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What a really great bass weekender! Two days of learning, jamming, and making new friends. Like many I was nervous about attending - well aware of what I couldn't do, however was soon put at ease through Ian's relaxed hosting and Paul's humour and encouragement. Well worth the investment of time and spend 🎵

I recently attended a Guitar Breaks Bass Workshop led by Paul Turner, at the Snug Creative Hub in Aldershot - what a great experience!

Slickly organised, with both 1-2-1 sessions and group sessions, everyone attending had plenty of opportunities to learn, practice and play.

It ran across 2 days and was designed to cater for all abilities from novice to those with more experience. I was nervous to attend and play in front of others, and had put off signing-up for fear of this. Within a very short period I realised my fears were completely unfounded, as I was put at ease and encouraged by Paul and the rest of the group.

In such a supportive environment, it was easy to find my groove (sorry!) and I embraced the opportunity to step outside of my comfort zone and make mistakes while playing along with an experienced drummer (Filippo) and guitarist (Ian - Guitar Breaks).

The group sessions were great fun and we all had chance to develop some simple bass lines and then commit to them while playing over a backing track. This was a really helpful exercise for me to get used to playing in front of others.

Paul was great and tailored his 1-2-1 sessions to help develop better technique and knowledge of what is being played and why it works.

I left having made new friends, learnt new things, and feel inspired to continue to develop.

My only regret is that I haven't done this sooner!

Thank you to Ian and Paul for organising and supporting us throughout the weekend, and to Barrie, Dave 'Keys of Wonder' Gadd, Rick, John and Keith - a terrific 'rumble' of bassists!

Guitar Breaks seem to have that secret sauce that allows musicians at any stage of their quest, novice to expert, to find their next level and at the same time discover new friends, new ideas and even something about themselves that they didn't know they had.

In May I attended Paul Turner‘s Bass Workshop organized by Guitar Breaks and held at the Snug Creative Hub in Aldershot. A great experience.

It was a two day workshop with Paul giving group instruction in the mornings and 1-to-1‘s in the afternoon. We were a small group of 6 all having different levels of experience of bass playing, some having attended workshops before others not. We were all made feel very welcome and we all came away feeling motivated.

The atmosphere was relaxed and fun and although only two days I‘ve still come away with plenty of tips and ideas I can start using and practicing.

One aspect which added a different dimension - on the afternoon of the second day we got to play together with a drummer and guitarist. Both solid experienced players they gave a safety net allowing each of us to try out songs we‘d looked at in the morning sessions.

So big thank you to Paul, Ian (from Guitar Breaks) and Barrie (from Snug Creative Hub) for a wonderful weekend. I can easily recommend all three!

I attended the Guitar Breaks event with Jeff McErlain and Corey Congelio in Lippiano, April 2026. The only negative I can think of is that my room had no WiFi. Everything else exceeded my high expectations.

The “magic” of Guitar Breaks is that the setting, along with the way Ian organises things, make everyone feel very relaxed and positive. At the same time, beginners get a gentle push to “have a go”, with lots of support and practice time to boost your confidence.

The week started with everyone in a good mood including the presumably jet-lagged instructors, but every day things got even more friendly. By the end of the week everyone was good mates. It’s no surprise to me that people return. If the rumours are true, one attendee has been seven times!

I feel especially lucky that I attended when Jeff and Corey were leading as they are world-class teachers and performers. However, Guitar Breaks has a track record of inviting top instructors and famous players. So you’re unlikely to be disappointed by the instruction. I get the impression that Ian vets the teachers carefully.

The ability mix, I’m told, can vary. When I went there were a lot of beginners. At other camp there are apparently more intermediates. However, somehow it works out so that everyone is satisfied, partly thanks to breakout groups. When in mixed ability sessions, personally I found it beneficial and enjoyable to recap fundamentals anyway. It’s not boring or frustrating like it would be if watching a video. It must be something to do with the energy in the room. And the chance to ask questions.

Some attendees will have had experience playing in bands. For others, the Thursday “concert” will be their first time ever playing in public and possibly the first time playing an amp at volume. If you are one of these, don’t forget your earplugs! If you’re used to playing in your bedroom, you might be surprised. My Apple Watch registered 95dB in the front row, which is like a standard pub band with a full drum kit.

The surroundings are beautiful and Villa Pia’s kitchen is amazing. You eat like a king every day. One thing I didn’t realise is that the alcohol is all inclusive. They just show you the fridge when you turn up and you help yourself any time you like. This went a bit “wrong” for me after the big performance concert on Thursday night but luckily I packed painkillers.

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Five days of immersive blues guitar tuition and coaching delivered by Jeff McErlain and Corey Congilio, world class educators and performers well known to the target demographic.

All aspects exceeded my already high expectations. Teaching and mentoring was outstanding. The location, venue, and food could not be bettered. The whole package was exceptional value.

Playing guitar with fellow enthusiasts in a picturesque village atop a hill in Italy was an amazing experience. The event was exceptionally well-organized and conducted with professionalism. As someone who has been learning the guitar for just a few years, I felt fully supported. I enjoyed it so much that I've already registered for next year.

Another great week of learning and performing in the spectacular surroundings of Lippiano Italy.

A great experience playing with like-minded guitarists in a beautiful hilltop village in Italy. Extremely well organised and professional. I’ve only been playing guitar a couple of years and felt very well supported. It was so good I’ve signed up for next year.

Great week in Italy with fantastic teachers and an ace group of guys. The hotel is great, especially the food. Can’t wait to go again

An incredible experience from start to finish, the beautiful location in Villa Pia, the amazing food (and wine!), the superb company, and the brilliant teachers, structure and sessions culminating in the final gig to the locals. My second time on this trip, have made friends for life and my playing has come on even more than I could have hoped. Thanks to Ian and the GB team, I’ll be back!

A very memorable and totally enjoyable experience with Ian and his team! The guitar tuition and interaction was excellent and the staff at Villa Pia were as always incredible….

Can’t wait for the next one!! 🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸

I recently attended the Matt Schofield masterclass week with Guitar Breaks in Lippiano, Italy – and what an incredible experience it was. This was actually my fourth time joining a Guitar Breaks week in Lippiano over the years, and every single one has been truly fantastic.

Matt is not only a world-class guitarist and blues artist – he’s also an extremely generous and thoughtful teacher. His ability to explain tone, touch, phrasing and feel is second to none, and playing alongside him on stage was a dream come true.

The week was beautifully organised by Ian Edwards, whose warm presence and attention to detail create the perfect environment for learning, connecting and having fun. The setting in the Umbrian hills is simply stunning, the accommodation and food are great – but above all, it’s the people who make this such a special experience. Spending a week surrounded by fellow guitar nerds from all over Europe (and beyond), sharing stories, licks, and laughter – it doesn’t get much better than that.

Highly recommended for anyone who loves the guitar – regardless of level. I’m already looking forward to my fifth trip.

My recent attendance at Guitar Breaks with Matt Schofield in Italy was the experience of a lifetime. As well as a week of expert tuition and playing with my guitar hero it was far more. The opportunity to mix with 20 likeminded guitarists from a variety of countries with ages ranging from 20s to 70s was priceless. The organisation and accommodation was excellent from start to finish and I made many new friends.

I attended the blues week with Matt Schofield and Mike Goodman. I drove down with my partner which was a holiday in itself. The week exceeded my already high expectations and I found the two tutors to be really pleasant people who really know and enjoy their work. As has already been mentioned, the highlight was exchanging riffs with Matt and seeing the smile on his face! Couldn’t recommend Guitar Breaks more highly and will be back in Lippiano in September. Well done Ian for making this happen.

No coincidence me participating in the Blues Camp in Lippiano, Italy, for the second time. The Blues Camp was with Matt Schofield and Co-Trainer Mike Goodman. Both of them absolute world class musicians granting us a view into their genius. Always approachable during the entire week and always warm welcoming each and every question anyone would have. For the fellow participants I can say: lovely people I've met and I felt as like in a big famly. Haven't laughed so much in a workshop before - over and beyond this week was unique. Thank you so much Ian - so much !!!!!!

I've been to a week long Blues Camp in Lippiano Italy with Matt Schofield and Mike Goodman. As a big fan of Matt my expectations were already fulfilled when I met him and discovered he's a very nice and approachable man. Also Mike is none the less approachable and very nice. As an intermediate player, for me it wasn't about learning something new, but rather how to dive deeper into technique and the overall approach of the Blues. And i really got everything I could ask for: answers to specific questions, new perspectives on how to look at the quitar and music in general, hanging out with my hero and other music nerds like me, listening to great stories and - the highlight of the week - standing on the same stage and playing together with Matt Scofield - a dream come true. Anyone who loves the guitar will profit from Guitar Breaks - it doesn't matter if you're a beginner, intermediate or advanced. Higly recommended!

Fabulous week of music and fun in a stunningly beautiful location in the hills of Central Italy. Matt and Mike shared their unique professional insights, guitars were played, new friendships were formed and drinks were had in the sun. Haven’t laughed that much in a while. (Lippiano Blues Camp)

The solo weekend was my first Guitar Breaks event and it won't be my last. Relaxed and friendly, lots of participation, and a few inspiring approaches to soloing discussed and examined in detail. Great fun and very motivating. Thanks.

Once again a great group of people with a common focus. A relaxed atmosphere but delivering a high level of achievement. Can't wait for the next one.