Federation of Guitar Societies

15 Hours - 10 Weeks.An introduction to classical guitar technique and simple repertoire, as well as music-reading, musicianship and theory. Suitable for absolute beginners.

11 Tuesday Evening Sessions over 11 Weeks. What is the course about?

Extend your knowledge of technical matters and musical styles. Improve your playing technique so you may concentrate on a smooth and polished performance. Musical styles will include Classical, Spanish, Baroque, Latin, English folk songs.

What will we cover?

Melody playing, legato, chordal accompaniment

Knowledge of the fretboard up to fret 12

scales and arpeggios at grade 6

Play solo and as a guitar ensemble

Different tunings eg open G, drop D

The option to perform solos in the class

Analysis of our pieces

Construction of 7th, 9th, 11th and 13th chords.

What will I achieve?

By the end of this course you should be able to...

Read notation up to the 12th fret.

Play a melody with harmonic accompaniment.

Play 3 octave scales and arpeggios.

Play solo and ensemble pieces to a high standard.

Improve left and right hand technique sufficiently to be able to focus on musicality.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

You should have completed Classical guitar 3a, be able to read notation fluently up to at least the 5th fret, and accustomed to regular and appropriate guitar practice. You will be able to play melody and chords on the guitar.

The course will focus on ensemble playing with a range of repertoire for guitar orchestra and smaller ensembles. Music will be sent out in advance and arranged with parts to suit all levels. The weekend will also include sight-reading exercises, technical workshops and performance preparation.

The Great Guitar Getaway is a guitar ensemble focussed retreat designed for all abilities. All you need is to be able to read music and have some experience of the classical guitar!

You will be led by three experienced tutors who aim for you to leave the weekend feeling inspired and more confident with your guitar playing.

Over the weekend you’ll play as part of an ensemble, receive one-to-one tuition, and meet like-minded people. At the end of the weekend we will have a final performance of our ensemble pieces as a last hoorah, a recording of which will be forwarded to everyone as a keepsake.

This retreat is aimed at all abilities (as long as they are able to read music) and will have a guitar ensemble focus. Improve your confidence in ensemble playing and meet other like-minded people! The course organisers aim to create a very relaxed and friendly environment for people who may have been apprehensive to go to something like this before. At the moment spaces are limited to 12 participants so there would be lots of opportunity for one-to-one help if needed. Equally, if there are a few people who are slightly more advanced, there’s the space and ability to work with smaller ensembles. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks will all be provided as part of the price. More detailed information regarding the schedule, tutors and accommodation at: https://www.thegreatguitargetaway.co.uk/

With Andrew Gough and Vincent-Lindsey-Clark

Basic notation and chord reading will be required; help can be provided with different reading abilities. We’ll use standard notation and chord symbols; music will have different difficulty levels. We will concentrate on improving confidence, technique, rhythm and tone.

See Website for information

During the Retreat each participant will receive:

* Four Individual Lessons *

* Daily Technique Classes with Faculty *

* Participation in Guitar Orchestra & Ensembles Directed by Roberto Versluys *

* All Concert Tickets *

*Performance Classes*

* Q & A Sessions with Tutors *

* Luthier Expo & Guitar Comparison *

* Optional Participation in Competition *

This summer school is for young guitarists aged 10 – 18 who want to spend a week playing guitar and focusing on improving their technical and musical skills.

Guitar Summer School offers classical guitarists a unique opportunity to participate in a varied programme of music making that allows students time to develop their playing and musicianship. Students work in a non-competitive and supportive environment, performing in ensembles both large and small. The course is suitable for players of all levels of ability but note that it is not suitable for complete beginners or someone who doesn’t read music at all.

TBA

Under the tuition of Raymond Burley