Member sessions
We host casual member sessions every month for classical guitarists of all abilities to perform to a friendly group of peers. Twice a year from 2027 we intend to hold Guitar Days for our members to work on technique with teachers in our community, and with concluding members concerts.
Our sessions are held in members' homes for six months of the year, in the chapel at St Saviour's for four months, with the Guitar Days also being at St Saviour's.
Upcoming member sessions
Meet our Members
Our membership is composed of a diverse group of guitar enthusiasts of all abilities, from all walks of life.
Nick
Luthier
I started playing a long time ago – in the 70’s and 80’s I played electric guitar in various bands, and then later performed as a singer-songwriter.
I didn’t focus on the classical guitar until I started making them. And then I discovered WiGS!
I never learnt to read or write music, but have worked out by ear some simple pieces by Bach and Vivaldi, and also perform some of my own short compositions. I'm delighted to have found a willing and appreciative audience at WiGS.
Emily
Banker, Counsellor, and Lover of Music and the Arts
I started guitar at age 9 in Tehran, where the Iran-Iraq war made a portable instrument the practical choice. The first six months were tough - aching fingertips and all - but I loved playing, though carrying a “western” instrument in public wasn't easy. With wonderful teachers, I reached grade 6 before moving to London and life taking over.
WiGS inspires me to keep guitar in my life, even when things get busy. I really value the supportive, welcoming atmosphere and the joy of playing together.
I’m also the founder of Play2Festival, a youth guitar festival in Armenia, and I’m grateful to WiGS and its members for their encouragement and support in sharing the love of music.
Michel
Chemical Engineer (Retired)
I got my first guitar aged 15. Before I could strum 3 chords my brother pushed me to join a local band. Later I turned to singing French poet singers' songs: Brassens, Ferrat, Beart and Brel.
Studies, work and family life took over and there was little time for guitar, though I developed a taste for classical and became a fan of Bach and John Williams. After I retired, 10 years of one to one and ensemble tuition took me from non-existent technique to where I am now.
Most important were the friends I made in the process, most of whom are now part of WiGS. I'm not a great performer, but the enjoyment I get from playing the guitar and sharing with my WiGS friends is irreplaceable.
Creative Associations
We are proud to support our members' guitar-related initiatives.
Guitar Festival
The Play2 festival offers young guitarists a unique, fully funded opportunity to participate in workshops, ensemble sessions, and professional concerts in Armenia each July.
Guitar and Mandolin Teacher
Brad was our Artistic Director until September 2026. He is an award-winning guitarist and MA with Distinction and DipRAM graduate of the Royal Academy of Music, with performance experience across major concert venues and festivals, and studied with Stephen Goss, Michael Lewin, Craig Ogden, David Russell, and Fabio Zanon. He teaches in the Wimbledon area.
Luthier
With a preference for hand tools and freehand techniques, Nick crafts his guitars in his South London workshop, located above the studio of his sculptor wife, Almuth Tebbenhoff. Nick honed his craft with skilled mentors such as Nick Pyle, Pete Howlett, Mike Hobbs, Richard Osborne, and Pablo Requena.
Playing member
60
Every year
For guitarists of all abilities
Access to 11 Member Sessions every year
Participation in Advanced Classes by invitation
Access to social events
Student/U30 member
30
Every year
For full-time students, or members under age 30
Access to 11 Member Sessions every year
Participation in Advanced Classes by invitation
Access to social events
Advanced Classes only
30
Every year
For professionals and conservatoire graduates looking for a supportive environment to try new pieces and prepare for concerts
Participation in Advanced Classes only
Access to social events
2026 Member Subscriptions
WiGS Membership gives you access to:
Member Sessions - where guitarists of all abilities play to each other. Professional guitarist, Brad Johnson, joins us several times a year to offer coaching and feedback.
Advanced Classes (by invitation only) - where professionals, conservatoire graduates and amateurs of a high playing standard perform and offer feedback to each other, with a limited audience.
If you'd like to be part of WiGS but don't want to play at sessions, you can join as a Community Member for £20 per year.
This gives you access to social events and free observer attendance at Member Sessions, subject to space (and excluding ticketed events: the Advanced Classes and all concerts).