Classical guitar – ensemble playing and performance with Amanda Cook and Andrew Gough

Ref: S2D37800

About this course

For classical guitarists (grade 5+). Develop your ensemble playing, technique and performance of solo music in repertoire classes, through intensive daily tuition.

Course Description

This course is for intermediate and advanced classical guitarists (grade 5+) who wish to experience the enjoyment of playing in an ensemble, improve playing techniques and learn from performing solo music in repertoire classes. You will receive tuition from both of the classical guitar tutors. There will also be an opportunity for everyone to perform individually in an informal evening concert.

The schedule will include warm-up/technique classes, repertoire classes (you will be allocated an individual time to perform and discuss your solo repertoire with the tutor and fellow students), ensemble rehearsals and performance class sessions, which will include performance and stage-craft feedback. The course concludes on the final afternoon with a performance of the ensemble works studied.

Please note that there will be timetabled sessions each evening, ending around 9.30pm, including ensemble rehearsals and the student concert. Non-resident students may wish to book dinner on the Monday evening (please contact the Bookings Office).

Andrew Gough will be given your contact details so that he can finalise plans for the course timetable a few weeks before the course.

Course Materials

What students need to bring

  • Please email the following details for the attention of Andrew Gough via the Bookings Office: Your name, phone and email address Grade/playing standard and examples of your current repertoire Any details of previous ensemble playing experience and if you have attended any previous guitar courses at the College Please email the above information to: [email protected]

You need to bring:

  • Your guitar, music stand (with a music stand light if you have one) and foot rest (if required), marked with your name
  • Your music for any current solo repertoire, ready to perform in the repertoire class and student concert

Timetable

Arrival day - first date of course
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration  
Student welcome, followed by dinner: 6.45pm (dinner included)
Teaching session: 8pm-9pm (attendance is essential)

Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am-5pm  
Morning session: 9.15am-12.45pm including coffee/tea break  
Lunch break: 12.45pm-2pm (lunch included)  
Afternoon session: 2pm-5pm including coffee/tea break  
Teaching finishes: 5pm    
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Departure day - last date of course
Course teaching: 9.15am-3pm (lunch included)  
Teaching finishes: 3pm  

Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am.
Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.

General Information

Tutors

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.

Accommodation

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

Courses of interest

An introduction to Wagner's Ring Cycle – music appreciation

6 to 8 Mar 2026 | West Dean
Places available
Tutor: Roy Stratford |
Suitable for all
£329

Musical instrument making – traditional stringed and keyboard instruments

31 Mar 2026 to 9 Apr 2026 | West Dean
Places available
Tutors: Andy Butterworth | Geoff Bowers |
Intermediate/Advanced
£1,371

Musical instrument making – classical or steel strung acoustic guitars

31 Mar 2026 to 9 Apr 2026 | West Dean
Places available
Tutor: David Whiteman |
Intermediate/Advanced
£1,371