Thank you for your interest in Gypsy Jazz Guitar Workshops.

G.J.G.W. is a project aimed at helping to develop the skills and techniques of players from a wide range of abilities from beginners up to advanced musicians seeking to improve their playing ability in the gypsy jazz style. The workshops are limited to ten (10) places on a first come, first served basis with numerous additional workshops scheduled for the months ahead.

In addition to separate courses covering a wide spectrum of abilities, students will typically range in proficiency from Starters to Improvers with plenty of scope for the more Advanced player. Without ignoring solo or lead playing, initial tuition will concentrate largely on developing a solid grounding in rhythm accompaniment suitable to the needs of the individual players, there is no question of “dumbing down”.

Jonathan Hepbir - renowned Gypsy Jazz guitarist with the group ‘Ultraswing’, who has played with may of the greats including Bireli Lagrene, Stochelo Rosenberg, Angelo Debarre. A professional musician and guitar teacher, Jonathan has a wealth of experience conveying guitar techniques to students.

You will be in capable hands with Jonathan as he guides you through authentic rhythm, picking and soloing techniques. He will be assisted at all times by a second tutor, allowing the group to be split into two in the afternoon session so more advanced players won’t feel held back and beginners won’t get lost and left behind. We want you to get the most out of this experience and take home a wealth of knowledge that will enhance your playing ability. Full course work will be provided on arrival which you can take away at the end of the day to continue your studies. To get an overview of the course see the proposed Syllabus.

Initial proposed venues are listed here as a calendar of workshops located throughout the southern Home Counties and the South West. Additional venues and courses will be made available in response to enquiries as and when received. Participating players may choose from one or more of these within reasonable travelling distance from home. Some venues will have catering facilities available for midday meals otherwise students will, as appropriate, be advised to make their own arrangement. All will have facilities for the disabled.

The series of workshops will commence from Jan 06.
Workshops run on Saturdays from 9.30am (for 10.0 am start) through to a 1.0 pm break for lunch resuming at 2.0pm and finishing at 5.0pm. Six hours in all.

Costs all in for six hours of in-group tutorial is £65.00, printed syllabus and writing materials are provided in advance as is a CD for you take home after the event.
Guitar requisites (picks, strings, books, CD’s) will be available on sale at the trade stand.

If you are interested, under no obligation please sign up to our workshop mailing list.
We will notify you as soon as the course date is set.

As soon as we have enough places filled we will contact you regarding payment.
Upon receipt of payment you will be notified of your booking by email within thirty (30) days prior to commencement of the workshop in question together with full details. These will include map location of the venue, parking facilities, public transport and either dining arrangements at the venue or otherwise at nearby eating places.

I am sure you will agree that this is a unique opportunity to actively engage with Gypsy Jazz guitar introductory studies, technique development and advanced performance styles with some of the most outstanding teachers of this style of guitar playing anywhere in Europe . If you have any further questions do not hesitate to email me at any time.

Steve Royall