Dates and details may change, so readers are encouraged to check organisers’ websites for the latest information.

Intensive Summer Schools (Multi-Day Courses)

West Dean International Classical Guitar Festival & Summer School

Dates: 15–20 August 2026
Location: West Dean College, near Chichester, West Sussex

A prestigious week-long residential course in the South Downs, open to adult guitarists from approximately Grade 2 to advanced and professional level. Directed by Andrew Gough, the programme includes individual lessons, masterclasses, ensemble coaching, guitar orchestra, repertoire classes, evening concerts, and an Open Day featuring luthiers and lectures.
Website: https://www.westdean.ac.uk/short-courses/scg39817-west-dean-international-classical-guitar-festival-2026

IGF Bath Guitar Festival & Summer School

Dates: Mid-August 2026 (dates TBC)
Location: Bath, Somerset

Organised by the International Guitar Foundation, this major annual summer school typically runs for five to six days. The classical guitar course welcomes players from beginner to advanced level and offers masterclasses, ensemble and orchestra coaching, lectures, concerts, and individual lessons, alongside parallel courses in other guitar styles.
Website: https://www.igf.org.uk

Classical Guitar Retreat

Dates: 7–13 July 2026
Location: Laidlaw Music Centre, University of St Andrews, Scotland

A highly regarded six-day residential retreat for intermediate to advanced guitarists. Directed by Matthew McAllister, participants receive four individual lessons, daily technique classes, ensemble and guitar orchestra work, performance classes, Q&A sessions, a luthier expo, and an optional competition.
Website: https://cgretreat.com

Guitar Summer School at Ammerdown

Dates: Early August 2026 (likely first week)
Location: Ammerdown Centre, near Bath, Somerset

Formerly the Dillington Guitar Summer School, this residential course is led by the Eden Stell Guitar Duo with additional tutors. Suitable for all levels except absolute beginners, the emphasis is on ensemble playing in a supportive, non-competitive atmosphere, alongside technique classes, concerts and informal performance opportunities.
Website: https://www.guitarsummerschool.co.uk

Guitar Dreams Retreat

A major residential retreat at Cameron House, Loch Lomond, Scotland. While it covers multiple styles (rock, blues, jazz), it includes a classical element and major artists.

• ​Dates: 12–16 August 2026
• ​Artists: Eric Johnson, Mike Stern, Guthrie Trapp, and others.

Felixstowe Classical Guitar Festival

Dates: 12–13 September 2026
Location: Palm Court & Conservatory, Felixstowe, Suffolk, England
Website: https://felixstoweclassicalguitarfestival.co.uk/

Felixstowe Classical Guitar Festival (12–13 September 2026, Felixstowe, Suffolk) – A new addition to the UK classical guitar calendar, the Felixstowe Classical Guitar Festival brings together internationally recognised performers, emerging artists, luthiers, composers and enthusiasts for a weekend of concerts, masterclasses, lectures and exhibitions. Concerts in the Palm Court feature Matthew McAllister, Carlos Bonell, The Miyabi Duo, Alexandra Whittingham, Mark Harris, Rosie Bennet, Zoe Barnett and Laura Snowden. Festival activities include a masterclass with Alexandra Whittingham, luthiery lectures hosted by James Lister, a luthiery competition, a composition lecture by Stephen Goss, composition competition results, a patron showcase concert and an exhibition of instruments by leading UK makers. Full details and tickets are available via the festival website.

Weekend Workshops and Guitar Retreats

Craig Ogden Classical Guitar Masterclass

Dates: 28–30 August 2026
Location: Hawkwood College, Stroud, Cotswolds

An intensive residential weekend for accomplished intermediate to advanced players (approximately Grade 6+). Led by Craig Ogden, the course includes solo masterclasses, ensemble work and individual coaching, typically opening with a concert by the tutor.
Website: https://craigogden.com/tag/course/

Hillscourt Guitar Weekend (FGS Guitar Break)

Dates: 17–19 April 2026
Location: Hillscourt Conference Centre, Rednal, Birmingham

A relaxed, community-focused ensemble weekend organised by the Federation of Guitar Societies. Open to players of all abilities, the emphasis is on sight-reading, guitar orchestra playing and social music-making in a friendly, pressure-free environment.
Website: https://www.federationofguitarsocieties.org.uk/Events/

Jackdaws Classical Guitar Ensemble Weekend (Eden Stell Guitar Duo)

Dates: 15-18 January 2026
Location: Jackdaws Music Education Trust, Great Elm, Somerset

A residential guitar ensemble weekend led by the Eden Stell Guitar Duo (Mark Eden and Christopher Stell). Open to players of all levels, the course focuses on ensemble skills, sight-reading, repertoire preparation and coached rehearsals in a supportive environment. Music is typically provided in advance, with accommodation and meals available on site.
Website: https://www.jackdaws.org.uk

Cawsand Bay Guitarfest

Dates: 11-13 September 2026
Location: Cawsand and Kingsand, Cornwall

A popular seaside guitar weekend combining concerts, masterclasses, workshops and ensemble playing with a holiday-style atmosphere. Open to adult players from late beginner to advanced amateur, with plenty of informal performance and social opportunities.
Website: https://cawsandbayguitarfest.co.uk

“Guitars by the Sea” Brighton Ensemble Weekend

Dates: See website, but dates from 28 Feb 2026
Location: Brighton, East Sussex

An ensemble-focused, non-residential weekend organised by the Brighton Guitar Group. Typically includes large guitar ensemble rehearsals, technique coaching and an evening concert by a guest artist. Suitable for players of all abilities.
Website: (Brighton Guitar Group – dates to be announced)

West Dean Short Course (Spring): Classical Guitar – Ensemble Playing and Performance

• ​Dates: 29–31 March 2026
• ​Tutors: Amanda Cook and Andrew Gough.

Wrexham International Jazz Guitar Weekend

Relevant for classical guitarists interested in broadening their style.

• ​Dates: 10–12 April 2026
• ​Location: North Wales.

Benslow Music Courses

Benslow Music (Hitchin) is a major provider of adult music courses.

• Lute Fest: Scheduled for 5–8 March 2026 (in association with The Lute Society).
• Note: Benslow typically releases a “Classical Guitar Ensemble” course (often in the summer or autumn) but dates are not yet available.

Youth and Specialist Courses

Yehudi Menuhin School Summer School – Course 2

Dates: 27 July – 1 August 2026
Location: Stoke d’Abernon, Surrey

An elite residential summer school for talented young musicians aged approximately 11–16, including a classical guitar strand (minimum Grade 5). The programme includes instrumental lessons, chamber music, ensemble playing, theory, wellbeing sessions and performance opportunities on the Yehudi Menuhin School campus.
Website: https://www.menuhinschool.co.uk/summer-school

RCS Young Classical Guitarists Summer School

Dates: 13–17 July 2026
Location: Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Glasgow

A week-long non-residential course for guitarists aged 10–18, welcoming all levels. The programme includes individual lessons, technique classes, ensemble and orchestra work, sight-reading, performance masterclasses and a final student concert.
Website: https://www.rcs.ac.uk/courses/classical-guitar-ages-10-18/

Festivals and Conventions

London Guitar Festival

Dates: October 2026 (dates TBC)
Location: London

An international guitar festival organised by the International Guitar Foundation, featuring concerts by leading artists, workshops, masterclasses, composer talks and the London International Guitar Competition. Open to players and audiences alike.
Website: https://www.igf.org.uk/london-guitar-festival

Ullapool Guitar Festival

Dates: 2-4 October 2026
Location: Ullapool, Scottish Highlands

A long-running and friendly guitar festival weekend featuring concerts, open mic sessions and informal workshops across a range of guitar styles, with classical guitar usually represented among the performers.
Website: https://ullapoolguitarfestival.com

North East Guitar Show

Date: 12 April 2026

Location: Rainton Meadows Arena.

While primarily a trade show, it is a significant event for guitar enthusiasts in the region.

I uploaded the syllabi of some leading international examination boards — the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM), RSL Awards, the University of South Africa (Unisa), and The Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) and Trinity College of Music (TCL) — into NotebookLM and asked it to suggest some works from the syllabi matching each month’s theme. I’ve aimed to find something for every proficiency level.

Important! AI tools like NotebookLM can “Hallucinate” or dream up non-existent references and works. I haven’t gone through everything here with a fine-toothed comb yet, so you may discover some works you’ve never heard of (and neither has anyone else!) I’ll try to weed these out as I discover them.

Defining Proficiency Levels

I’ve grouped pieces in three core proficiency levels, which correspond to the grade levels of the source syllabi. This progression ensures a logical and steady development of both technical and musical skills. ABRSM, TCL and Unisa have Grades 1-8 and then diplomas, RCM has 10 grades.

• Beginner: Corresponds to Initial/Debut, Pre-Grade 1, Preparatory, and Grades 1 through 3. This stage focuses on establishing solid foundational skills in posture, tone production, rhythm, and note-reading.

• Intermediate: Corresponds to Grades 4 through 6. This stage builds upon the foundation by introducing more complex techniques, a wider expressive range, and more sophisticated repertoire.

• Advanced: Corresponds to Grades 7 and 8 and above. This stage challenges students to achieve a high level of technical mastery, develop a mature musical voice, and tackle cornerstone works of the classical guitar literature.

January: Distant Lands

The “Distant Lands” theme serves as a vibrant gateway to the heart of the classical guitar repertoire. The instrument has long been a vessel for folk traditions and nationalistic expression, and by exploring this music, from the rich traditions of Iberia and Latin America to the evocative folk melodies of wider Europe, members are immediately immersed in a vocabulary of compelling rhythms, expressive techniques, and a palette of harmonic colours fundamental to the guitar’s identity. This exploration provides a powerful and motivating start to the year’s journey.

Beginner Repertoire (Debut – Grade 3)

Intermediate Repertoire (Grades 4 – 6)

Advanced Repertoire (Grades 7 – 8)

From the vivid landscapes and folk traditions of distant lands, we turn inward to examine the abstract architecture of musical form.

February: Numbers & Patterns

This theme places a strategic focus on the mathematical elegance and structural logic that underpins music. By concentrating on pieces built from clear patterns, ostinatos, and formal structures like theme and variations, members can explore exceptional rhythmic precision and a deeper understanding of musical construction. This celebration of groove, symmetry, counterpoint, and polyrhythm might appeal to those members who enjoy a connection between music and mathematics.

Beginner Repertoire (Debut – Grade 3)

Intermediate Repertoire (Grades 4 – 6)

Advanced Repertoire (Grades 7 – 8)

Having explored the abstract beauty of patterns, we now apply our skills to the deeply personal art of musical portraiture.

March: Faces & Places

The “Faces & Places” theme encourages members to move beyond the notes on the page and become musical storytellers. By engaging with repertoire that depicts characters, historical figures, or evocative locations, students learn to use technique in service of interpretation. This theme is an exercise in imagination, challenging the player to use tone colour, articulation, and dynamic shaping to paint vivid sonic pictures, thereby developing a more personal and communicative performance style.

Beginner Repertoire (Debut – Grade 3)

Intermediate Repertoire (Grades 4 – 6)

Advanced Repertoire (Grades 7 – 8)

Our journey through well-known musical scenes now takes a turn toward discovering works that lie off the beaten path.

April: Hidden Treasures

This theme is dedicated to the joy of discovery. “Hidden Treasures” encourages students to broaden their musical horizons by exploring compelling works beyond the standard teaching canon. The focus is on overlooked historical gems and engaging miniatures by contemporary composers. This exploration not only expands a student’s repertoire but also fosters curiosity, independence, and a deeper appreciation for the vast and varied landscape of classical guitar music.

Beginner Repertoire (Debut – Grade 3)

Intermediate Repertoire (Grades 4 – 6)

Advanced Repertoire (Grades 7 – 8)

Having unearthed these diverse works, we now sharpen our focus on the specific and vital genre of the concert study.

May: Study in Style (Etudes)

This month is devoted to the concert etude, a genre that masterfully bridges the gap between technical exercises and performance repertoire. An etude is designed with a dual purpose: to isolate and conquer a specific technical challenge—be it slurs, arpeggios, or scales—and to stand alone as a convincing and expressive musical work. This focus helps us players understand that technique is not an end in itself, but the essential tool for achieving artistic expression.

Beginner Etudes (Debut – Grade 3)

Intermediate Etudes (Grades 4 – 6)

Advanced Etudes (Grades 7 – 8)

Having refined our interpretative skills through the etude, we now deconstruct the very fabric of guitar composition by analyzing masterful arrangements.

June: Composition and Arrangement

The examination syllabi are rich with masterful arrangements of folk songs, orchestral works, and popular music. If you’re not submitting an original composition, consider trying your hand at an arrangement! Failing that, try to analyse some great arrangements to see why they work. By deconstructing these arrangements, we can learn fundamental principles of voicing, harmony, texture, and instrumental adaptation.

Below is a selection of arrangements from the syllabi that offer excellent insight into the arranger’s craft.

• Holst, I vow to thee, my country, arr. Mermikides (ABRSM Grade 1): This arrangement preserves a noble melodic line while creating a simple, supportive harmony playable by a beginner. Students learn the crucial skill of balancing melody and accompaniment, ensuring the theme sings clearly above the harmony.

• Musorgsky, The Old Castle, arr. Hegel (ABRSM Grade 1): Sourced from the famous piano suite, this piece demonstrates how to capture the essence of a larger work. By studying this, a student learns how to imply multiple musical lines—the lyrical saxophone melody and the trudging piano accompaniment—within a single, coherent guitar part.

• David Guetta feat. Sia, Titanium, arr. Harrison/Hards (RSL Grade 1): This arrangement skillfully translates the electronic texture and vocal power of a pop anthem through a combination of percussive bass notes and a clear, singing melody in the upper register, teaching students how to separate and define distinct musical layers.

• Smetana, Vltava (from Má vlast), arr. Ryan (ABRSM Grade 4): Taking a famous orchestral tone poem and adapting it for solo guitar is a significant challenge. The arrangement uses flowing arpeggios and careful voicing to evoke the original orchestral texture, teaching students how to use the guitar’s resonant qualities to create an illusion of space and color.

• John Williams, Star Wars (Main Theme), arr. Hards (RSL Grade 4): This arrangement captures the heroic, brass-driven fanfare of the iconic film score. By studying this arrangement, students learn how to create a powerful orchestral tutti effect on a solo instrument through the use of open-string bass notes and full, resonant chord voicings.

• Seal, Kiss from a Rose, arr. Harrison/Rattenbury (RSL Grade 6): Translating this intricately layered 90s pop hit requires careful attention to its unique waltz-time feel. The arrangement uses counterpoint and arpeggiated chords to suggest the rich background harmonies, teaching the student how to manage complex textures and maintain rhythmic drive.

July & December: Celebration Concerts

These two months are dedicated to the art of performance. Having spent the preceding months exploring new themes and repertoire, members are encouraged to select and polish a favourite piece. The goal is to prepare for a celebratory concert, providing a valuable opportunity to share their progress and passion with members, friends, and family in a supportive and encouraging setting. No new repertoire is introduced during this time.

September: “Easy but not Cheap”

The theme of “Easy but not Cheap” is an exercise in deep musicality. It involves revisiting foundational repertoire from the beginner and early-intermediate levels with the sophisticated mindset of a more advanced player. The goal is not technical challenge, but artistic refinement. This focused work encourages the student to perfect every detail—achieving the most beautiful tone, the most elegant phrasing, and the highest level of musical polish on pieces that may seem simple on the surface but offer profound opportunities for artistry.

Here are some examples:

• Andantino by Aguado (ABRSM Grade 1): An ideal piece for perfecting a pure, singing cantabile melody. The focus here is on seamless legato and practicing fine control over the crescendo-diminuendo shape of a two-bar phrase.

• Song for a Friend by Laura Snowden (RSL Grade 2): This piece invites a deep dive into tone color and narrative. Students can experiment with varied touch (apoyando vs. tirando, playing near the bridge vs. over the soundhole) to convey the gentle, storytelling quality of the music.

• Waltz, Op. 241, No. 21 by Ferdinando Carulli (RSL Grade 3): A perfect vehicle for refining rhythmic grace. The challenge is controlling the articulation between the bass note and the upper chords to achieve a true “oom-pah-pah” feel with stylistic lift and forward momentum.

• Soldatenmarsch (Soldier’s March) by Robert Schumann (RCM Level 4): This piece demands impeccable rhythmic clarity. An advanced player can refine the crispness of the dotted rhythms and the character of the detached notes to create a performance of military precision and wit.

• Pastorale by Matteo Carcassi (ABRSM Grade 4): An excellent study in creating atmosphere and controlling texture. The focus is on sustaining the peaceful mood through subtle phrasing and maintaining a clear dynamic distinction between the gentle melodic figures and their drone-like accompaniment.

Next, we move into the gentle and expressive world of night music.

October: Moonlit Strings

“Moonlit Strings” focuses on the art of creating atmosphere and sustaining a beautiful, singing tone (cantabile). This theme centers on gentle, lyrical, and often melancholic repertoire, such as nocturnes, romances, and berceuses. These pieces present the profound challenge of mastering quiet dynamics, shaping long melodic lines, and using subtle variations in tone color to evoke a sense of dreaminess and introspection. It is an essential study in tonal control and expressive depth.

Beginner Repertoire (Debut – Grade 3)

Intermediate Repertoire (Grades 4 – 6)

Advanced Repertoire (Grades 7 – 8)

The atmospheric storytelling cultivated in this theme provides a perfect foundation for exploring more explicit narrative forms.

November: Once Upon a Time

This theme, “Once Upon a Time,” focuses on the rich tradition of programmatic music—works specifically intended to tell a story, depict a scene, or portray a character. Engaging with this repertoire encourages students to analyze musical form as a narrative arc, identifying moments of tension, climax, and resolution. They learn to use their full range of technical and expressive tools to convey a plot, transforming their performance from a series of notes into a compelling tale.

Beginner Repertoire (Debut – Grade 3)

Intermediate Repertoire (Grades 4 – 6)

Advanced Repertoire (Grades 7 – 8)

An infographic

Another NotebookLM feature!