The Sound of Musings

Spend an encouraging and inspiring retreat with Maria the ‘flibbertigibbet’ nun turned governess as she discovers the life she was born to live. The Sound of Musings Retreat is inspired by the much-loved, iconic musical and offers profound and accessible insights into life, love and faith. Prompted by the songs, characters and stories in the film, Bryony will lead us on our own journey of faith – it will be biblical, authentic and quite a lot of fun. We will probably even make our own sounds of music too!

In 2025, the iconic film The Sound of Music will celebrate 60 years since its release. Based on the excitement of previous film anniversaries, this diamond anniversary will no doubt generate a lot of national and international interest, making 2025 a great year to host a themed retreat.

‘The Sound of Musings’ is a devotional book written by Bryony Wood, published by Instant Apostle in May 2023 and is now offered as a themed retreat.

Summary of the book – the ‘Blurb’

‘The Sound of Musings deftly traces Maria von Trapp’s journey through the iconic film, The Sound of Music. Dancing from scene to scene with the captivating and much-loved, ‘flibbertigibbet’ nun turned governess, author Bryony Wood draws out profound and accessible insights to encourage our own journey of faith.

Bryony holds true to the film’s spellbinding spirit and inspiring script. Prompted by the songs, story, and characters of the film, each short chapter looks at different aspects of life, love, and faith to help us discover more about God’s love in our own lives. It’s inspiring, biblically rooted, honest and quite a lot of fun!

So, as Maria would say, let’s start at the very…(you know where!)’

About Bryony

Revd Bryony Wood is a priest in the Church of England, ‘Sound of Music theologian’, speaker, broadcaster and author of The Sound of Musings.

She served as a Vicar in Great Bowden (Market Harborough Group of churches 2017-2020)  so knows and loves the Leicestershire area.

It was at Launde Abbey that she was first inspired to develop a Sound of Music-themed Bible study- which then ‘evolved’ into the Sound of Musings book/bible study.

Some kind words:

Jeff Lucas, Author, Speaker, and Broadcaster says:

“A brilliantly creative way to explore vital themes that emerge from a classic film, Bryony’s writing is heartwarming, winsome and encouraging. Buy the book and enjoy a delightful journey.”

 Rt Revd Martyn Snow Bishop of Leicester says:

“I have many happy memories of watching the Sound of Music with my children – it became the soundtrack to several family holidays. So I encouraged Bryony to write her own “musings” as a fun way of helping others reflect on life, faith and their “favourite things”. Bryony has a beautiful style of writing which will help anyone find God in the ordinary.”    

Revd Canon Michael Mitton, writer, spiritual director, speaker, Canon Emeritus Derby Cathedral says:

“Bryony’s inspiring work on this much-loved musical draws out beautiful insights into the many and varied themes contained in the Von Trapp story. Anyone viewing the film after reading this book will find they won’t just be watching a movie but will be embarking on an adventure with God!”

 Tony Horsfall, author and retreat leader says:

“In this joy-filled book, Bryony has taken a familiar musical film and shown us how it speaks of God. Storylines and songs alike become windows to a deeper dimension, carefully crafted and beautifully written. A book to inspire and uplift, read it for yourself and buy it as a gift for someone special.”

 Revd Kate Bottley Broadcaster and Anglican Priest says:

“Bryony writes with humour and warmth as well as insight. You’ll never be able to watch singing nuns in quite the same way.”

Feedback from previous ‘The Sound of Musings’ retreats:

“Bryony’s programme was brilliant – I really enjoyed how she linked scenes from the film with our Christian life.  In particular, she has given me food for thought regarding my pastoral role in our church.”

“Bryony’s talks were so encouraging – we should “live the life we were born to live” – be what God intends us to be.”