Hi Fellow Guitar Lovers

If you’re a guitar player — a picker, strummer, songwriter, or someone who simply enjoys time with the instrument — this one’s for you.

I wanted to let you know that bookings are now open for a small-group acoustic guitar weekend at Balnarring Beach, running from 1–3 May, which I'll be co-presenting.

It’s a three-day gathering for people who play acoustic guitar and want to spend a focused weekend playing, listening, swapping ideas, and learning alongside others — in a relaxed coastal setting on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula.

Across the three days there will be:

• guided guitar sessions
• shared playing and listening
• opportunities for individual focus as well as group work
• time built in around meals and informal playing

It’s participatory rather than performative, and suitable for players of all levels.

Our presenters

Leading the sessions with me for the weekend will be the amazing Nick Charles: one of the country's best blues and roots guitarists and songwriters. Nick has dozens of albums under the belt and years of experience in teaching and presenting.

There will also be appearances by the amazing luthier, Andy Allen - the driving force behind Maton's Custom Shop for so many years - and Sam See; a veteran of the Australian music industry and storyteller extraordinaire.

Nick Charles One of Australia’s most respected acoustic guitarists, Nick brings decades of experience as a performer, composer, and educator. His sessions focus on musical understanding, arrangement, rhythm, and expressive playing.

Andy Allen Master guitar builder Andy Allen presents a dedicated guitar clinic session, sharing insights into instrument construction, tone, setup, and what players can listen for in a fine acoustic guitar. Visit Andy’s Facebook page

Sam See Highly regarded Australian musician Sam See contributes an after-dinner presentation and performance on Saturday evening, drawing on decades of experience in the Australian music industry.

Places are limited to keep the group size manageable.

View and book the Balnarring Beach weekend

This Balnarring Beach weekend is the first event being presented as part of Acoustic Guitar Weekends, a small program of curated guitar weekends planned for different locations. So even if you can't make this one, be sure to sign up to the newsletter

I hope to see you there!

Warm regards,
Geoff Achison