West Dean International Classical Guitar Festival 2025 with Alexandra Whittingham, Amanda Cook, Andrew Gough, Bridget Mermikides, Pavel Steidl, Tatiana Stachak and Vincent Lindsey-Clark

Ref: SCG33213

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Places available

About this course

Outstanding learning and performing opportunities through repertoire and technique classes, ensemble playing, guitar orchestra, student concerts, individual lessons and solo masterclasses. Working with internationally acclaimed artists you will study in an ensemble group according to your level (Grade 2 and above). Includes a guitar Open Day and an evening concert series with Pavel Steidl; Alexandra Whittingham; Jan Depreter and the Aquarelle Guitar Quartet.

Sponsored by Altamira Guitars, Maestoso Music, Acoustic Guitar Magazine, Classical Guitar Magazine, Luthier Strings, Classical Guitar Centre Birmingham, D'Addario Strings and Knobloch Strings.

FESTIVAL DIRECTOR: ANDREW GOUGH with Pavel Steidl, Amanda Cook, Bridget Mermikides, Tatiana Stachak, Alexandra Whittingham and Vincent Lindsey-Clark.

Course Description

Find out more about the Classical Guitar Festival, course and concerts.

Timetable

Guitar Festival Timetable
Several evening events are planned throughout the week, a detailed timetable for the festival week will be given to you on arrival.

Arrival day
Residential students to arrive from 2 - 3pm, non-residential students to arrive by 3pm
3.30pm: Welcome and introduction, attendance is essential
4.45pm: First teaching session, followed by dinner (included)

Daily timetable
Classes 9.15 - 6pm, lunch is included
From 6.30pm: Dinner (included)
Evening working - students may have access to teaching rooms until 9pm, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed

Last day
Classes 9.15am - 2pm, lunch is included

Residential students should vacate their rooms by 10am please.

General Information

Tutors

Alexandra Whittingham

Alexandra will be a performer and tutor at the Classical Guitar Festival 2025

Recognised by The Guardian as “a young 21st-century virtuoso”, Alexandra Whittingham’s creative spirit is reshaping classical music and defying conventions. At the age of 16 she began to film her performances of popular guitar repertoire as a personal project, rapidly creating a large community of fans worldwide with over 56 million views.

Amanda Cook

Amanada will be a tutor at the Classical Guitar Festival 2025

Amanda dubbed "the 'guitar queen' with a silken touch" by The Independent. A much loved teacher, soloist and member of the critically acclaimed Vida Guitar Quartet.

Andrew Gough, Director of the West Dean Classical Guitar Festival

Andrew Gough

Andrew Gough is Head of Guitar at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Junior Department and also teaches at King Edward’s School, Birmingham. Andrew has been a tutor at the West Dean International Classical Guitar Festival since 2003 and has been the festival’s director since 2013.

Bridget Mermikides

Bridget Mermikides is a well-known classical guitarist living in London and has over 30 years of performing and teaching experience. Her longstanding column in Guitar Technique’s magazine has culminated in over 100 solo arrangements now published in 4 volumes by Hal Leonard and her much loved ensemble arrangements are published online by Viribus Music.

Pavel Steidl

Pavel will be a performer and tutor at the Classical Guitar festival 2025

Pavel is a celebrated international concert artist, who has entertained audiences with his unique artistry in over forty countries. A highly respected tutor and thoughtful composer for the guitar.

Tatiana Stachak

Tatiana will be a tutor at the Classical Guitar Festival 2025

Guitarist, composer and educator and since 2021 as well as lecturer at the Academy of Music in Kraków. Already during her studies at the Academy of Music in Wrocław, she turned her interest towards the education of children.

Vincent Lindsey-Clark

English guitarist Vincent Lindsey-Clark is well known for his compositions for the instrument. He writes music for both students and professionals, much of which has been used extensively by the major exam boards and performed all round the world.

Accommodation

Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.

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