GYPSY JAZZ RETREAT - UK
NEXT RETREAT:
April 17th- 22nd 2027
Biggar, Scotland
(Shrewsbury October 2027 TBA)
SHREWSBURY DJANGO FEST 2027
A weekend of world-class concerts in the heart of Shrewsbury
22, 23, 24 October 2027 - Save The Date
BIGGAR, SCOTLAND!
17th - 22nd APRIL 2027
Join legendary gypsy jazz guitarist Paulus Schäfer alongside rhythm expert Chris Quinn for a week of classes, workshops, jams and performances running alongside Biggar Django Festival 2027.
The course has just 12 spots! (we strongly advise early booking to guarantee your spot).
Groups will be small and intimate with a great chance to learn directly from the 2 of the scenes most celebrated players.
Expect Deep Dive Workshops on:
Gypsy Rhythm - Master authentic Swing, Bossa, Ballads, Tremolo, Rubato...
Melody Playing - Learn classic song themes
Improvisation - Learn gypsy jazz techniques and improv "hacks" to get you soloing fast
Arrangements - Learn pro approaches to make your songs stand out
Group playing - Become a better accompanist with dynamics and choice choice.
Bonus learning materials:
Students also receive a workbook with chord sheets, tabs and useful info ahead of the retreat.
Plus you'll get access to an online portal with video tutorials covering the main lessons covered to recap in the weeks, months and years that follow the course!
Groups will be small and intimate with a great chance to learn directly from the 2 of the scenes most
The guitar retreat is taking place in the Kirkstyle Hotel, a minutes walk from the main Django festival venue and in the middle of the quaint Scottish town of Biggar.
The daily timetable of classes includes ample time to jam and put into practice what you've learnt, gain valuable 1/2/1 time with teachers, explore the beautiful local area and of course play at night in local pub jam sessions or just sit back and listen!
On the final night, we'll be giving a public performance as a group.
You'll also receive front row seats for the Saturday and Sunday night concerts at Biggar Django Festival.
If you choose to arrive a day early, we can arrange a favourable rate at the Kirkstyle Hotel and arrange tickets to catch the legendary Adrien Moignard Quartet, Friday night festival headliners.
Please contact us asap if you wish to do this after booking your spot and we'll give you the details.
SIGN UP BELOW
GUITARIST PLACE - SIGN UP
Full board accommodation and food for 1, Full Workshop Access for 1 guitarist, Saturday & Sunday Biggar Django Festival 2027 Access
£1620
(Early bird price - book before December 1st save £70 - Normal Price £1690)
Select to pay in full or 50% deposit below.
Here's some of what to expect!...
* Up close lessons and hands on advice from the very best in the world, regardless of your current playing level. This is an invaluable chance to learn directly from gypsy jazz royalty.
* 5 nights (single occupancy en-suite room) including breakfast, lunches and evening meals.
* Introductory student seminar with retreat tutors
* A timetable of intimate group lessons and masterclasses with Paulus Schäfer & Chris Quinn.
* Daytime and late night jam sessions
* Saturday & Sunday Biggar Django Festival access with front row seating.
(possible Friday upgrade available - contact for details)
* Student concert, perform live with the band at the end of the retreat
* An unforgettable retreat and festival experience immersed in all things Gypsy Jazz.
* Discover the beautiful Lanarkshire countryside surrounding Biggar.
COUPLE PLACE (1 NON-STUDENT) SIGN UP
Full board accommodation and food for 2, full workshop access for 1 guitarist, Saturday & Sunday Biggar Django Festival 2027 / evening jam access for 2
£1937
(Early bird price - book before December 1st save £100 - Normal Price £2037)
Select to pay in full or 50% deposit below.
If you wish to attend in 2027 we advise booking as soon as possible to guarantee a spot.
If you have any questions call 07790265681 or email AcousticMasterclass@gmail.com
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
* If paying a 50% deposit the remaining balance is due on or before March 16th 2027
BOOKING INFO
Workshop venue hire, tutor costs and lesson materials supplied by Paulus Schafer and Chris Quinn - £887.50
Accommodation & meals Supplied by The Kirkstyle Hotel and the Elphinstone Hotel collected by Chris Quinn as agent and passed to hotel in full £682.50 / £949.50 for couple place.
Festival Tickets supplied by Biggar Django Fest collected by Chris Quinn and passed onto Biggar Django Fest. £50 / £100 for couple place
CANCELLATION POLICY
* After booking your place you have a 14 day cooling off period, you are entitled to a full refund within the first 14 days.
If after this you wish to cancel, please let us know as soon as possible beforehand. We may work with you to try and sell your spot to another attendee or, at our discretion, we may be able to offer you postponement till the following year.
Thank you for your understanding. Our up-front costs are not recoverable so we are not in a position to offer refunds for cancelled bookings.
