WEEKEND workshoP: DOWN SOUTH
“ The care and attention to detail you put into the entire package is on a par with the care and attention to detail that you put into your own playing and compositions. That you manage to do so while remaining so modest, generous and approachable makes me feel so lucky to have met you and discovered your musical universe. You are one of a kind, man! ”
Marc - Student of Brittany 2022
A weekend acoustic guitar getaway in The Purbeck Hills
DATES
Friday 27th February - Sunday 1st March 2026
WORKSHOPS
We’ll use two contrasting set pieces with accompanying exercises as the basis for the workshop. One piece will be covered in the morning sessions, with the other being covered in the afternoon sessions. The pieces will lead to explorations on technique, musicality, composition, arrangement and performance.
FRIDAY SCHEDULE
Arrival & Check-in: from 3pm
Welcome Drinks: 5pm
Dinner: 6pm
Concert with Will McNicol & Tristan Seume: 7:30pm
Late Jams & Drinks: until bar closes!
ABILITY & MATERIAL
Whilst I always aim to choose material that will be satisfying to dig into for a variety of different playing levels, I’d certainly say this workshop isn’t aimed at beginners. If you have at least 3 years playing experience, know a few fingerstyle pieces, and enjoy the kind of playing and writing I do, then this is the workshop for you!
PDF dual-system scores and MP3 recordings of the pieces will be sent in advance. You certainly don’t need to do any swatting up beforehand(!), but I know some folks like having a pick-through ahead of workshop sessions so they can hit the ground running. A printed workshop booklet will be provided for all participants on the day, so there’s no need to print anything yourself.
The workshop is run in a totally relaxed, no-pressure environment. No one will ever be ‘put on the spot’! The emphasis will be on playing sections and ideas together as a group.
VENUE
Kingston Country Courtyard, Corfe Castle, The Purbecks
PERFORMANCES
You’ll be treated to two full-length intimate concerts over the weekend. Friday’s will feature myself and the wonderful Tristan Seume. Saturday’s will feature the fabulous Henry Parker and Katie Spencer.
SATURDAY SCHEDULE
Breakfast: 08:30am
Morning Workshop: 10am
Tristan Seume Masterclass: 12pm
Lunch: 1pm
Afternoon Workshops: 2:30pm
Dinner: 6pm
Concert with Katie Spencer & Henry Parker: 7:30pm
Late Jams & Drinks: until bar closes!
PRICES
Players (all tutoring, workshop material, concerts, accommodation & meals): £580
Partners (accommodation, meals and concerts): £350
ACCOMODATION
Two nights of en-suite, full-board accommodation for all participants. Breakfasts, lunches, teas, coffees and refreshments all included.
GUEST MASTERCLASSES
Tristan will be delivering a masterclass on the Saturday, and Henry will be holding one on the Sunday.
SUNDAY SCHEDULE
Breakfast: 8:30am
Morning Workshop: 10am
Henry Parker Masterclass: 12pm
Lunch: 1pm
Afternoon Workshops: 2:30pm
Guest Open Mic: 3:30pm
Farewell: 4:30pm
CANCELLATION
30 days or more: a full refund will be given. Between 29 & 14 days: a 50% refund will be given. Less than 14 days: no refund will be given. In the unlikely event the workshop needs to be cancelled we will give as much notice as possible and will refund your fee in full. We cannot refund any associated travel or accommodation costs. In the unlikely event the workshop needs to be rescheduled you will be given the option to wait and attend the rearranged date, or receive a full refund.