and the confidence to use them.
Retreat Testimonials
Hear from previous retreat participants about their transformative musical experiences
Mladen Šijan
Previous Retreat Participant
"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!"
Veljko Marojević
Previous Retreat Participant
"As a beginner drummer, it was extremely 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!"
Suzana Radojičić
Previous Retreat Participant
"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!"
Adam Petrović
Previous Retreat Participant
"The Groove Effect 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! 💪💙"
Join our growing community of musicians and experience the magic of collaborative learning and genuine musical connection.
Meet Your Instructors
Learn from experienced musicians and creators who are passionate about sharing their knowledge
🎵 Music Instructors
Jovan Antić
Primary Instrument: Music Production, Keys & Vocals
Greatest Career Achievement(s):
Keyboardist, vocalist, arranger and producer with Serbian jazz/funk band Zemlja Gruva. He's also an active member of Zemlja Gruva's music production entity - Gruvlend. Participated and ranked 5th at Eurovision song contest in 2022. Has performed at many regional festivals (EXIT, Arsenal Fest, Sea Star, etc.).
Specialties:
Music production (Cubase as primary DAW), jazz singing, cajon, keyboards.
Fun Fact:
Multi-instrumentalist on stage. Omnistrumentalist in the DAW when producing.
Aleksandar Petrović
Primary Instrument: Guitar
Greatest Career Achievement(s):
Has played with some of the region's greatest jazz artists such as Vasil Hadžimanov, Bojan Zulfikarpašić, Nenad Gajin & Jela Jovović. He's a professor of jazz at the renowned Stanković music school in Belgrade. Has his own jazz band - Aleksandar Petrović Jazz Trio.
Specialties:
Jazz & funk guitar
Fun Fact:
Can't play before having a coffee
Marko Maletin
Primary Focus: Live Audio Engineering
About:
Audio engineer, producer, and musician on a mission to make sound clear, musical, and accessible. Founder of the Slightly Technical academy, where he teaches more than 500 students.
Greatest Career Achievement(s):
With over a decade in live sound and studio work, he has mixed everything from small gigs to major festivals. Has travelled the world via cruise ship, bringing professional audio expertise to performances across the globe.
Specialties:
Live sound engineering, stage audio systems, feedback management, audio education
Fun Fact:
Has mixed shows in more countries than most people have visited
👨🍳 Cooking Instructors
Sumac Lifestyle
Focus: Global Cuisine & Culinary Arts
Sumac — Life Well Seasoned
Sumac is a culinary project, inspired by the flavours of the Levant and beyond. It's about vibrant, seasonal food, shared at the table with warmth and refinement. From intimate suppers to creative collaborations, Sumac brings people together through taste and storytelling.
Join two hands-on food workshops where we'll prepare and share dishes inspired by Lebanese and Middle Eastern traditions. Together we'll cook, taste, and learn simple techniques that bring vibrant flavours to the table. A relaxed, interactive way to connect over food during the retreat.
Specialties:
Middle Eastern, Far Eastern, French cuisine
Fun Fact:
Inspired by her Lebanese grandmother to cook since she was 5.
Our culinary program brings together global flavors and traditional techniques, creating memorable dining experiences that complement our musical journey.
Live Jam Sessions & Concerts
Where real learning happens - through playing together
🎵 Jam Sessions
The magic happens when musicians come together organically. Our jam sessions are where workshop concepts come alive through real-time collaboration.
Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out, these sessions create natural learning opportunities where everyone contributes and everyone grows.
🌟 Evening Concerts
End each day with intimate performance circles where participants share what they've learned and created during the retreat.
These aren't formal concerts but celebratory moments of connection, where music becomes the language that brings our community together.
Why Jamming Is Essential
Playing music together is the fastest way to develop your musical ear, timing, and ability to communicate through sound. It's also where the deepest connections form - both with the music and with fellow musicians who become lifelong friends and collaborators.
Beginners Welcome!
Open to all levels - your musical journey starts here
Learning at Your Pace
Our workshops adapt to different skill levels, ensuring everyone feels challenged but never overwhelmed.
Supportive Community
Everyone was a beginner once. Our community celebrates growth and supports each other's musical journey.
Beyond Music
Nourishment for body and soul
🍽️ Culinary Adventures
Food brings people together as much as music does. Join our hands-on cooking classes featuring global cuisine techniques and flavors from around the world.
We provide one large communal meal per day, which will be delivered to the retreat.
🌿 Countryside Connection
Connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for music and personal growth. Let yourself be with your creative self for a weekend, surrounded by meaningful activities designed to enhance creativity and foster deep connections within our retreat community.
🎸 What to Bring
🎵 Essential Items
Note: We'll have basic equipment and amplification available, but bringing your personal gear ensures the best experience for your musical expression.
Get Your Tickets
Secure your spot at the Countryside Retreat. Choose your ticket type and join us for an unforgettable weekend.