Editor’s Note: In September 2022, Lurleen Ladd shared her story with NextTribe of how she deferred her dream of becoming a singer/songwriter for years. After partnering with NextTribe last fall to create the Sing Out Loud contest, she released her second album, No Goin’ Back, and now has more ideas on how to help women sing out loud. 

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After wrapping up the Sing Out Loud release event in December, I began to contemplate what comes next. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Julie Russell and Stacy Cohen (pictured above with me), our co-winners of the challenge, watching them perform, and sharing a wonderful sense of accomplishment and community after the show in Austin.

Upon reflection, what I really want is to have more time with creative women like Julie and Stacy and to support their development. As a performing songwriter, I know firsthand that being in media/entertainment can be seriously daunting for anyone, especially for women over 40. Happily, however, there are also opportunities and advantages.

With all that in mind, I have created the Sing Out Loud Performance Retreat. When we’re well equipped, challenges can be successfully navigated. The retreat is about giving attendees the tools to clear the obstacles we face as “older” performers. We all know an uphill battle exists when the latest winner of America’s Got Talent is 12 years old. The message to women is that if you’re not an accomplished singer by the time you’re 30, hang it up. That just pisses me off.

As human beings, it’s a privilege—not to mention a choice—to continue to evolve through every season of life we are lucky enough to experience. This might shock Simon Cowell and others like him, but a woman might discover her love of music and singing when she is well past puberty.

Read More: Becoming a Beginner Again at Midlife: Reinvention Secrets

Sing It, Baby!

The performance retreat, which will be held in Austin on March 28–31, will focus on creating a breakthrough experience for female singers and songwriters over 40. Each retreat attendee will receive one-on-one vocal coaching, an intensive Sing Club experience, studio time with acclaimed music producers, one-on-one creative mentoring, marketing and social media guidance, custom video and photography, and most importantly, the support by the retreat team to build confidence in their vocal performance.

This retreat is for anyone who answers yes to any of these questions: Do you love to sing? Do you have a dream to sing on stage with confidence? Do you wonder how to get started playing in front of an audience? Do you want helpful feedback to improve your experience when singing? Have you contemplated all of this before but thought it’s just too hard or that it’s too late?

I have asked myself every one of these questions. I knew I loved to sing, but I couldn’t figure out how to truly enjoy it because I was trying so very hard to be perfect. It was maddening until I found the right teachers and coaches who helped me build confidence, embrace the talent I had, and get it supercharged with the right experiences.

The Advantage of Being an “Older” Singer

Despite all that is stacked against us, there is one clear advantage to reaching for a goal like this at this age: We know B.S. when we see it. Moreover, we have to call it out and learn to tune out the ageist nonsense and work toward what gives us joy. I have said this many times, and I’m going to keep on saying it: This world is in dire need of more happy and fulfilled women.

If singing is your happiness multiplier, then this performance retreat is designed to support your journey, normalize creativity at any age, and make this world a little more joyful—one badass woman at a time.

Read More: Painting My Way Out of Grief: A Story of Risk and Recovery