Welcome

We Have Moved Locations!

After a very succesful exercise in logistics and an amazing job by our team, both current Sore Fingers Summer School current events (Easter and October) are now run from Lord Wandsworth College in Hampshire.
The full address and postcode is: LORD WANDSWORTH COLLEGE. Long Sutton, Hook, Hampshire RG29 1TB. We successfully managed the move last Easter

We've still got some admin work to do to update all of our documetation, maps, Joining Instructions, etc, but were getting there. Also keep an eye on regular updates about courses and other important news. These notices are distributed on this site's "News Page", our message board and also on social media.

Sore Fingers Summer Schools is Europe's leading organisation for Bluegrass and Old Time music camps offering world class tuition for all the instruments played in Bluegrass as well as Old Time String Band music and vocals. Although the theme is Bluegrass and Old Time music, the techniques taught are universal and will improve your playing even if you are not a dedicated Bluegrass player.

Latest News is published on the News Page on this site and also on the various SFSS social media sites. We also have a private mailing list which will send you press releases directly to your email inbox. Check out the Mailing List Item on the menu left of the screen. Please see the "Courses Page" for info on our next events.

Bookings are now open. If you wish to go straight to the Booking Page, please click on the link below.

Booking

We have a promotional video. It was produced by Eleanor Wilkie (Crossover Festival, Saphire Storm, Midnight Skyracer). There are contributions from Jason Titley, Kier Hague and a special thank you to Roger Netherton for permission to use his track for the background music. See the links page for directions to his website. Have a look and enjoy, Moira and I loved it!

PLEASE NOTE THIS VIDEO FEATURES SHOTS TAKEN AT OUR PREVIOUS LOCATION.

SFSS Promo Video

Most of our tutors are recruited from the heart of the American Bluegrass and Old Time scenes. We also recruit from the talented pool of musicians based in the UK and Europe. Over Thirty years, Sore Fingers has played host to almost 200 individuals from the top tiers of Bluegrass and Old Time and we are dedicated to providing tuition from the best musicians who are closest to the heart of this American musicical style.

In recent years, we have expanded our teaching to include other complimentary subjects designed to help you understand some of the theory behind things you already know how to play and open up creative opportunities though practical application of music theory. But, fear not, you do not need to read music to attend our courses, our tutors will show you the way.

At present, Sore Fingers Summer Schools run two events.
The main one being Sore Fingers Week, a five day residential course held in at Easter time. This course is aimed at musicians of all levels and provides a platform where they can learn and improve their knowledge and skills. It is a complete experience where you can escape the daily routine and immerse yourself in music and fun for a whole week. Many of our students become seriouly addicted and return year after year.

Our second event, the Sore Fingers October Weekend, is held at the end of October and coincides with the school's half term break. Duration is two days (Friday to Sunday) and the programme of classes is broadly the same as at Easter time. Being shorter, the October course is slightly less intense and has often been described as "laid back" and relaxing. The Sore Fingers magic however, still prevails and some first time attendees will use the weekend as an opportunity to test the water before committing to the full week held at Easter time.

If it is your first visit to this page, we recommend you read the Experience page to give yourself an idea of what happens at our events.