2025 BATH GUITAR SUMMER SCHOOL Classical guitar course
version 3.0
Welcome to Bath 2025 We’re celebrating our 30th year!
30 years ago IGF's first festival was the Bath Guitar Festival and Summer School. It is the root of all our work that was to come in the next 30 years so it is with great pleasure that we can offer you an especially rich and varied event in 2025 bursting with fantastic courses, concerts, lectures and workshops. Bath 2025 fully embraces the diversity of the guitar: whatever your level, musical interest or style of guitar playing: I am sure we have something for you!
See you in Bath!
WARNING: Attending the IGF summer school may seriously improve your playing!
Tom Kerstens, Artistic Director IGF
Introduction
Course Lead: Francisco Correa Welcome to the IGF Classical Guitar Summer School in Bath 2025, a vibrant and immersive 4 day-long celebration of classical guitar in one of the UK’s most beautiful cities. Whether you are a budding guitarist, an advanced player, or simply a music enthusiast, our programme is designed to inspire and elevate your skills while connecting you with a community of like-minded musicians. Led by an exceptional faculty of internationally-renowned guitarists and teachers, this summer school offers a comprehensive programme of concerts, classes, and interactive sessions, catering to all levels of ability. Join us for this unforgettable week of music, learning, and camaraderie in Bath 2025.
solo and ensemble guitar course Classical Guitar
What’s included?
Evening Concerts with celebrated artists be captivated by world-class performances from some of the finest classical guitarists in the world. Lunchtime Concerts enjoy inspiring midday recitals featuring emerging talent and special guest artists. Morning Performance & Technique Class enhance your playing through daily group sessions on performance, tone production & technical development. Masterclasses & Lecture participate in or observe personalised coaching sessions led by master guitarists (taking part in a masterclass will count as one of your 1 to 1 sessions). Join a lecture by Stephen Goss, Chair of Composition at the University of Surrey.
and more....
Small Ensembles collaborate with fellow students in intimate ensemble settings, exploring diverse repertoire. Guitar Orchestra experience the thrill of playing in a large ensemble, culminating in a final concert performance. Vintage Guitar Exhibition and Demonstration discover the history of classical guitar through an exclusive exhibition featuring rare vintage instruments and live demonstrations. Individual Lessons each student will receive two one-on-one lessons tailored to their specific needs and goals.
plus....
Flamenco technique workshop 1.5 hrs workshop with tutor Samuel Moore
Classical guitarists can learn a lot from Flamenco techniques. In particular playing rasgueados (strumming using multiple fingers) and tremolo. Flamenco techniques are very useful in Spanish classical music but also in contemporary music. In general, Flamenco guitarists seem to have a more supple and flexible approach to technique. One of the advantages of using a lot of rasgueados is that the fingers make an outward movement (strumming) as well as only inward movement (plucking).
Lecture
Are scores reliable? Can we make changes to what is printed?
45 minute lecture with 15 minutes Q&A
Composer Stephen Goss explores interpreters’ dilemmas when faced with the impractical, improbable, unreliable and downright impossible.
Stephen Goss’s music receives hundreds of performances worldwide each year. It has been recorded on over 80 CDs by more than a dozen record labels, including EMI, Decca, Telarc, Virgin Classics, Naxos, and Deutsche Grammophon. His output embraces multiple genres: orchestral and choral works, chamber music, and solo pieces.
Course Guide
Level 1 Beginner , Grade 1 - 2 or equivalent, playing experience 2 yrs or more
Masterclasses with guest artists
Individual Lessons Francisco Correa
Levels 1 - 5
Levels 2 - 5
Level 2 Intermediate , Grades 3 - 5 or equivalent, playing experience 3 yrs or more
Level 3 Advanced , Grades 6 - 8 or equivalent playing experience over 5 yrs
Guitar Orchestra Tom Kerstens
Individual Lessons with guest artists
Level 4 - 5 Expert / Professional, Diploma level, Conservatoire Undergraduate or Masters student.
Levels 1 - 5
Levels 1 - 5
Masterclasses - please note that masterclass slots have limited availability. Students will be able to apply for a place closer to the event.
Technique Class Tom Kerstens
This guide gives an indication of the minimum skill level expected for each element of the course.
Levels 1 - 5
Need advice? email us: info@igf.org.uk
Marco Tamayo
Irina Kulikova
Judicaël Perroy
Guest artists/tutors
We are pleased to announce our guest artists this year are Daniela Rossi and Marco Socías .
Laura Snowden
Berta Rojas
Daniela Rossi Guest Artist and Tutor
Described by the composer/guitarist Leo Brouwer as “…a performer with a very rare combination of energy, expression and perfect technique”, Daniela Rossi is an exciting classical guitarist from Bahía Blanca, Argentina, currently based in Cambridge, UK. She studied with Lito González Velasco at the Conservatorio de Música de Bahía Blanca, from where she graduated. She has studied with leading guitarists and teachers worldwide, including Eduardo Isaac, Paolo Pegoraro, Adriano del Sal and Graham Devine. She has won numerous performance awards and prizes across South America and Europe, including First Prize in the London International Guitar Competition (2015), Second Prize in the Heinsberg Guitar Competition and Festival in Germany (2017), and First Prize in the prestigious XXXVI Luis Sigall International Music Competition held in Viña del Mar, Chile (2009).
Marco Socías Guest Artist and Tutor
Born in Málaga (Spain) into a family of pianists, Marco Socías received his musical education in this city, and afterwards in many masterclasses and at the Musikhochschule Cologne (Germany). Among the most significant personalities for his development are Carmen Gallardo, Antonio Company, José Tomás, José Miguel Moreno, Hubert Käppel and David Russell. He became at the age of 21 the youngest guitar professor in Spain, and has been awarded in some of the most prestigious international competitions, as the “Infanta Cristina” (Fundación Guerrero, Madrid) where he got the first prize, “Le Printemps de la Guitare” (Belgium) and Concorso Internazionale di Gargnano (Italy). Nowadays Marco Socías lives in Málaga, and is professor at the Centro Superior de Música “Musikene” in the Basque Country (San Sebastián, Spain).
Guitar Orchestra The IGF Guitar Orchestra is an important feature of the classical course. Often neglected or treated as a side issue in other courses, at IGF we make it a key element, giving both enjoyment and a great musical experience. We will usually play 4 to 5 pieces, 2 of which will be accessible for Beginner and Intermediate players, the other 2 or 3 are for Intermediate/Advanced players. Parts will be sent out 4 weeks or more before the event and you are expected to learn your part before arriving so we can use the daily rehearsals to rehearse rather than sight read.
The Guitar Orchestra is the highlight of the Student Concert at the end of the week.
Schedule
Thurs
Weds
Fri
Tues
Sat
Breakfast
Registration
warm-up / technique classes
Morning
Departure
masterclasses / individual & ensemble lessons / orchestra
Lunch
YAP concert
YAP concert
rehearsal
student concert
Afternoon
masterclasses / individual & ensemble lessons / orchestra / flamenco technique workshop
Dinner
Guest artist concert
Guest artist concert
Guest artist concert
Guest artist concert
Evening
* a more detailed schedule will be sent to students prior to the event.
Student Concert
Your chance to shine!
The week culminates in a student concert in the afternoon of the last day, in the Michael Tippett Centre with its wonderful acoustic.
Each student has the opportunity to play solo or in a duo (or trio / quartet).
The guitar orchestra will also perform their pieces in the concert.
Don’t forget to invite friends and family along to hear you play (entry to the student concert is free).
The final concert is professionally filmed. Students can request the video recording of their performance.
Women and girls come and join us!
Wondering if the summer school is right for you?
Our mission is to share the joy of playing and learning guitar. We welcome everyone to join us and take part.
You’ll find a friendly and welcoming environment that is guaranteed to improve your playing and confidence in performing. why not give it a try?
Testimonials
What our students say:
“the campus was absolutely beautiful”
“great opportunity for personal and artistic growth” Excellent organization, great people, beautiful location, I strongly recommend this to every young guitarist.
“this summer school is different from the others” I appreciated the fact that there were also other courses in the same days. We could share opinions with guitarists from other styles.
The fact that everything took place in the campus was comfortable and allowed me to focus on classes and activities.
Concerts celebrating every style of guitar
Our summer school is unique in bringing together players of many different styles of guitar. We are proud to showcase the amazing diversity of the instrument and would encourage all students to come along to the lunchtime and evening concerts and hear something new!
students get free entry to all concerts!
Scholarships
Artisan Guitar Studio Thanks to the generosity of the Artisan Guitar Studio, IGF is able to offer a number of scholarships for guitarists wishing to attend the summer school. A full scholarship will cover tuition and accommodation for the duration of the summer school, 12th - 16th August 2025. Half scholarships may be awarded to cover tuition only. Eligibility In order to be eligible for support, guitarists must: be post grade 8 or equivalent level and/or be studying classical guitar in a conservatoire / university or preparing the entry to study in one, or have graduated in the last 2 years or be a young person 15yrs old or below, grade 6-8 or equivalent
Deadline extended - applications now due in by 23 May
Scholarships
YouTube Video Applications must include a video of a 4-7 minute long piece, performed by the applicant on their guitar. The recording should be unedited with a single camera and made especially for this application process. Applicants’ recordings are a key consideration in the adjudication process. Applicants should consider the acoustics of the recording location in order to optimise sound quality. Recordings are usually made using a smartphone, tablet or laptop/computer.
Travel to Bath IGF cannot provide help with travel costs (either local or international). This should be covered by the applicant themselves or funded by a third party.
Application Process
Firstly please register your interest by submitting the short form below. We will email an application form and further information.
Recordings should be submitted via an unlisted YouTube link.
Good news! We have extended the deadline to:
If you require any advice or support regarding recordings, or the applications process please get in touch with us at info@igf.org.uk
Deadline: 23 May 2025 (12 noon)
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Newton Park Campus Bath Spa University
Getting there Bath Spa Newton Park Campus The university campus is approx. 4.5 miles from the centre of Bath. Postcode: BA2 9BN
Train & Bus Services
The U5 FirstBus service to the campus departs from outside the Bath Spa train station. Check the Bath Spa Unibus on the FirstBus website for the latest times.
By Car
Parking is available on campus. A permit for the week can be purchased when booking a course
By Plane
Bristol Airport is about 20 miles away. You can also fly to any London airport and take the train from London Paddington.
Campus facilities Commons Building
The home during the week for our contemporary styles courses. Classrooms are modern, bright and accessible. The café on the ground floor is a popular meeting place for coffee during breaks and sandwiches and some hot meals can be purchased at lunchtime. Michael Tippett Centre Classical guitar students are based in the wonderful Michael Tippett Centre with its multiple teaching rooms and auditorium. Concerts by guest artists and the classical and flamenco student concerts are held in the auditorium.
Student Union Bar
All students are welcome to join in the jam nights every evening in the student union bar.
Accommodation Rooms Single occupancy rooms in the halls of residence are on the small side but they are clean and comfortable. Each room has a large single bed, ensuite bathroom, wardrobe and study desk & chair. Free wi-fi is available. There is a shared kitchen with coffee/tea making facilities. Accessibility There are no lifts in the residential blocks. If you require a ground floor room please specify when booking. The accommodation is a distance from the main buildings (5-10 mins walk). Please contact us if you have any concerns around accessibility.
Meals Breakfast and dinner Breakfast and dinner are served in the refectory to students staying on campus.
Good quality hot meals are provided and vegetarians and vegans are catered for.
Lunch Lunch can be purchased in the café or shop in the Commons building.
Commons Café
“The meals were amazing and it was great to be living on campus”
Refectory
FAQs Do I need to read music?
Can I share my room? Accommodation in student rooms is strictly single-occupancy. If you would like an extra room for friends/family let us know. Can friends/family come to concerts? Yes! Please invite them to your student concert (free entry). Summer school students can go to any of the lunchtime and evening concerts free of charge. Others can purchase a ticket when they go on sale closer to the event.
Whilst it is expected that most students will have the ability to read music it is not essential. Please let us know on the booking form and we will do our best to accommodate you. I’m a beginner, will it be right for me? First check the guidance on p6 about ability levels. If you would like further advice from the tutor just get in touch
What music will we play?
Please bring any music you are working on (solo, duo or chamber music) to play with other students and in your one-to-one lessons and master classes. Music for the guitar orchestra class will be emailed to you closer to the event.
Not sure? Get in touch, we’d love to hear from you!
info@igf.org.uk
Pricing
Pay Up Front
Early Bird
Full Price
Young Person
£520
£364
£390
£442
Pay in full by 28 Feb 25
Pay £200 deposit remainder by 31 May 25
Pay in full after 31 May
30% off full price 18yrs or younger
Book Now
Accommodation
Stay on campus 4 nights Single room with ensuite bathroom (breakfast and dinner included)
£460
Ready to book?
click here or scan the QR code
click on Book Now
select your course and payment option
add accommodation and / or parking as required
we will contact you to confirm your booking and answer any queries
Cancellation policy Refunds Please note that course fees are only refundable when attendance is not possible for medical reasons (written verification from a medical professional will be required). If you are not able to attend for any other reason, please let us know as soon as possible beforehand. At our discretion, we may be able to offer postponement till the following year. Thank you for your understanding. We are a non-profit arts organisation with charitable status. Our up-front costs are not recoverable so we are not in a position to offer refunds for cancelled bookings.
Support IGF
Can you help support our work with children and young professionals ?
IGF's Young Artist Platform (YAP) provides concert opportunities around the UK and a comprehensive training programme. YAP is indispensable for young professional guitarists and it has helped launch the careers of a host of successful artists. Guitar Circus (music education in schools) In recent times music education in schools has been steadily reduced, we at IGF are filling this void by offering great music education experiences to schools free of charge. We need your support to ensure no child misses out on the transformative power of music.
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