12th
Summer Guitar Academy
Pleven,Bulgaria
27.07-01.08 2026
5 days of guitar, music, concerts, and adventure.
Group lessons by level, plus creative courses, ensembles, stage experience, and lots of fun.
Who is it for?
For anyone who wants to play and grow — whether they:
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have never held a guitar before (classical or electric)
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have started recently and want clear direction
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are advanced and want focused work on pieces, technique, interpretation, improvisation, composition, or other areas
All participants are placed in groups by level and age after an assessment of their playing.
How does it work?
1) Preparation (for participants who already play)
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Prepare 1 solo piece of your choice to work on with the teachers
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Optional: join the guitar ensemble (the sheet music will be sent by email after the registration deadline)
2) Training (5 days)
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Group work by level, plus specialized creative courses
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Every day includes a structured learning process and rehearsals
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Opportunity for individual lessons
3) Finale – Concerts
The academy concludes with concerts showcasing the results of the work (ensemble and/or solo performances).
We also offer a special program for absolute beginners, where we start calmly from zero. No prior preparation is needed to take part.
The main training program includes the following courses and workshops (Active Participation package).
Guitar ensemble
featuring original arrangements
Technical Exercises
A specialized course for warm-up and concentration.
Creative Music-Making
A creative and playful approach leads to new self-discovery.
Interpretation of a Solo Piece
A workshop on expressing musical ideas through artistic means.
Fluent Note Reading
Practical techniques for easier and more confident note reading, with better orientation in rhythm and positions.
Concert Participation
Optionally, each participant may take part in one solo concert and one ensemble concert.
You can also add up to two of the following elective courses to your program
(additional fees apply):
Composition
concrete steps for creating short musical pieces
Electric Guitar
basic techniques and practical work
Flamenco Technique and Expression
Essential techniques, rhythm, and character
Songwriting & Music Production
How to Write a Song? – from idea to demo + DAW basics
Harmony
easy chord progressions and accompaniment for songs
Masterclasses
Option for individual lessons with a teacher of your choice.
Teachers:
Nikolay Mihaylov
Pleven
Founder and principal organizer of the Summer Guitar Academy, guitarist, and teacher at the National School of Arts in Pleven.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rosen Balkanski
Sofia
Guitarist, composer, and lecturer at the Prof. Pancho Vladigerov National Academy of Music in Sofia.
Hristo Neychev
Sofia
Guitarist and lecturer at the Prof. Pancho Vladigerov National Academy of Music in Sofia.
Ilin Papazyan-NINIO
Sliven
Guitarist, singer, and teacher at the National School of Music and Performing Arts in Stara Zagora.
Boyan Doychev
Varna
Guitarist and teacher at the children’s music school “Center for Young Creators” in Varna.
Thanapot Lerttham
Thailand
Guitarist and an accomplished active participant in international competitions around the world.
Svilen Voychev
Varna
Guitarist and teacher at the National School of Arts in Pleven.
Konstantin Kuchev
Pleven
Guitarist, composer, and singer based in Sofia.
Yosif Shukerov-Sherzel
Sofia
Guitarist and teacher at the National School of Arts in Pleven.
Packages and Fees
1) Main Package – Active Participation with Accommodation and Meals
€390
Includes:
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5 nights at Tourist House Pleven
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breakfast, lunch, and dinner
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organized transport for all events
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optional pick-up/drop-off from the train or bus station
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full access to the main training program, including:
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Guitar Ensemble – 8 hours
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Technical Exercises – 4 hours
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Creative Music-Making – 3 hours
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Notes in One Breath (Prima Vista Lab) – 2 hours
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Interpretation of a Solo Piece – 2 hours
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optional participation in 2 concerts
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sports and social activities
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organized camping trip / nature excursion
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professional audio and video recording of the ensemble concerts
Optional add-ons:
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one additional elective course
(How to Write a Song, Improvisation, Composition, Chords, Electric Guitar) – €50 / 6 hours -
individual lesson with a teacher of your choice / masterclass – €20 / 40 min
-
souvenirs – €20
(T-shirt, bag, guitar pick, badge, etc.) -
audio/video recording of the solo concert + photos – €15
2) Companion Package – Passive Participation
€270
Recommended for children under 10
Includes:
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5 nights
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3 meals per day
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organized transport
3) Active Participation without Accommodation and Meals
€200
Includes:
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full access to the main training program, including:
-
Guitar Ensemble – 8 hours
-
Technical Exercises – 4 hours
-
Creative Music-Making – 3 hours
-
Notes in One Breath (Prima Vista Lab) – 2 hours
-
Interpretation of a Solo Piece – 2 hours
-
optional participation in 2 concerts
-
-
sports and social activities
-
organized camping trip / nature excursion
-
professional audio and video recording of the ensemble concerts
Optional add-ons:
-
one additional elective course
(How to Write a Song, Improvisation, Composition, Chords, Electric Guitar) – €50 / 6 hours -
individual lesson with a teacher of your choice / masterclass – €20 / 40 min
-
souvenirs – €20
(T-shirt, bag, guitar pick, badge, etc.) -
audio/video recording of the solo concert + photos – €15
4) Partial Participation (One Course Only) – No Accommodation or Meals
€100
Includes one of the following courses:
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How to Write a Song
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Improvisation
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Composition
-
Chords
-
Electric Guitar
Course duration: 6 hours
Also includes:
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sports and social activities
-
organized camping trip / nature excursion
Registration & Payment
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Registration is completed online via the website and remains open until all places are filled.
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On the day of arrival, participants must provide:
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a parental consent form (for participants under 18)
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a GDPR personal data consent form
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a medical note from the participant’s GP/family doctor (required for participation in a children’s camp)
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All forms are sent by email after successful registration.
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Payment is made on the day of arrival.