Glasgow Mandolin Retreat 2025

In 2025, the Glasgow Mandolin Retreat returns for its 2nd year. Led by Laura-Beth Salter & Ethan Setiawan, the retreat will again be gathering at the National Piping Centre in Glasgow, Scotland. Fully taking over the Piping Centre, and with an expanded roster of teachers, it will be an event for all mandolin lovers unlike any other.

Classes will be offered at all levels, with classes for beginners this year as well.

If you have more questions, hopefully they are answered over at our FAQ page! Please get in touch if they are not.

TUTORS

Classes will be held for beginner, intermediate, and advanced tracks. We’ll work on technique and learn tunes from traditions from around the world, including Scottish trad, bluegrass, jazz and old time. You will have the opportunity to study with all our teachers.

LEVEL GUIDELINES

  • Knows some chords, maybe a simple tune or two. Lots of questions about mandolin playing!

  • Developing confidence, technique, speed. Comfortable playing a solid repertoire in at least one style. 

  • Confident mandolin players. We'll focus on enhancing knowledge of specific styles, covering both melody and accompaniment. We'll also look at developing a personal style. Improvisation and composition may be covered. 

Neither accommodation nor meals are provided, but with a very central location in Glasgow at the National Piping Centre, there are lots of options for both accommodation and food nearby! (You are very welcome to bring a packed-lunch!)

The Piping Centre itself has a few rooms.

Schedule

The 2025 retreat will take place from the 29th to the 31st of August 2025.
The proposed schedule will look something like this:

9:00am - all meet
9:30am - 10:45am class one
11:15am - 12:30pm class two
12:30pm - 2:00pm lunch
2:00pm - 3:15pm class three
3:45pm - 4:45pm masterclass
5:00pm - 6:00pm optional group work
7pm dinner/session

REGISTER

Early bird registration rate (until February 28): £175

Full registration rate: £200

Cancellations made by 31 June will receive a full refund. Cancellations made by 31 July will receive a 50% refund. After 31 July, no refunds will be given, but your fee will be applied to next year's event. Under extenuating circumstances, the above may be waived.