About us

GUITAR CIRCUS is an unrivalled opportunity for young classical guitarists to train throughout the year with some of the most inspirational and gifted tutors in the UK.

We are looking for enthusiastic guitarists aged 12-18 years old who have reached Grade 5 standard or higher to join our GUITAR CIRCUS ensembles in London, Birmingham and Manchester. Each ensemble meets monthly during term-time under the musical direction of Gary Ryan (London), Mark Ashford (Birmingham) and Craig Ogden (Manchester).

As  non-orchestral instrumentalists, it can be extremely difficult for guitarists to get involved with any form of ensemble playing, especially at a higher level: in many areas of the country there is no provision at all for classical guitar. GUITAR CIRCUS aims to address this need and nurture a new generation of guitarists. Learning in an ensemble environment is one of the most effective ways to develop those vital skills that orchestral instrumentalists learn as a matter of course: pulse, rhythm and sight-reading.

You can find out more about exactly what is involved when you audition for GUITAR CIRCUS on this website: we really understand that this can sound rather daunting so we try to make the whole process as enjoyable as possible! The next London auditions will be held in Autumn 2010, but GUITAR CIRCUS Birmingham is currently open for audition during Spring 2010.