Our week in May, 2019 welcomes back one of our very special and favourite host teachers, Beverley Smith. Beverley has taught at music week with both Carl Jones and Alice Gerrard, and has recently launched a successful solo performance and songwriting career. With a wonderful warm personality, great sense of humour, and a perfectly relaxed style, Beverley is an outstanding teacher who makes her subject matter accessible to everyone at any level of their musical learning journey. She will teach fiddle, guitar and mandolin.
Kate Lissauer and Lucy Ray present their popular Duet Harmony Group Singing Class, a great group experience which everyone is encouraged to participate in. There’s nothing quite like the whole studio classroom filled with song!
Johnny Whelan offers a banjo class, the subject matter of which will be determined by its participants. Johnny has a unique style that incorporates both clawhammer and old-time fingerpicking styles, and he has given classes in both, as well as beginning banjo and individual tuition.
Depending on the needs and requests of this week’s participants, Kate will also offer fiddle and banjo classes.
Another great and unique feature of this week will be the collaboration of our regular and extremely popular ukulele teacher, Sooz Clare, with England’s ‘Mr. Ukulele’, Matt Stead. Sooz’s classes are always full and always fun and uplifting. She won’t only be getting you playing before you know it, but you’ll be singing along with your uke whether you thought you would or not! Matt has introduced thousands of people to the joy of ukulele, and puts his heart and soul into helping you to learn. He has welcomed many leading stars of the ukulele to share their expertise at his annual Forest Ukulele retreat weekend. Now you have a chance to spend a whole week with him and Sooz as they cater to your every ukulele need!
A special bonus addition to the curriculum will be Rose Ardron’s individual singing coaching and group class on individual singing, and no, that is not a contradiction! She will hold a group that focuses on the issue, challenges, and individuality of singing.
In addition, our guest teachers may offer classes on their favourite topics, such as various banjo styles, beginners’ instrumental, ukulele, or singing with your instrument. In fact, you can request tuition in any topic related to American music, and we will do our best to accommodate you.
The price is £650 for those who want accommodation at the Casa de la Abuela. Here, rooms may be shared with more than one other person, or may be described as semi-private for other reasons. Bathroom facilities are shared. For the price of £750, accommodation is in a luxury en suite double or twin room at
Casona Granado. The Casona is within 30 minutes’ walking distance of the Casa, and this package also includes transport to and from the Casa site whenever required. These prices cover everything for the week apart from travel and transfers. This includes accommodation and meals, tuition, and use of all facilities. We will arrange your transfers at the lowest possible prices.
A £50 discount is available to those who chose to camp on site. We provide tents, mattresses and bedding, and you chose your site on (or off) the grounds. Many people prefer this option, as it allows for greater privacy and enjoyment of nature.
Beverley Smith
Sooz Clare
Matt Stead
Kate Lissauer
Johnny Whelan
