Introducing The Great Guitar Getaway

A peaceful retreat for the classical guitarist located in a tranquil setting in rural Oxfordshire

The Great Guitar Getaway

7th-9th March 2025

The Great Guitar Getaway is a guitar ensemble focussed retreat designed for all abilities. All you need is to be able to read music and have some experience of the classical guitar!

You will be led by three experienced tutors who aim for you to leave the weekend feeling inspired and more confident with your guitar playing.

Over the weekend you’ll play as part of an ensemble, receive one-to-one tuition, and meet like-minded people. At the end of the weekend we will have a final performance of our ensemble pieces as a last hoorah, a recording of which will be forwarded to everyone as a keepsake.

If you have any concerns about your suitability for this retreat, please do not hesitate to be in touch and we can have a chat. Please note that this course is for over 18’s only.

Participants will receive:

  • Ensemble classes

  • Music and mindfulness workshop with quietnote

  • Technique class

  • One private lesson (there will also be one-to-one support throughout each day)

  • Full board and accommodation at Charney Manor (non-course participating partners welcome - more information below)

  • Time to relax and enjoy the grounds at Charney Manor

Charney Manor

Charney Manor is an idyllic and peaceful retreat set in the Oxfordshire countryside. Some parts of the manor house date back to the thirteenth century and it is regarded as a haven of tranquillity where people from across the country can come for reflection, renewal, and relaxation. With its refurbished and comfortable rooms, tempting meals, and delightful grounds, Charney Manor provides a warm welcome to its guests throughout the year. The perfect venue for your first Great Guitar Getaway.

You will receive a continental breakfast every morning. Lunch and evening meals will consist of two courses with a choice of desserts. Morning and afternoon teas, coffees and biscuits will also be provided. There is no bar, but wine and beer will be available to purchase with dinner, and there is a local pub just a few minutes walk away.

Charney Manor is less than 30 minutes from Didcot Parkway train station and the manor has a preferred taxi supplier who offer discounts to guests. Please email us for more information.

Sample Schedule

Friday 7th March:

4:30pm - Check-in

5pm - Meet the Tutors

5:30pm - Ensemble

7pm - Evening Meal

8:30pm - Tutor Concert

Saturday 8th March:

9:30am - Technique Class

10am - Ensemble

10:45am - Coffee Break

11:15am - Ensemble (sectionals)

12:30pm - Lunch

2pm - Session with quietnote

4pm - Tea Break

4:30pm - Ensemble

7pm - Evening Meal

A walk to the local pub

Sunday 9th March:

9:30am - Ensemble (sectionals)

10:45am - Coffee Break

11:15am - Ensemble

12:30pm - Lunch

2pm - Perform and record our masterpieces!

4pm - Tea Break

5pm - Goodbyes!

Meet the Tutors

  • Nicole Alderson

    Nicole has taught the classical guitar for over 40 years. She was Deputy Head of Guitar at Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust before relocating to Yorkshire. She has conducted numerous award winning classical guitar ensembles, has directed guitar residential courses and now conducts The Classical Guitar Ensemble of the East Riding of Yorkshire.

  • Georgina Dadson

    Georgina is a performer and teacher. She works for Live Music Now, an organisation which provides music performances and workshops in communities where live music is less readily available. She is also part of the Abeto Guitar Duo with Matthew House. They studied as a duo for their masters at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and have enjoyed performing across England and Wales, including Cardiff Guitar Festival and as returning artists to Dillington Guitar Festival.

  • Matthew House

    Matthew is a keen teacher and has performed in venues such as the Wigmore Hall, King’s Place and Royal Festival Hall, as well as multiple locations in Belgium, Italy, Spain, and Germany. Alongside his teaching and performing, Matthew is a keen arranger and owns Rosette Editions, a publishing company specialising in guitar music.

  • Will Crawford

    Will is the Founder and Director of quietnote, a UK based company which helps people better understand mindfulness all through music. Will studied at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire where he graduated with a first class honours degree in 2021. Will studied at the UK College of Mindfulness Meditation where he became a fully qualified mindfulness teacher. Since the start of 2022 Will has held a position on the Future Faces Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee.

Retreat costings

Full participant: £699 (includes course, accommodation, breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks)

Full participant if you book before 1st November 2024 - £629 (10% off)

Non-participant (partner or spouse sharing room): £180 (includes accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Questions?