GUITAR SUMMER SCHOOL
Cheltenham, UK 2026 11 - 15 Aug
JOIN US!
IGF’s GUITAR SUMMER SCHOOL 2026
Welcome!
This year our Guitar Festival & Summer School is held in the beautiful Spa town of Cheltenham. Again we have a stunning line up of great courses and concerts for you. Join us in the wonderful setting of Dean Close School which has amazing facilities and is ideally located less than 10 minutes from the gorgeous town centre.
Tom Kerstens Artistic Director, IGF
For 2026, we are proud to offer six stunning contemporary guitar courses, designed to cater to a variety of styles and all ability levels. Each course is led by a renowned UK guitar tutor, bringing a wealth of performing, teaching, and recording experience directly to you. No matter which course you choose, you are guaranteed stimulating playing sessions, essential tips and tricks to boost your technique, and in-depth stylistic analysis. Get ready for a truly inspiring experience!
We look forward to seeing you in Cheltenham!
Jason Sidwell Course Lead
What’s included?
CLASS TUITION
approx 30hrs tuition over 5 days
JAM SESSIONS
jam sessions every evening
final night student concert
PERFORMING
a video recording of your class’s student concert performance
VIDEO
free entry to all lunchtime and evening concerts (contemporary, classical and flamenco)
CONCERTS
free entry to workshops/Q&As including some crossover sessions with classical / flamenco
WORKSHOPS
INTRODUCING OUR TUTORS
CHRIS QUINN acoustic
JASON SIDWELL groove
ANDY SAPHIR blues & country
CHRIS CORCORAN vintage electric blues
JON BISHOP rock & blues
jazz JOHN WHEATCROFT
Course levels
playing experience 1 yr + some familiarity with basic chords plus the minor pentatonic scale can use a pick and play a few simple songs (or sections of)
LEVEL 1
playing experience 3 yrs + familiar with 7th chords, the minor and major pentatonic, strumming, string bending, alternate picking may play in a band
LEVEL 2
playing experience 5 yrs + familiar with 9th chords, scales and modes, the minor and major pentatonic, strumming, string bending, plays several styles, likely plays in a band
LEVEL 3
Rock & Blues Foundations
From Eric Clapton to Oasis: focusing on the fundamentals from major and minor chords, the pentatonic scale, string bending, and blues riffs
JON BISHOP
Course outline
Typical topics will involve mapping out the fretboard using the CAGED System, the major and minor scales you need to make your solos ignite, picking hand technique - specifically alternate picking and muting - fretting - hand skills like slurs, bends, double stops and vibrato and much more. We’ll also look at the fundamentals of blues playing, both rhythm and lead, the 12-bar blues format and some of the common variations like the ‘quick change’ and ‘riff blues’. But most of all, we’re going to have fun!
Recommended level Beginner level
LEVEL 1 +
Need more advice? email us: info@igf.org.uk
Book here
Acoustic Guitar
Chords, fingerpicking and plectrum magic across the decades from Martin Carthy to Paul Simon and James Taylor to Ed Sheeran
CHRIS QUINN
Course outline
Looking at guitar masters like Merle Travis, Jason Isbell, John Mayer, James Taylor and Paul Simon, you’ll study important exercises and techniques that can give you that solid, timeless sound.
Recommended level Beginner - Intermediate
You’ll learn how to use these skills in modern guitar arrangements and for your own live performances.
This inclusive week of workshops and group playing is aimed at lovers of quality songwriting, fingerpicking and guitarists wishing to take their acoustic playing to the next level.
LEVEL 1 - 2
Need more advice? email us: info@igf.org.uk
Book here
Vintage Electric Blues
Delve into the world of early electric guitar pioneers such as BB King, T-Bone Walker, Freddie King, Tiny Grimes and Charlie Christian
CHRIS CORCORAN
Course outline
Authentic licks, riffs and soloing phrases will be covered as well as the styles and repertoire of the early electric guitar pioneers such as BB King, T-Bone Walker, Freddie King, Tiny Grimes and Charlie Christian.
Recommended level Intermediate level
Minor, major and dominant 7th vocabulary for both rhythm and lead will be explored.
LEVEL 2
Chris will also include examples and pointers of his signature chromatic blues style.
Need more advice? email us: info@igf.org.uk
Book here
Groove
Funk/soul/modern RnB styles spanning artists such as James Brown's Jimmy Nolen, Nile Rodgers (Chic, Madonna, Sister Sledge, Daft Punk), The Meters and Prince.
JASON SIDWELL
Course outline
The core topics will be rhythmic syncopation, soul/RnB chord vocabulary, octaves, double-stops, Dorian and Mixolydian mode usage and how best to interact with drums and bass. There will be additional modules that cover soloing over unique chord progressions (Stevie Wonder to Steely Dan) and deep dives into expanding alternate and hybrid picking techniques.
Recommended level Intermediate level
LEVEL 2
Need more advice? email us: info@igf.org.uk
Book here
Jazz
Analysis of legends Django Reindhardt, George Benson, Joe Pass, Pat Metheny and John Scofield plus the theory and techniques for improvisation
JOHN WHEATCROFT
Course outline
We’ll be covering a wide range of topics, ranging from accessible simple and direct ideas to more sophisticated and complex concepts, all framed into repertoire coming directly from the American Songbook and legends George Benson, Joe Pass, Pat Metheny and John Scofield. You’ll learn immediately applicable ideas to expand your comping, melodic delivery, ensemble interplay, technique, improvisation and creativity.
Recommended level Intermediate - Advanced
LEVEL 3
Need more advice? email us: info@igf.org.uk
Book here
Blues & Country
Double the fun: blues icons like SRV, Robben Ford and Joe Bonamassa plus country greats like Chet Atkins and Danny Gatton
ANDY SAPHIR
Course outline
By delving into the styles of blues guitar greats of the past and present like T Bone Walker, BB King, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Joe Bonamassa and Kirk Fletcher, you will learn staple blues guitar approaches such as mixing minor and major pentatonics, string bending and double stops. In addition, the course looks at the theory behind some of those cool jazz sounding approaches used by players like Robben Ford, Larry Carlton and Josh Smith.
Recommended level Intermediate - Advanced
LEVEL 3
Need more advice? email us: info@igf.org.uk
Book here
Outline of the week
Registration from 9am Welcome mtg | Classes from 2.30pm | Dinner | Jamming
TUE 11 AUG
Breakfast | Classes 10am-12.30pm | 2.30pm-6.00pm | Dinner | Jamming
WED 12 AUG
THU 13 AUG
Breakfast | Classes 10am-12.30pm | 2.30pm-6.00pm | Dinner | Jamming
FRI 14 AUG
Breakfast | Classes 10am-12.30pm | 2.30pm-6.00pm | Dinner | Jamming
SAT 15 AUG
Breakfast | Classes 10am-12.30pm | Soundchecks | Dinner | Student Concert
FRIENDS & FAMILY WELCOME!
Breakfast | Depart
SAT 15 AUG
JOIN IN THE JAM SESSIONS Join fellow students and play the night away. Our phenomenal house band will be there every night to accompany you, in any style. All summer school students are welcome to join in the jam sessions or just come and have a listen. There will be bar facilities open.
Students under 18yrs old must be accompanied by a parent/guardian or IGF staff member.
The evening jam sessions were great fun and I got up to play a lot!
FINAL NIGHT STUDENT CONCERT The week culminates in a student concert. Each class plays a set and shows off what they have learnt to fellow students, friends and family. After the main show, students (and tutors) can get up and play some more in an open mic session. This event is guaranteed to be a lot of fun! Don’t forget to invite friends and family along to hear you play (free entry).
The finale concert was an absolute blast! Can’t wait to do it again!
A fantastic opportunity to learn from professional players in a friendly and supportive environment.
You will have fun, learn loads & make friends. If you’re thinking of doing it, just do it!
WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY
Great guitarists, great people and great fun!
Has to be a go-to event for any guitarist wanting to develop or improve their skills. Even experienced players will benefit.
An outstanding experience in all aspects. It took me to a different level.
CONCERTS free entry
FREE ENTRY ALL CONCERTS Our summer school is unique in bringing together players of many different styles of guitar. Throughout the week there will be concerts in the evenings and lunchtimes in classical, flamenco and contemporary styles. We are proud to showcase the amazing diversity of the instrument and would encourage all students to come along to the concerts and hear something new!
2026 lineup to be confirmed keep an eye on the website
Elsie Franklin & Roni Reeds Holly Carter & Antra Lante 2025 Summer school
QUESTIONS?
do I need to be able to read music
what music will we play
PDF format course material will be sent before the event
no, reading music is not essential (tab/notation is provided along with tutor demonstrations)
I don't know what level I am, what course is right for me
can friends and family attend the student concert
absolutely, please invite them (entry is free)
please contact us for advice if you are unsure
do I need to bring an amp for electric guitar
email: info@igf.org.uk tel: +44 03330 419701
CONTACT US
yes, please bring a small amp if you can
DEAN CLOSE SCHOOL Cheltenham
By plane: both Bristol and Birmingham airports are approx 50 miles away You can also fly to any London airport and take the train from London Paddington By car: free parking is available on site for residential students By train: Cheltenham GL51 6QD GETTING THERE
from London Paddington (1hr 50mins) from Birmingham New Street (45mins)
Dean Close School is approx 10 mins walk from Cheltenham Spa train station
MAIN VENUES & ACCOMMODATION
Shelburne House
Main venues
VENUES & FACILITIES
Dean Close Senior School
Senior School - teaching rooms for contemporary styles courses Music School - teaching rooms for classical/flamenco courses
Helen Porter Hall - concert venue (small) Bacon Theatre - concert venue (large) Edwards Dining Hall - refectory for all meals Sports Facilities - swimming pool, tennis courts & gym Brook Court House - accommodation block (closest to venues) Shelburne House - accommodation block (approx 5mins walk from venues)
BACON THEATRE
The impressive Bacon Theatre is open during the week for evening concerts and the final night student concert. 550-seat auditorium
HELEN PORTER HALL The classical guitar course is based in the Helen Porter Hall and music school with its multiple teaching rooms, practice rooms and break-out spaces. 120-seat recital hall
TEACHING ROOMS
The contemporary styles courses take place in modern and bright classrooms within the senior school.
Morning and afternoon coffee breaks are taken in the nearby Dining Hall.
SPORTS FACILITIES
25m swimming pool Access to the pool can be arranged, at set times and with a small additional charge to cover the provision of a lifeguard. Tennis courts | Gym Students other residents will be able to use the tennis courts and gym (remember to bring your own gear). Details on how to book will be included in the information pack students will receive a few weeks before the event.
ACCOMMODATION PRICING
4 nights
5 nights
£500
£625
Single ensuite | 1 single bed | shared ensuite between 2 rooms
£700
£875
Shared ensuite | 2 single beds | shared ensuite between rooms
£400
£500
Single room | 1 single bed | shared toilet/bathroom
£600
£750
Double room | 2 single beds | shared toilet/bathroom
£220 4 days
£275 5 days
Day rate | meals only ( breakfast, lunch, dinner + coffee/tea ) & parking
ROOM OPTIONS
Stay on-site in single or shared rooms
1 single bed room, shared ensuite (Jack & Jill) 2 single beds room, shared ensuite (Jack & Jill)
1 single bed room, no ensuite , shared bathroom 2 single beds room, no ensuite, shared bathroom
What is a Jack & Jill room ?
1 bathroom is shared between 2 rooms.
BROOK COURT HOUSE
location: what3words ///motion.chimp.prom
Brook Court House
This accommodation block is close to the main venues, teaching rooms and parking area so it is more suitable for students with restricted mobility. The rooms available in this block are: single ‘Jack & Jill’ (shared ensuite) one or two bed rooms (shared bathroom)
SHELBURNE HOUSE
location: what3words ///expert.send.drama
Shelburne House
This accommodation block is a 5min walk from the main venues, teaching rooms and parking area.
The rooms available in this block are: single ‘Jack & Jill’ (shared ensuite) two bed ‘Jack & Jill’ (shared ensuite)
DINING HALL
Edwards Dining Hall
All meals are served in the dining hall and coffee/tea provided in the morning and afternoon breaks.
Good quality hot meals are provided and vegetarians and vegans are catered for.
breakfast (cooked) morning coffee/tea break lunch afternoon coffee/tea break dinner
BAR FACILITIES
The bar in the foyer of the Bacon Theatre will be open every evening.
Students under 18yrs old must be accompanied by a parent/guardian or IGF staff member
QUESTIONS?
is parking available on site
are there lifts in the accommodation blocks
no, you can specify ground floor if required
yes, parking is free of charge for residents
do the double rooms have double beds
is there wifi available
no, all rooms have single beds only
yes, free wifi is available
is it possible to stay with my family?
is there anywhere to do laundry
yes, laundry facilities are available
yes, rooms can be booked for friends/family
email: info@igf.org.uk tel: +44 03330 419701
CONTACT US
CANCELLATION POLICY 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).
Accommodation bookings are fully refundable up to 31 July 2026.
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. 3rd party Refund protection is available as an add-on in the booking process at an additional charge.
2026 PRICES
Tuition Fees
Accommodation
March Discount 25% pay in full by 31 March
5 Nights Accommodation from £500 incl breakfast, lunch & dinner | tea/coffee | free parking
£495
Early Bird 15%
£560
Day Rate (x 5) £275 incl breakfast, lunch & dinner | tea/coffee | free parking Non-residents
pay in full by 31 May
Full Price
£660
pay in full by 31 July
BOOK HERE
Youth Discount 35% pay in full by 31 July 18yrs old and under
£430
THANK YOU!
LET’S KEEP IN TOUCH
JOIN OUR MAILING LIST
www.igf.org.uk Call +44 03330 419701
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