Come and try one of our Guitar Ensemble evenings
All your questions answered!
- Open to anyone 16 or over
- A refreshing slant on Guitar
- Ensemble music that's easy to play
- Pieces in 3 or 4 parts; pick a part to suit your skills
- You'll never be playing on your own
- Enjoy the camaraderie and relaxed music-making in Workshop
Try an evening - no obligation, no charge - simply contact us...
Is it for me?
If you own a classical or 6-string folk guitar and play fingerstyle from conventional music notation (not tab), come along and find out!
You're assured of a warm welcome - we have players from 6 months to 10 years' experience and music for all abilities.
Where do you meet?
In Farlington - an easy journey from Cosham, Waterlooville, Havant and Portsmouth, and close to the A3M, M27 and A27 for Fareham, Chichester, Southampton, Emsworth and Rowlands Castle. Parking is free in a private car-park. Directions here
When do you meet?
From 7:30 to 10pm on alternate Thursday evenings in term time - 3 terms of about 6 get-togethers per year. See our meeting
dates here
There's a break at 8:30 with complimentary Fairtrade Tea & Coffee, plus wine at cost. We appreciate help tidying up at the end!
What does it cost?
Your first visit is free - nothing to pay, no obligation. If you join, it's just £4.20 a session paid termly (£6 a session if you "Pay on the Day").
What do I bring?
Just a Classical or 6-string Folk Guitar (and a footstool or rest if you use one) - that's all you need!
If you join, you buy The Workshop Collection - 120 ensembles & 30 Christmas pieces, all beautifully typeset. Each term brings new pieces -
free! You'll find it convenient to keep your Workshop music in several ring binders. You'll need a music stand.
What standard do I have to be?
Workshop suits guitarists of all abilities. Our ensemble music has parts to suit learners with just 2 terms of tuition and parts to challenge players with many years' experience. Download our free trio and see. Our music has a warm, full sound that's easy to join in with.
Do I have to audition?
No - if you're happy with the standard of the music when you try out an evening, you are very welcome to join us.
Do I have to play in front of others?
No - we always play as a complete group, and there's no shame in losing your place in the music or playing a wrong note!
What commitment is it?
We usually play 2 little Concerts a year. Apart from practising at home before a concert, most players just turn up and play for fun.
If there's no homework, how can I improve?
We do lots of playing! Workshop sharpens your sightreading, your rhythm and your listening skills; these will improve your solo playing too.
What line do I play?
You choose whether you play an easy or a hard line! Download our free trio and you'll see what we mean.
Where do I sit?
You can choose that too! We like everyone to feel completely at ease.
Why don't you use tab?
Tab is about what you do, not what it sounds like. To play well with others, you need to know what it should sound like! We use standard music notation; if you have friends or family who play flute, recorder or violin, they can duet with you, from your Workshop music, at home.
Are there any benefits?
You can buy strings, tuners and a selection of published music at a good discount.
We have a small library of solo books you are welcome to borrow a term at a time.
Part of Workshop's success is that players support it so wholeheartedly - we have "long service" presentations
to say Thank You!
What do I do next?
Please contact Derek so we can expect you.
It's totally informal - just come and enjoy the relaxed company of people like you, who know that ensemble guitar is a lot of fun.