At Guitar School. we make it our mission to get people inspired to learn the guitar or ukulele.  There’s no doubt that learning a musical instrument is an amazing achievement and regardless of age and ability, we passionately believe everyone should have the chance to try playing an instrument to see what it’s all about. 

As we were preparing for this year’s Good Life Experience in Hawarden, near Chester, we knew there was a pretty high demand for people wanting to learn new musical skills.  But we were super surprised when over 300 budding musicians came to see us recently at our little pop up tuition studio!

To say it was a roaring success is a bit of an understatement.  In fact, it was astonishing!  Pardon us for blowing our own trumpet (and yes, you’ll have to excuse the pun), but the 3 day festival which ran from Friday 14th September to Sunday 16th September 2018 was our best yet.

So, what did Guitar School do?

We created a really fab little pop up tuition studio where new, budding, existing, and experienced musicians were able to come and see us, chat to us, quiz us, and generally ask us everything about learning an instrument or developing their technique.  We were able to teach new skills, including reading notation, as well as helping people to play their favourite songs, discover essential techniques, and explore the RGT@LCM guitar syllabuses.

We offered free trial lessons, too, to spread the music love and encourage potential musicians to get started.  Plus, we held a mini clinic where experienced players who have years of knowledge could come to us for tips and hints.  It’s really important for musicians of all standards to have occasional lessons to prevent bad habits forming, to learn new techniques, and to improve playing style.

And finally, we took a whole range of instruments with us, which festival-goers were more than welcome to try out and explore, as well as a selection of Blackstar amplifiers, t-shirts, mugs, books and guitar accessories such as capos, tuners, instrument leads etc. 

Music is amazing!

It’s true that being a musician isn’t for everyone, but until you have the chance to try then you’ll never know.  Music is incredible; it gives so much joy to those playing it and so much pleasure to those listening to it.  Plus, it’s proven that being a musician keeps your brain active and healthy, and learning a new instrument as an adult could even help to guard against the onset of dementia. 

For those of you who aren’t familiar, what is the Good Life Experience Festival?

The fabulous Good Life Experience Festival happens every year.  It is a weekend of discovery, adventure, music, great food, literature, workshops, inspirational ideas and the great outdoors.  It was founded in 2014 by Cerys Matthews, Steve Abbott, and Charlie and Caroline Gladstone, and has gone from strength to strength.  Within just 4 years it is now considered one of Flintshire’s most prominent and popular festivals.

Every year, there’s a huge line up of famous musicians and groups, writers and chefs ready to share their amazing talents.  Plus, there are loads of interesting talks on everything from campfires to books.  And, of course, no great festival would be complete without vintage crafts, an ale tent and tree climbing – to name but a mere few of the activities on offer!

To find out more about the Good Life Experience Festival in Hawarden or for information on learning to play an instrument, please get in touch via the CONTACT page.