Blast

Guitar Retreats, held in the beautiful surroundings of Bude, North Cornwall, is an idea that was created and built upon by musician and guitar enthusiast, Stuart Marshall. Feeling passionately about the lack of time many budding musicians find themselves with (or without!?), he took the advice of friends and family and delved, very successfully, into the realms of the weekend getaway.

The weekend retreats are aimed at guitarists of all ages and walks of life who feel that their playing could use a confidence boost in a friendly, relaxing and supportive environment. With the help of Stuart's one-to-one tuition as well as group sessions and ample practice time this home-grown business venture has taken off to a flying start.

Group photo of Guitar Retreat weekend

Running over a weekend basis, from a Friday morning through to the Sunday afternoon, the groups are encouraged and guided so that they can learn to get the most from their playing. They are given the opportunity to indulge in their passion without the usual interruptions and distractions of home.

 We spoke to organiser and front man, Stuart Marshall, to find out more.

Sophie: What was your initial inspiration behind Guitar Retreats? Was it a spontaneous idea or has it been years in the making?

Stuart: The initial idea came from friends and acquaintances who were always complaining to me that they would love to play their guitars more but never seemed to be able to find enough quality time. So, I organised weekend away for just guitar players, invited everybody I could think of and it was such good fun that I decided to take the idea further. That's how Guitar Retreats was born.

Sophie: Was it difficult to organise, set up, run and fund?

Stuart: I was lucky enough to find just the perfect venue in Bude at the Edgecumbe Hotel. The owners and staff are really into the idea and love hosting the retreats as much as we do. They help to create the relaxed vibe we need for everyone who comes. I self fund it. It's a risky business because you never know how many guests you are going to get, sometimes not until the last few days before a date!

Sophie: Who else is involved, making up your management team?

Stuart: Just myself and my wife Sharon who helps with the admin and occasionally sings and plays guitar along with me on the retreats.

Coaching on a beautiful clifftop

Sophie: Do you think that your location, Bude, Cornwall is what makes the retreats so appealing?

Stuart: It is definitely a big part of the draw. The Hotel is right on the coast and has sea views from most of the rooms. Plus, I think the remoteness of Bude adds to the feeling of getting away from it all. People want to come here just to play the guitar and relax with no other distractions.

Sophie: What do you aim to gain? Is it profit or do you do it purely for the enjoyment?

Stuart: Both of the above! But I do love doing it and would do it for nothing if I had to.

Sophie: Any favourite moments you've had so far, or any particularly memorable characters?

Stuart: My favourite part of the weekends is usually on the Saturday night when we retire to the bar and everybody gets the chance to play with other members of the group. Its a time when people really open up and express themselves and its great to see all the support and warmth from the group as a whole. As for characters.. We've had a London cab driver, a Psychologist and a ukulele playing, cruise ship dancer from Tahiti. And they were all on the same retreat!

Sophie: How do you see the future for Guitar Retreats?

Stuart: More people, more guitars, more playing and more fun!