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Folk Guitar Retreat 2024
taught by John Doyle
plus co-instructor Chris Quinn
SOLD OUT

Friday 26th to Tuesday 30th April 2024
Please sign the mailing list below to be first to know when the 2025 dates are announced.

 

Following an amazing retreat in May 2023, this is an incredible opportunity to learn directly for 4 days with the one of the world's most celebrated folk guitarists at a series of workshops, masterclasses, group jams and evening sessions. By attending this intimate folk guitar retreat in one of Shrewsbury's most iconic 4* hotels,  guitarists of all levels can massively improve their skills and knowledge, learning skills, secrets, tips, technique and musical approach from a true folk guitar pioneer.   (VERY LIMITED PLACES)

John will reveal his approach to back up, accompaniment, song / tune arranging, lead playing, technique, dynamics and more.

With a daily timetable of masterclasses and workshops, over the retreat John and Chris will teach lessons on... 

🎸 Rhythm Guitar, chords, right hand technique

🎸 Lead, basic tune playing

🎸 More advanced techniques - embellishments / decoration...

🎸 Song arranging

🎸 Voice / instrument accompaniment

🎸 Musical dynamics advice - tips and tricks used by the pro's

🎸 Practice room advice 

🎸 Folk guitar technique

🎸 Alternate tunings

🎸 Performance tips and advice

About John Doyle

Over the past 20 years and more he has established himself as the guitarist-accompanist of choice for not only Joan Baez and Mary Chapin Carpenter but also the great Chicago-born Irish fiddler Liz Carroll and bluegrass stars Tim O’Brien and Dirk Powell.

Add in a GRAMMY nomination for the album Double Play and his place in the Transatlantic Sessions band, singer songwriter John Doyle is one of the greatest folk artists of our time. 

"Doyle on guitar has risen to a level occupied by him alone. No one in Irish traditional music is a better guitarist than him right now."

- The Wall Street Journal

About Chris Quinn

Chris's solo performances have been described by fellow musicians as "a masterclass in the acoustic guitar". His songs have been critically acclaimed in publications such as Acoustic Magazine and SONGLiNES, his recordings have received airplay on countless radio stations across the world including Mark Radcliffe's benchmark show the BBC Radio 2 Folk Show. 

As a teacher Chris has taught in every setting, from schools to specialist universities, workshops and masterclasses at major festivals. He also runs the award winning guitar tuition membership site www.AcousticMasterclass.com - The ultimate online platform for guitarists that want to learn the authentic way to play blues, folk, roots and acoustic guitar in the comfort of their own home!

When not playing solo Chris is often seen performing alongside many of the planet's most revered acoustic guitarists including Robin Nolan, Clive Carroll, John Doyle, Martin Taylor, Paulus Schäfer and Stochelo Rosenberg.

What Level Of Musician Is This For?

Roots Music Retreats are inclusive, relaxed and fun events and a chance for guitarists to immerse themselves in music and guitar development with like minded players. We always have a wide mix of abilities. Lessons are designed to cover all levels of ability and are structured and scheduled to make sure anyone that loves this music and wants to attend can come and learn with us...

...from bedroom guitarists who may only play some simple chords and want to learn more about the style and add structure, focus and learn valuable pro techniques not just for playing but also continuing to improve after the retreat. 

...to guitarists who have played the style for years and want to develop as players, get expert tips, hands on advice and of course improve as musician.  

About The Retreat Venue - The Prince Rupert Hotel

Retreat students receive full board, breakfast, lunch and dinner (included in the price) at Shrewsbury's iconic 4* Prince Rupert Hotel in the heart of Medieval  Shrewsbury.  

For full info visit the retreat accommodation page, click here

When should I book?

ASAP! In order to get the most out of lessons and workshops, numbers are limited to just 14 people. We highly advise booking early to guarantee a place. John is teaching at every workshop during the retreat, during lessons, the group me be split into smaller sizes for group playing and practice.

At these times John and Chris will be floating between students giving hands on advice and coaching, answering your questions, giving practical lessons and leading the performances.    

RETREAT - TIMETABLE

Friday 26th April

3:00 pm - Check in to hotel

4:00 pm - 4:30 pm   Welcome Drinks Reception 

4:30 pm - 5:30 pm   Workshop 1 - Welcome Seminar

6:00 pm - 7:30 pm   Dinner in Hotel 

8:00 pm - 10:00 pm   Jam session hotel bar

Saturday 27th April

7:30 am - 10:00 am Breakfast in the hotel restaurant

10:30 am - 12:30 pm  Workshop 2 

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm  Buffet lunch for all students

3:00 pm - 5:00 pm  Workshop 3 

6:30 pm - 7:30 pm   Dinner in the hotel restaurant

8:30 pm - 10:30pm  John Doyle / Chris Quinn Concert in local venue (2 mins walking distance)

Sunday 28th April

8:00 am - 10:30 am Breakfast in the hotel restaurant

10:30 am - 12:30 pm  Workshop 4

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm  Buffet lunch for all students

1:30 pm - 3:00 pm  Shrewsbury town tour with official guide

3:00 pm - 4:30 pm  Workshop 5 

4:30 pm - 5:30 pm  Tutor lead Jam session as a group

6:00 pm - 7:30 pm   Folk Retreat Curry in amazing local curry house (additional charge)

8:30 pm - 10:30pm  Jam session in local pub, 2 min walk from the hotel

 

Monday 29th April

7:30 am - 10:00 am Breakfast in the hotel restaurant

10:30 am - 12:30 pm  Workshop 6

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm  Buffet lunch for all students

1:30 pm - 4:30pm  Group concert rehearsal / practice 

6:00pm - 7:00 pm  Dinner in the hotel restaurant

8:30 pm - 10:30pm  Retreat concert in local venue - group public performance (optional)

 

 

Tuesday 30th April

7:00 am - 11:00 am  Breakfast in the hotel restaurant

12:00pm  - Hotel check out - see you next time!!

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What To Expect

🎸 Basic / Intermediate advanced / levels accepted

🎸 4 * Full Board Accommodation

🎸 John Doyle concert with front row tickets 

🎸 Exclusive evening jams / fun hangs

🎸 Rhythm Guitar, chords, right hand technique

🎸 basic & advanced tune playing

🎸 Song arranging

🎸 Voice / instrument accompaniment

🎸 Musical dynamics advice

🎸 Practice room advice 

🎸 Folk guitar technique

🎸 Alternate tunings

🎸 Performance tips and advice

🎸 And way more...

🎸  4 days & folk guitar heaven! 

Roots Music Retreats courses are carefully designed to be relaxed, inclusive, inspiring and most importantly suitable for all levels of musician, from novice to advanced.

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John with Joan Baez, Aly Bain, John McCusker, Danny Thompson, Jerry Douglas...

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