Overview:

It’s not every year IGF can claim to have the very best fingerpicker on the planet but this year we can! IGF is honoured and delighted in equal measure to welcome Tommy Emmanuel back for his 3rd visit. This is a rare opportunity to study with a true legend so book early to avoid disappointment.

IGF’s acoustic programme offers a comprehensive and wholly enjoyable week for guitarists of a range of abilities. Benefit from group and individual tuition. IGF’s expert tutors will take your playing to the next level. New for 2010 and for musicians and vocalists of any ability is the song writing weekend ‘The Handmade Song’ join the award winning Chris Wood for an unforgettable creative session.

Course profile

Both the fingerstyle and acoustic workshops take the form of open classes for early stage, intermediate and advanced students. Your tutor will help you to explore new music, expand your technical ability and improve your performance confidence.

A large part of the course will lead up to the student showcase concert which is open to the general public. Students are encouraged to take part either as soloists or in groups. There will also be many opportunities for students of all abilities to perform in an informal setting at open
mic sessions in the Students Union or under a tree in the beautiful grounds of the Cheltenham Park Campus.

What is the difference between fingerstyle and acoustic? Fingerstyle refers to a style of playing, usually on an acoustic guitar, that centres around finger picking techniques. Musically, fingerstyle is often instrumental and covers a diverse range of genres from traditional folk through to jazz, blues and even world music. Fingerstyle can be lyrical and melodic or percussive and hard-hitting. Acoustic guitar can be described as any music played on an acoustic guitar. Typical techniques include strumming with a plectrum and finger picking. Musically, anything goes, but acoustic guitar lends itself to accompany the voice and is closely associated with singer-songwriters such as James Taylor and KT Tunstall.

See IGF tutors and guests at www.youtube.com/user/guitarfoundation

Level 2: Acoustic Echoes- Popular Strumming

Acoustic Echoes with Tristan Seume 

Just want to strum? This fun but intensive course will focus on the acoustic guitar as an accompaniment to the voice, looking at artists as diverse as Jeff Buckley, John Martyn and The Beatles, to popular contemporary artists such as Coldplay, KT Tunstall, José Gonzaléz, David Gray and Fleet Foxes. We will look at strumming, rhythm, muting and finger picking, as we prepare for the student concert at the end of the week. Students are also encouraged to bring either their own work or covers they would like to be looked at in class.

Level 3/4: Progressive Fingerstyle with Clive Carroll and special guest Tommy Emmanuel
Inspired by the ever-increasing popularity of fingerstyle music, IGF have invited two of the world’s leading players to coach advanced and intermediate students through a unique week of exciting music and technical wizardry. Clive is a master of altered tunings, so expect to explore a wide -range of different tunings, picking techniques, percussive sounds and arrangements from the world of fingerstyle guitar. Clive is joined by Australian legend Tommy Emmanuel, an exceptional fingerpicker Tommy will join Clive for a special day dedicated to his love of music inspired by the his passion for the great American fingerpickers. (Please note dates 31 July-6 August and book early to avoid disappointment)

About the tutors 

Clive Carroll is described by Acoustic Guitar magazine as “The best and most original young acoustic guitar player and composer in Britain”. Clive is a virtuoso performer with an exceptional understanding of the acoustic guitar and its historical importance. Clive has toured extensively throughout Europe, the USA and Australia with legends John Renbourn and Tommy Emmanuel. As well as his own highly acclaimed recordings Clive has recorded for BMG/RCA and November 2008 saw the release of Clive’s 3rd solo album, ‘Life in Colour’ to rave reviews. Check out his live clips at www.clivecarroll.co.uk

Tristan Seume has been a member of the IGF guitar faculty since 2000, and loves teaching. He is a tutor at the Academy of Contemporary Music in Guildford, and writes regularly for Guitarist Magazine. He is also the UK endorsee and clinician for Guild Guitars. He can be seen up and down the UK at festivals and arts centres performing his unique blend of folk, country and classically influenced music, delighting audiences wherever he plays. www.tristanseume.co.uk

Tommy Emmanuel (special guest)

Two-time Grammy nominee Tommy Emmanuel is one of Australia's most respected musicians. The now legendary guitarist has a professional career that spans almost five decades and continues to intersect with some of the finest musicians throughout the world. A household name in his native Australia, Tommy has garnered hundreds of thousands of loyal fans worldwide. Guitar legend Chet Atkins was one of the first to inspire Tommy as a child. Decades later, Chet himself became one of Tommy Emmanuel's biggest fans. With a host of top honors and awards Tommy's popularity in the US skied. In 2005 Tommy was inducted into the National Thumbpickers' Hall of Fame in Muhlenberg, KY and awarded with Thumbpicker of the Year and Album of the Year. His The Mystery album earned a Grammy nomination in 2006 for Best Country Instrumental. In 2008, Guitar Player Magazine and Acoustic Guitar Magazine named him Best Acoustic Guitarist and Gold Medalist - Fingerstyle category in the Readers' Choice and Players' Choice Awards, respectively.