3 masterclasses per participant. Please give your desired masterclasses on the registration form. For the masterclasses 7 (Manuel Barrueco) and 13 (David Russell) participants must qualify for these either through the first round of the competition or separate audition. This will be an extra masterclass free of charge.
31 Junior Guitar Academy
Campus Landesmusikakademie Rheinland-Pfalz | Sayner Hütte | Schloss Engers | Heinrich-Haus
Under the direction of Russell Poyner
The development, encouragement, and advancement of young guitarists has always been an integral part of the Koblenz International Guitar Festival & Academy.
These young guitarists have the opportunity to take part in the festival. Along with other like-minded young people, they can experience the unique atmosphere of the festival, at the same time developing their skills and abilities.
This year we will offer:
- Early Bird Hour - a daily group warm-up & technical exercise session
- Ensemble / Chamber music
- Individual or Group Lessons
- Masterclasses (depending on the current playing ability)
- Performance Training - in-house performance class
- Furthermore, Junior Academy participants will attend concerts by the many world-class performers at the festival.
The starting age for the Junior Academy is around 12 years old. Participants may be younger depending on their current playing ability.
The Junior Academy takes place from Friday, 6 June until Pentecost Monday, 9 June 2025.
At the end of the festival, all participants will receive a certificate of participation.
The course fee for the Junior Academy 130 Euros and includes a concert pass for the participant and an accompanying person for all concerts and events at the festival.
The Junior Academy can also be attended by guitar teachers as an advanced training course. Interested teachers can register as a passive participant (190 Euros), which also includes entrance to all concerts and events, and a certificate.
32 SEMINARE AN AFTERTHOUGHT ON MUSIC
with Prof. Dr. Immanuel Ott (Germany), Prof. Àlex Garrobé (Spain), Prof. Luis Orlandini (Spain), Prof. Alexander S. Ramirez (Germany/Peru), Prof. Dr. Stephen Goss (Great Britain), Prof. Dr. Fabio Scarduelli (Brasil), Prof. Evangelina Mascardi (Argentina), Kristina Vårlid (Norway), Prof. Štěpán Rak (Czech Republic), Prof. Łukasz Kuropaczewski (Poland) and others
Wednesday 4 June 10.00 am - 01.00 pm
Saturday 7 June 09.00 am - 01.00 pm
Sunday 8 June 09.00 am - 01.00 pm
Program follows
33 Fingernails Workshop with Günter Schillings
Sound production on the guitar is largely a matter of the shape and structure of the fingernails.
This workshop will help provide answers for the optimal shaping and maintenance of both natural and artificial fingernails. It will also offer assistance with problem nails and fingernail repairs.
34 Susanne Dewald: Perform with Confidence and Joy
Experience a hands-on coaching program specifically designed for musicians. With a holistic approach, you will strengthen your stage presence, learn to overcome disruptive stage fright, and harness adrenaline for a powerful and expressive performance.
Through group and individual exercises, we use the proven Vocates® Method to enhance your charisma and stage expression. Complemented by individual performance coaching with PEP®, you’ll resolve emotional blocks, build self-confidence, and develop mental strategies to support you on stage.
This course offers the perfect combination of practice, mental training, and personalized guidance to help you perform confidently and with joy on stage.
