For Who & When?

Sonora welcomes:

• Musicians, composers, writers, and sound artists from around the world.
• Both individuals and groups, whether seeking new collaborations or working within an existing ensemble.
• Those who want to compose in solitude, experiment with field recordings, or engage with local musicians.

Sunset concert set up

Pochote jungle studio

Our stage and concert hall

Nature Studio is a great spot to record with nature sounds perfect for spiritual Recordings including guided meditations

Residency Dates

The first Sonora event will take place from August 15 to 31, 2025, followed by a 4-time-per-year cycle. You can use this application to let us know which dates are the best ones for you.

• August 15 to August 31, 2025
• February 15 to February 28, 2026
• April 10 – April 24 2026
• December 1st – December 15th, 2026

The Program

The residency offers a flexible, self-directed experience, allowing artists to focus on their own projects while benefiting from:

• Collaboration opportunities with fellow residents and Costa Rican musicians.
• Uninterrupted time for deep creative work. – included in price
• Deep Connection Workshops, where participants practice deep listening, deep sharing, and trust-building, creating alignment, shared direction, and lasting relationships. -included in price
• Morning & sunset activities (surfing, hiking, guided nature walks, and an immersive spa experience). (surf lesson for extra cost)
• Experimental showcases, listening sessions, and performances.
• The SPA Experience & Wellness, offering additional world-class healing and well-being practices, all in one place. This is including:
• Spiritual massages – for an extra cost
• Special healthy food options
• Acupuncture – for an extra cost
• Breathwork – included price
• Meditation workshops, Yoga, Sauna, Ice bath, Pool, Gym – included in price

Residency Outcomes

By the end of the program, artists leave with:

• Newly produced music, recordings, and creative content.
• *Music videos (available as an additional service, with options for filming in diverse locations such as beach, jungle, sunrise, and sunset).
• *Professional podcast recordings (available as an extra).
• Exposure through Sonora’s platforms, with assistance in uploading or editing content to YouTube, Spotify, and other streaming platforms.
• A lifelong connection to the Sonora community, with access to an exclusive online platform featuring all past residents.
• Collaboration invitations to concerts, retreats, and future creative projects.
• A global artist exchange program, where residents can offer home stays and hosting opportunities for each other around the world
• An experience to be on stage in a concert with your newly produced music and feedback from a small to large audience

* Is where this activity will have an extra cost

Lodging, Services & Facilities

Sonora provides an inspiring, immersive environment with high-quality facilities:

Residency Home Base

• *A house nestled in lush tropical surroundings.
• *Private bedrooms and glamping accommodations with luxury features.
• A shared living and kitchen area.

Creative Spaces

• *One soundproofed recording studios with professional equipment.
• A nature studio deep in the forest.
• *A podcast studio (podcast production available as an extra).
• An outdoor performance and gathering space.

Wellness & Environment

• High-speed Wi-Fi and co-working area.
• Full spa experience (sauna, ice bath, hot tub, saltwater lap pool).
• Yoga deck with an ocean view.
• Gym and fitness area.
• Easy access to the beach and jungle trails.

Artists are encouraged to explore the surrounding landscape, engage with the local community, and connect deeply with their craft.

Artists obtain more experiences as well discounted rates for additional activities such as:

• *Surf lessons or board rentals
• Tide pools visit
• Waterfall visits
• Hikes
• Biking
• Diving
• Dance parties
• Night plankton tours
• *Pilates private/group classes
• *ATV tours
• *Assisted psychedelics journeys

Additional service has a * marked next to them

The residency fee varies by duration and does include accommodation access:

Lodging Tier 1 ticket: $2100 / $3000 for one week.
Lodging Tier 2 ticket: $2500 / $3500 for one week.
Lodging Tier 3 ticket: $3700 /$5000 for one week.

Lodging Tier 1 ticket: $4200 / $6000 for two weeks.
Lodging Tier 2 ticket: $5000 / $7000 for two weeks.
Lodging Tier 3 ticket: $7500 /$10,000 for two weeks.

Scholarships are available upon request.

We invite artists to also sponsor other artists.

Please fill the application form here

I want to pay only for the residency without the need of lodging. Sure, why not. Contact us.

Additional Offerings (Not Included in Base Price)

• Music video production (available in different settings such as ocean, jungle, sunrise, sunset).
• Professional podcast recording & production.
• Customized wellness & healing experiences (massages, breathwork, meditation, acupuncture).

Payment & Policies

• A 50% deposit (non-refundable in case of cancellation) is required upon confirmation.
• Travel expenses and living costs are not included. However, residents can cook together or order meals delivered to their lodgings or in town.
• Scholarships are available for those in financial need—applicants can inquire during the application process.
• If an applicant requires external funding, Sonora provides official invitation letters to assist with grant applications.

The Team

Sonora was founded by a collective of musicians, artists, and creators who met during a Yoko Village retreat. Inspired by the experience, they envisioned a global music community and artist residency program that fosters deep artistic exploration and collaboration.

Our team is dedicated to creating a space where artists can experiment, connect, and transform—both in their music and in their relationship with sound and nature.

A Call to Musicians & Sound Explorers

Whether you seek solitude or collaboration, whether you want to compose, record, experiment with field recordings, or explore new sonic landscapes, Sonora is a place for artistic freedom and transformation.

Here, your music will breathe with the rhythm of the ocean, and your creative practice will evolve with each passing wave.

Join us for the next season of Sonora—where no note is ever played the same way twice, and no artist leaves unchanged.

The Meaning of the Name

Sonora is inspired by the vast Pacific Ocean that embraces Santa Teresa, Costa Rica. Shaping its landscape and rhythm—the very elements that fuel our residency program. The name, derived from the Spanish word for “resonant,” reflects the interplay of sound and nature, defining this unique location.

This area is part of a Blue Zone, where life flows in harmony with its surroundings. The ocean, like music, is ever-changing—moving in waves that remind us of the fluidity of creativity. Each moment spent here is an opportunity to attune oneself to transformation and step into the rhythm of a place where neither the tides nor the artists remain the same.

With this in mind, we invite you to immerse yourself in Sonora—a music residency program and global community dedicated to artistic growth, experimentation, and the dialogue between sound and the natural world.

Location & Why Here

Sonora is located on the breathtaking Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica, within the vibrant creative community of Yoko Village. This sustainable and artistic hub is the perfect setting for musicians, composers, sound artists, and producers to develop new work influenced by the dynamic coastal and jungle environment.

Why Nicoya, Costa Rica?

• A Blue Zone, known for longevity, well-being, and deep connection with nature.
• Rich soundscapes—from ocean waves to jungle wildlife and local music   traditions.
• An atmosphere that fosters deep work, collaboration, and creative reflection.
• A sustainable community that supports artistic expression and self-exploration.

Whether you’re a solo artist seeking co-creation opportunities or part of a band looking to produce an album, Sonora offers uninterrupted time for creativity, wellness and collaboration.

Focus: The Type of Music

Sonora is designed for artists working in the realms of:

• Ambient 
• World Music
• Instrumental
• Classical
• Folk / Singer-songwriter
• Jazz
• Mindfulness & Meditation Music
• Experimental

Although Sonora primarily focuses on these genres, we are open to connecting with artists from other disciplines who feel drawn to this experience.

Podcast

Step into the spotlight with your own podcast! Share your art, your story, and your passion with the world.

Wellness facilities

Enjoy and relax the best & healthiest way

Follow our events on our Facebook and Instagram pages to stay updated on what we do in the community. As always, reach out to us if you have any questions or want to schedule a call with us. Stay tuned for more exciting developments happening at Yoko Village!