Italian Guitar Camp 2026
by Tatyana Ryzhkova & Cultural Association Animula
in cooperation with D’Addario
The Italian Guitar Camp 2026 is an intensive musical and cultural experience, which takes place at
Casa Gemma in Lamezia Terme, Calabria —
a place many participants describe as a musical paradise, surrounded by nature, silence,
and breathtaking views.
In 2026 we offer two weeks of the Italian Guitar Camp:
1st week:
from October 5th to October 9th
2nd week:
from October 12th to October 16th
Limited places available — early registration is recommended.
📧 Contact us for information and registration at
info@tatyana-guitar.com
We always recommend arriving at least one day earlier and leaving no later than one day after the camp ends.
Arriving from overseas may make a few additional days of adaptation reasonable.
What to Expect
Individual Guitar Lessons
One-to-one lessons are taught by Italian guitar teachers personally selected by Tatyana.
These teachers are highly valued by both Tatyana and the participants, and for some,
they are a key reason for joining or returning to the camp.
Lessons are adapted to each participant’s level, repertoire, and personal goals.
Workshops with Tatyana Ryzhkova
Tatyana leads workshops throughout the week.
Possible topics include musical expression, interpretation, sound production,
practice strategies, stage presence, and working with tension and confidence.
The workshop content is discussed in advance with the participants and shaped according
to their wishes, questions, and interests.
Guitar Duets & Trios
We warmly welcome participants who would like to take part in guitar duets or trios.
Participants usually connect in advance via our WhatsApp group to plan the repertoire
they would like to work on.
During the camp, there is time and space to rehearse together, and our teachers are happy
to support this process.
These ensemble pieces can also be performed at the final shared concert.
Recording, Audio & Video Topics
Evgeni Jolondz, Tatyana Ryzhkova’s filmmaker, is available during the entire camp for informal conversations and questions
about audio recording, video recording, microphones, cameras, and practical recording setups.
Making Music Together
The week concludes with a shared final concert in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere.
There is no competition — only the joy of sharing music.
Life at Casa Gemma
Casa Gemma is the location of the Italian Guitar Camp and is run by the Nicotera family, who welcome participants with great warmth and openness.
After just one week, many participants say they feel like part of the family. Shared meals, daily music-making, conversations, and time spent together create an atmosphere
in which people quickly feel at ease, connected, just like at home.
Who Is This Camp For?
The Italian Guitar Camp is suitable for guitarists whose level is already slightly above beginner level.
If you are able to play one or two pieces from sheet music with confidence, your level is appropriate.
At the same time, the camp is open to advanced players and professional musicians.
The individual lesson format allows everyone to work at their own depth. During the group workshops, topics are explored that are relevant and inspiring to both developing players and more experienced musicians.
If you are unsure whether your level is suitable, you are very welcome to contact us —
in most cases, the answer is simply: yes.
How to Get There?
The camp takes place in Lamezia Terme, in southern Italy.
You can either fly directly to Lamezia Terme Airport or arrive by train to Lamezia Terme Centrale.
If you arrive by plane at Lamezia Terme Airport, there are two easy options.
First option (budget-friendly):
From the airport, take a taxi to Lamezia Terme Centrale railway station.
From there, you can take a train to Lamezia Terme Nicastro, which is the city center.
Second option (most convenient):
You can also take a taxi directly from the airport to your hotel.
The approximate cost for this is 40–50 €.
If you arrive by train, you will be directly in Lamezia Terme Centrale Station
and continue from there by train to Lamezia Terme Nicastro or by taxi.
Lamezia Terme is a small and walkable town.
Most participants stay in the city center, and the walk to Casa Gemma usually takes
about 15–20 minutes. Many participants describe this daily walk as very pleasant, but we are happy to help with car transport from your hotel to Casa Gemma during the week if needed.
Third option:
Some participants prefer to rent a car for their stay. It is also easily possible to do this directly at the airport.
Costs & Practical Information
The participation fee for the Italian Guitar Camp 2026 is
550 €.
This fee covers the full musical program of the camp.
Meals are not included in the camp fee.
Based on last year’s experience, the approximate costs were:
• Lunch: around 15–20 € per person
• Dinner: around 25–35 € per person
Accommodation is booked individually.
Prices depend on the hotel or accommodation you choose and typically range from
35 € to 200 € per person per night.
Please contact us before booking your accommodation.
We are happy to advise you and help you choose a place within easy walking distance
of the camp location. Staying nearby greatly improves the overall experience
and daily comfort during the week.
Our Local Partner
With his deep and highly valuable experience in the musical and cultural field, Claudio’s support plays an important role in the organization of the camp and greatly contributes to the comfort of our participants.
Thanks to him, participants also gain a unique opportunity to connect with Italian culture and music from the inside, receiving insights and experiences that would be impossible during a regular tourist visit.
Orientation & Daily Life at the Camp
Orientation at the camp is easy and we are always happy to help and to answer all questions.
During the camp, daily life is organized in a way that allows all participants to focus
fully on the guitar, music-making, exchange with Tatyana, and enjoying
la dolce vita in a relaxed and well-structured environment.
How to Book?
Limited places available — early registration is recommended.
📧 Contact us for information and registration at
info@tatyana-guitar.com
Please check also the
German Guitar Camp
by Tatyana Ryzhkova
Participants’ Experiences
Read what past participants say about their time at the Italian Guitar Camp:
It’s my first time and it’s been a lot of fun meeting amazing people from all over the world – everybody being so friendly, so authentic. I saw all kinds of emotions, people playing guitar – it’s incredible. People, it’s all about the socializing and I had a lot of fun exchanging ideas about playing guitar and my technique. Casa Gemma is just amazing. The plants, the animals, the trees, the sun. I’m hoping to come back next year, because it was just such an amazing experience.
My experience at the guitar camp was amazing! Getting to spend quality time and learning from my favorite classical guitarist was an incredible opportunity that I would recommend to anyone remotely interested in classical guitar. I will never forget the week I spent in Lamezia with great food, new friends, and beautiful music.
At the beginning of the week I said: “Dear friends, I speak English not very well and play guitar even worse. What am I doing here?” The answer came: during these days I improved my English, learned many words and feelings — like “stage fright”. It was a very valuable experience. Musically I learned a lot. The second best thing this week was our group. You were simply great. The best of course was Tatyana — and without Evgeni the whole thing would be unthinkable. Thank you all! It was the best week in a long time. I’m on an emotional high.
I had a marvelous week. Tatyana is not only an excellent performer, but also a great teacher and a wonderful person. My biggest highlight was the lesson with her — in one hour she taught me so much about making music and emotion. The garden of Casa Gemma is the most beautiful practice spot I’ve ever seen. I’ll definitely return next year!
I was moved watching Tatyana help different people. She finds analogies away from the guitar that suddenly make things click. She calms you down during stressful playing moments — no pressure, only support. I also met wonderful new friends. I came alone but left with ten! It was an unforgettable week.
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