Course Scedule

RGW - The guitar festival

Masterclass

Master class sounds impressive. With us it is one-to-one lessons in which everyone can work out their individual wishes, interests and questions with our instructors. We adapt to all playing levels from almost-beginners to professionals and to every age group. In the standard course you receive 3 lessons, in the intensive course 6 lessons. You are welcome to sit in on other participants’ lessons, and afterwards, there’s plenty of opportunity to share ideas and talk all things guitar. That’s what we mean by a festival - a celebration of the guitar, experienced together, without pressure or competition.

Chamber music

Alongside our lessons, making music together is a key part of the experience. It’s the perfect opportunity to meet fellow guitar enthusiasts and rehearse together. We prepare chamber music ranging from Renaissance dances to Tico Tico and challenging concert works - there’s something for everyone. Near-beginners are welcome, too, and for students it’s a special opportunity to play in an ensemble with the likes of Thomas Müller-Pering or our guest tutors. The sheet music is always sent out well in advance of the Guitar Week, giving everyone time to prepare independently.

Gitarrenorchester

Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate or advanced player, young or old, amateur or professional - music can bring everyone together. In the evenings, we rehearse as a guitar orchestra and present our work in a concert open to the public, performed by the participants. We’ve enjoyed some truly magnificent performances over the years: Villa-Lobos with soprano, Bartók with violin, and works composed especially for us, such as Moin Moin by Nikita Koshkin and Antigo Carnavais by and featuring Celso Machado – and much more! The sheet music is always sent out well in advance of Guitar Week, giving everyone time to prepare independently.

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The general schedule for our Guitar Week

Workshops

In the afternoons, we offer workshops on a wide range of topics: Teaching methods, body awareness and movement, guitar technique... There’s plenty to explore.

Exhibition

A little peace and quiet at last! No lessons, no workshops, no organised activities. Just a free day with our doors open - this is when the exhibitors arrive, giving everyone the chance to browse guitar sheet music (and buy) and try out guitars made by renowned luthiers. (and buy)

Accommodation and Meals

Country retreat

The "Landheim Ahausen" offers shared rooms for 2–4 people, similar to those found in youth hostels. The rooms are fairly small and simply furnished, but the beds are comfortable, and the cost of accommodation – including meals – is exceptionally affordable.

Alternatively, we can help arrange private rooms, some within walking distance through our small, charming village. Others can be reached by bike or car. These rooms are generally much cheaper than hotels, typically costing €30–60 per night.

Food and Kitchen

Our really delicious meals are prepared by Henrike Seliger in Verden. We still have kitchen duties, but with our wonderful kitchen fairy Haifa on hand, everything runs very smoothly. And it really is fun to prepare breakfast, coffee and dinner together with others on one day of the week. That way, we can enjoy the rest of the week even more.

Self-catering also has its advantages: We can pop into the kitchen whenever we like to make tea, grab a piece of fruit or quickly prepare some soup if a visitor arrives late in the evening. The kitchen often turns out to be the most popular meeting place of all.

Getting Here

By Car

Adress: Landheim Ahausen, Verdener Weg 18, 27367 Ahausen.

In Ahausen, turn off the main road onto Verdener Weg. Look out for the sign bearing the Rotenburg Guitar Week logo on the traffic island.

By Train

The nearest railway station is Rotenburg (Wümme), on the Hamburg–Bremen railway line.

We can pick up participants and guests at the station by car. Please email your arrival time to post@rotenburger-gitarrenwoche.de before the course begins. (If possible, please avoid arriving before 4 pm.)

When Does the Week Begin and End?

The course begins on Saturday at around 4 or 5 pm with coffee and cake. At 6 pm, we’ll have a welcome gathering, and it would be lovely if everyone could be there. At 8 pm, we’ll meet for our first sight-reading rehearsal with the guitar orchestra. Individual lessons begin on Sunday.

On the final day, the following Sunday, we’ll hold an informal closing concert for participants, followed by a farewell gathering, starting at around 10:30 am. Departure is therefore from around noon onwards.

What Should I Bring?

Guitar (!), music stand and footstool (both labelled with your name), writing materials, sheet music, weatherproof and warm clothing, swimwear, towels and bedclothes (available to borrow for a small fee).

All participants perform as the Rotenburg Guitar Week Guitar Orchestra as part of the International Summer Concerts. We therefore ask everyone to wear concert clothes: black (or dark colours) on the bottom and white (or light colours) on top. However, tails, tuxedos and long evening gowns might be a little overdressed for the occasion. ;-)

Raphaëlla Smits: "Once again a great unforgettable week. As always it's a joy to be here. The friendship, art, meetings and to see the young students grow. As a musicians and human beings. you do a great job. It is a part of the future. Thank you so much"

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