2026 Summer School - Classical

GUITAR SUMMER SCHOOL Cheltenham, UK 2026 11 - 14 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

Welcome to the IGF Classical Guitar Summer School 2026 A vibrant and immersive 4 day-long celebration of classical guitar in one of the UK’s most beautiful spa towns. 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 team 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.

Francisco Correa Course Lead

What’s included?

be captivated by world-class performances from some of the finest classical guitarists in the world.

EVENING CONCERTS

enjoy inspiring lunchtime recitals featuring emerging talent and special guest artists.

LUNCHTIME CONCERTS

participate in, or observe personalised coaching sessions led by master guitarists.

MASTER CLASSES

each student will receive two one-on-one lessons tailored to their specific needs and goals.

INDIVIDUAL LESSONS

collaborate with fellow students in intimate ensemble settings, exploring diverse repertoire.

SMALL ENSEMBLES

experience the thrill of playing in a large ensemble, culminating in a final concert performance.

GUITAR ORCHESTRA

Join a lecture by Stephen Goss , Chair of Composition at the University of Surrey.

LECTURE

Giorgio Serci shares practical tools to create effective accompaniments and develop melodic and harmonic variations. Flamenco technique workshop with Samuel Moore. Flamenco techniques are very useful in Spanish classical music and contemporary music.

WORKSHOP

CLASSICAL GUITAR 2026

GUEST ARTISTS & TUTORS

Xuefei Yang is acclaimed as one of the world’s finest classical guitarists. Her fascinating journey began after the Cultural Revolution, a period where Western musical instruments and music were banned in China. Fei was the first-ever guitarist in China to enter a music school and became the first recognised Chinese guitarist on the world stage. “one of the leading innovators of her generation” Gramophone magazine

XUEFEI YANG

With more than 500 concerts in 40 countries across Europe, the Americas, Africa and Asia, Francisco Bernier is considered by critics as one of the great guitarists of his generation. A finalist at the Concert Artist Guild Competition (New York), Francisco holds 20 international prizes and, at just 20 years old, became the first Spaniard to win First Prize at the prestigious Michele Pittaluga International Guitar Competition in Alessandria. “an excellent performer with virtuosic technique” American Record Guide - USA

FRANCISCO BERNIER

INTRODUCING OUR TUTORS

FRANCISCO CORREA course lead

EVA SCHOCKMEL tutor

GIORGIO SERCI workshop lead

STEPHEN GOSS lecturer

TOM KERSTENS guitar orchestra

Classical Guitar Course Lead

One of the most talented and creative guitarists of our time.” – Guitare Classique Magazine - France We are pleased to welcome Francisco Correa back to lead the classical programme. Praised by Gramophone for his “eloquence” and by Soundboard Magazine for his “beautiful and expressive interpretation”, he has appeared as a soloist and chamber musician in over 20 countries across the UK, Europe, and South America. An advocate for contemporary music, Correa has premiered and recorded more than 50 new works, collaborating with composers including John Williams, Stephen Goss, John W. Duarte, and many others.

FRANCISCO CORREA

Guitar Orchestra lead

IGF’s founder and artistic director Tom Kerstens takes up his conductor’s baton to lead the guitar orchestra. Tom studied music in the Netherlands, Spain, and England. He is known both as a solo recitalist and as a chamber musician, and he has collaborated with orchestras, ensembles, and composers internationally. A major theme of his career has been expanding the classical guitar repertoire. Through IGF and his ensemble projects he has commissioned and premiered many new works intended to bring the guitar closer to the centre of contemporary classical music

TOM KERSTENS

Classical programme tutor

Eva earned her Bachelor’s Degree with highest distinction from the Conservatorium van Amsterdam in the class of Gabriel Bianco. She performs with ensembles like Duo Encordé and Pulsar Quartet, and has appeared as soloist i.a. with the Luxembourg Philharmonic Orchestra. Passionate about guitar, percussion and arranging, Eva Victoria is currently pursuing her Master studies as a Neville Wathen Scholar at the Royal College of Music in London, under the guidance of Gary Ryan and Christopher Stell.

EVA VICTORIA SCHOCKMEL

This workshop equips intermediate to advanced classical guitarists with practical tools to create effective accompaniments and develop melodic and harmonic variations over any chord progression. Participants will explore chord voicings, voice leading, bass line construction, and texture building, gaining strategies to transform simple harmonic structures into expressive musical settings. Giorgio Serci is an award winning guitarist, composer, arranger and educator with International credentials. Beyond the Page: The Art of Creative Expression on the Classical Guitar

GIORGIO SERCI

The Power of Failure

It's the ‘F’ word that haunts us and threatens to destroy everything we try to do. But is failure really such a bad thing? As James Joyce said, ‘mistakes are the portals of discovery’. In this lecture I’ll explore how we can use failure as a catalyst to improve our resilience and self-confidence, paradoxically helping us to become happier and more successful. "The secret of life is to fall seven times and to get up eight times." — Paulo Coelho Stephen Goss is currently Professor and Chair of Composition at the University of Surrey, UK, and Professor of Guitar at the Royal Academy of Music. STEPHEN GOSS

Flamenco techniques workshop

Expand your technique and transform your sound!

Designed especially for classical players, this session dives into the vibrant world of flamenco technique and rhythm. You’ll explore how to confidently execute powerful rasgueo and abanico techniques, unlock essential flamenco rhythmic concepts, and (most importantly) learn how to seamlessly integrate these into your classical repertoire. Samuel Moore is fast establishing himself as one of the leading musicians of his generation. SAMUEL MOORE

SCHEDULE

TUE 11

WED 12

THU 13

FRI 14

SAT 15

breakfast

Registration & welcome

departure

technique class

MORNING

masterclass / individual lessons + ensembles

masterclass / individual lessons

lunch

YAP concert

individual lessons

guitar orchestra

AFTERNOON

guitar orchestra

guitar orchestra workshop (Giorgio Serci) individual lessons

rehearsals

FRIENDS & FAMILY WELCOME!

lecture (Stephen Goss)

workshop (Samuel Moore)

student concert

individual lessons

dinner

EVENING

dinner evening concert

evening concert

YAP = Young Artist Platform

GUITAR ORCHESTRA

with Tom Kerstens

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.

STUDENT CONCERT

The week culminates in a student concert in the afternoon of the last day. Each student has the opportunity to play solo or in a duet (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 (free entry).

The orchestra rehearsals and concert were a valuable musical experience

The concert is professionally filmed. Students will receive a recording of their performance.

SKILL LEVEL GUIDE

Individual Lessons Francisco Correa

Level 1 Beginner: Grade 1 - 2 or equivalent, playing experience 2 yrs or more Level 2 Intermediate: Grades 3 - 5 or equivalent, playing experience 3 yrs or more Level 3 Advanced: Grade 6 - 8 or equivalent, playing experience over 5 yrs Level 4 -5 Expert / Professional: Diploma level, Conservatoire undergraduate or Masters student Masterclasses - please note that masterclass slots have limited availability. Students will be able to apply for a place closer to the event.

Levels 1 - 5

Guitar Orchestra Tom Kerstens

Levels 1 - 5

Technique Class Tom Kerstens

Levels 1 - 5

Masterclasses with our guest artists

Levels 2 - 5

Individual Lessons with our guest artists

Levels 1 - 5

Need advice? email us: info@igf.org.uk

SCHOLARSHIP PLACES Thanks to the generosity of multiple funders, 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 (11–15 Aug 26) half scholarships may also be awarded, covering tuition only. Travelling to Cheltenham IGF is unable to provide support for travel costs (local or international). These must be covered by the applicant or a third party.

Application Deadline 10 May 2026 at 12:00 noon

Apply here

ELIGIBILITY

In order to be eligible for support, applicants must: • be post–Grade 8 level (or equivalent), and/or • be studying classical guitar at a conservatoire or university, preparing to enter one, or have graduated within the last two years Previous scholarship recipients may apply a second time; however, scholarships may only be awarded to the same individual on a maximum of two occasions. Applications must include a video of 4–7 minutes of playing (one or more pieces), performed by the applicant. If you require any advice or support regarding recordings, or the application process please get in touch with us at info@igf.org.uk

Excellent guest tutors/performers and some brilliant concerts.

I would recommend this course to any younger players as an opportunity to hear and interact with top level performers.

WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY

A lovely week with great musicians and lots of activities.

The teachers were very good, inspiring and approachable.

I enjoyed the international atmosphere very much, everyone is really nice and supportive!

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!

EVENING CONCERTS 7.30 PM

Francisco Bernier

Tues 11 Aug

Tom Kerstens

Weds 12 Aug

Francisco Correa / Samuel Moore

Thurs 13 Aug

Xuefei Yang

Fri 14 Aug

LUNCHTIME CONCERTS Showcasing talented musicians from IGF’s ground-breaking Young Artist Programme (YAP) that supports exceptional artists in the early stages of their careers.

1.00 PM

Maryna Vosmirova / The Rhossili Duo

Weds 12 Aug

Eva Victoria Schockmel / The Fika Duo

Thurs 13 Aug

QUESTIONS?

do I need to be able to read music

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 masterclasses. Music for the guitar orchestra class will be emailed to you 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 if you don’t read music and we will do our best to accommodate you.

I am a beginner, will it be right for me

can friends attend the student concert

absolutely, please invite them (entry is free)

First check the guidance on skill levels. If you would like further advice from the tutor just get in touch.

email: info@igf.org.uk tel: +44 03330 419701

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 contemporary styles 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 classical course takes place in music school teaching and practice rooms around the Helen Porter recital hall. 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 and 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

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

4 Nights Accommodation from £400 incl breakfast, lunch & dinner | tea/coffee | free parking

£428

Early Bird 15%

£485

Day Rate (x 4) £220 incl breakfast, lunch & dinner | tea/coffee | free parking Non-residents

pay in full by 31 May

Full Price

£570

pay in full by 31 July

BOOK HERE

Youth Discount 35% pay in full by 31 July 18yrs old and under

£370

THANK YOU!

LET’S KEEP IN TOUCH

JOIN OUR MAILING LIST

www.igf.org.uk Call +44 03330 419701

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