WEEKEND workshoP: DOWN SOUTH
An acoustic guitar getaway in The Purbeck Hills
I’m very excited to announce the second edition of my residential weekend workshop here in the UK. Particularly exciting as I’ve invited a collection of very special guests to give performances, masterclasses and talks to make it the ultimate guitar getaway!
Izzie Yardley
Samuel Moore
Stuart Ryan
Will McNicol
Tom Sands
DATES
Friday 12th - Sunday 14th March 2027
VENUE
Kingston Country Courtyard, Corfe Castle, The Purbecks
ACCOMODATION
Two nights of en-suite, full-board accommodation for all participants. Breakfasts, lunches, dinners, teas, coffees and refreshments all included.
WORKSHOPS
We’ll be using a mixture of contrasting fingerstyle pieces with accompanying exercises as the basis for the workshop. The pieces will lead to explorations on technique, musicality, composition, arrangement and performance.
PERFORMANCES
You’ll be treated to two intimate full-length concerts over the weekend. Friday’s will feature myself and the wonderful Stuart Ryan. Saturday’s will feature the fabulous Izzie Yardley and Samuel Moore.
GUEST MASTERCLASSES
Stuart will be delivering a masterclass on the Saturday, and Samuel will be holding one on the Sunday. Tom Sands will also be delivering a talk and demonstration on all things guitar building.
FRIDAY SCHEDULE
Arrival & Check-in: from 3pm
Welcome Drinks: 5pm
Dinner: 6pm
Concert with Will McNicol & Stuart Ryan: 7:30pm
Late Jams & Drinks: until bar closes
SATURDAY SCHEDULE
Breakfast: 08:30am
Morning Workshops: 10am
Stuart Ryan Masterclass: 12pm
Lunch: 1pm
Afternoon Workshops: 2:30pm
Tom Sands Tonewood Talk: 4:30pm
Dinner: 6:30pm
Concert with Samuel Moore & Izzie Yardley: 7:30pm
Late Jams & Drinks: until bar closes
SUNDAY SCHEDULE
Breakfast: 8:30am
Morning Workshops: 10am
Samuel Moore Masterclass: 12pm
Lunch: 1pm
Afternoon Workshops: 2:30pm
Guest Open Mic: 3:30pm
Farewell: 4:30pm
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 weekend 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, and a printed workshop booklet will be provided for all participants on the day.
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.
PRICES
Player only (inclusive of all accommodation, meals, teaching & performances): £630
Bring a partner: an additional £219 (which includes all accommodation, meals and concerts)
CANCELLATION
Due to the nature of this event, all purchases are final and refunds will only be given if the space can be filled. In the unlikely event the workshop needs to be cancelled or rearranged we will give as much notice as possible and you will be given the option to wait and attend the rearranged date, or receive a full refund.
Choose from the drop-down menu whether you’d like to secure a place as a player only, or whether you’d like to bring your partner as well.
On purchasing this your place at the workshop will be secured. I’ll send you an email with info pack attached within 24 hours. Any questions just drop me a line.
Any questions?
TESTIMONIALS
“Will has to be one of the most generous educators in the guitar world. His transparency of delivery, encouragement and resulting success, means that attendees of all abilities derive achievement and challenge throughout the course. Will applies choice within the framework of the delivered exercises which ensures no one is lost and is included throughout at their own ability. Exercises and study pieces are demonstrated by Will’s performance excellence, and provide the goal for players to swiftly comprehend the mystery involved and gain full satisfaction when mastered.
The choice of guests enveloped styles familiar to all and provided both relaxation and inspiration throughout the weekend, the masterclasses delivered by Wills professional peers again revealed technical and expressive techniques to be immediately absorbed.
The timings of the days for r and r and excellent food allowed for serious networking, making new friends and discussions around the commonality of guitar experiences. To sum it up, departing with a feeling of enrichment and belonging”
— Steve, 2026 attendee“A hugely enjoyable weekend in great surroundings with a lovely varied selection of expert people to inform and entertain. The venue was great too - a nice space to spend some time plucking! I took a lot away from it and looking forward to next year already.
— Dave, 2026 attendee“I was cocooned with these beautiful and talented people for two whole immersive days, it was such a joyous and informative, perfectly paced weekend. I didn’t want it to end and I learnt SO much!”
— Angela, 2026 attendee