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Camino Artes Guitar Workshop
Dates: August 8–14, 2027 (Arrival: Sunday, August 8 and Departure: Sunday, August 15)
Location: Carrión de los Condes, Spain
Tuition: €580
Registration Deposit: €50 to reserve your place, with the €530 balance due by June 1, 2027 — or pay €580 in full at any time. (€50 non-refundable)
Capacity: 30 participants
Application deadline: July 4, 2027, or when capacity is reached
Housing and meals: Not included
About the Workshop
Immerse yourself in the music, history, and cultural heritage of the classical guitar at the Camino Artes Guitar Workshop in northern Spain — an intensive program bringing together guitarists of different ages, backgrounds, and nationalities.
Each participant receives six private lessons over six days, each with a different member of the faculty, alongside lectures and daily performance opportunities. Ensemble activities are organized according to each participant's experience, ability level, and interests. Special sessions explore technique, recital preparation, interpretation, performance practice, music theory, arranging for guitar, and instrument care and maintenance. Regardless of ability level, every participant is encouraged to develop greater confidence, musical awareness, and freedom of expression.
Each evening, the participants present concerts in Carrión de los Condes and in neighboring towns along the Camino de Santiago, sharing their music with residents and with pilgrims from around the world. These take place in historic Romanesque churches dating from the 11th and 12th centuries — remarkable spaces where centuries of history and extraordinary acoustics create an unforgettable musical experience.
Most required activities run from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with a midday break for the traditional Spanish lunch and siesta. Because the workshop spans only six days, some evening activities are also required.
Participants should have several years of serious classical guitar study and must bring their own instrument.
Our goal is to give every participant a high-level musical experience in a rich cultural setting — and new ideas, inspiration, and perspectives to carry forward into their continued studies.
Workshop Details
Registration for the 2027 workshop is now open. Before registering or submitting payment, please contact René at rene.izquierdo@gmail.com to confirm availability. Enrollment is limited to 30 participants.
Dates
Dates: August 8–14, 2027
Arrival and departure: Arrive Sunday, August 8; depart Sunday, August 15
Faculty
René Izquierdo: (Director). International Concert Artist. UWM Distinguished Professor.
Ignacio Barcia: (Camino Artes workshop Coordinator and Associate Director). Guitar Professor at Wilson’s School.
Elina Chekan: UWM Lecturer & Director of Pre-College Division.
Kevin Loh: International Concert Artist. Lecturer at UWM.
Federico Sheppard (Luthier). Instrument care and maintenance. Barrios Mangoré specialist.
Guest Faculty
Patrick Roux: Guitarist and composer. Professor, Conservatoire de musique du Québec à Gatineau, University of Ottawa, Ontario.
Bin Hu: International Concert Artist.
ELIGIBILITY & APPLICATION PROCESS
Camino Artes welcomes serious classical guitarists of different ages and backgrounds. Participants should generally have several years of classical guitar study. Intermediate and advanced guitarists receive priority, while less-experienced or amateur applicants may be asked to submit a short performance video so that we can determine whether the workshop is an appropriate fit.
How to Register
Contact René at rene.izquierdo@gmail.com to confirm availability.
If requested, submit a short performance video for evaluation.
After receiving confirmation, pay using the appropriate currency link below — either the €50 application fee or the full €580.
Include the participant's full name in the payment memo.
Your place is reserved once the €50 application fee is received, and registration is complete when the balance has been paid.
Attendance and Departure
Participants are expected to attend for the full length of the workshop, August 8–14. Lesson times are assigned in advance and coordinated across the entire faculty, so individual schedule changes affect other participants as well.
If you must arrive late or depart before the final day, please inform us at the time of registration. Faculty are not able to reschedule lessons or masterclass slots to accommodate early departures. Participants who need a different time must arrange an exchange directly with another student in their group and then notify the workshop coordinator in writing so the schedule can be updated. Changes are confirmed only once both participants and the coordinator have agreed.
Fees and Payment
Tuition is €580. A €50 application fee reserves your place, with the €530 balance due by June 1, 2027, or in full if you register after that date. The €50 fee is non-refundable and counts toward the total.
Payment may be made in euros (EUR), U.S. dollars (USD), or British pounds (GBP) through the Wise links below. Amounts in dollars or pounds are calculated at the exchange rate in effect at the time of payment; please ensure the full equivalent of €580 is received. Participants are responsible for any transaction or processing fees associated with their chosen payment method. To pay by check or wire transfer, contact René directly.
Registration remains open until July 4, 2027, or until the workshop reaches its capacity of 30 participants, whichever comes first.
Pay with Wise
Before making payment, please contact René to confirm availability. Enter either the €50 application fee or the full €580, and include the participant's full name in the payment memo — if you are paying on behalf of someone else, include their full name as well.
Pay in EUR → https://wise.com/pay/r/ajjbfvQtqcJGiEk
Pay in USD → https://wise.com/pay/r/fcWG0zQa95yeqiw
Pay in GBP → https://wise.com/pay/r/nVMy-KC74yMvkkY
Participants outside the eurozone, the United States, and the United Kingdom may use whichever link is most convenient; amounts in dollars or pounds are calculated at the exchange rate in effect at the time of payment. Check and wire transfer are available in USD only — contact René by email for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many private lessons do I get?
Six private lessons in six days, each with a different member of the faculty — six perspectives on your playing in a single week, alongside
lectures, and daily performance opportunities.
What will the week cost beyond tuition?
Tuition is €580. Accommodation is arranged by each participant and typically runs €25–50 per night for simple hostales and religious guesthouses, and €60–100 per night for hotels and apartments. Meals in Carrión are inexpensive — a menú del día generally runs €12–18. As a rough total for the week including lodging and meals, budget €400–550 using hostales and religious guesthouses, or €700–1,000 using hotels and apartments. Airfare is additional.
When should I arrive and depart?
Plan to arrive in Carrión de los Condes on Sunday, August 8, when a faculty concert opens the workshop that evening. Sessions begin the morning of Monday, August 9, and run through the final concert on the evening of Saturday, August 14. Plan to depart Sunday, August 15.
Most participants fly into Madrid, take the train from Madrid Chamartín–Clara Campoamor to Palencia (about 1½ hours), and continue by bus or taxi. Note that August 8 is a Sunday, when buses from Palencia run on a reduced schedule — if your train arrives outside those times, a taxi can be booked in advance. See Getting into Carrión de los Condes below for schedules and taxi numbers.
I need a Schengen visa. Can you help?
Yes. Once your place is confirmed and the €50 application fee has been received, we will send a signed letter of invitation for your visa application, and the balance is not due until your visa has been issued — in any case, no later than July 4, 2027. Please note that the €50 application fee is non-refundable, including if a visa application is denied.
Please request the letter as early as possible. In some countries, Schengen appointments are booked months in advance, and we strongly encourage visa applicants to confirm their place by March 1, 2027 rather than waiting for the July deadline.
To prepare the letter, we will need your full name exactly as it appears in your passport, passport number, date of birth, nationality, and current address.
The letter is a supporting document only. Camino Artes cannot influence the outcome of a visa application, and consulates typically require additional documentation — proof of accommodation, travel and medical insurance, and evidence of sufficient funds. Please review the requirements of the consulate serving your country of residence.
What is your cancellation policy?
The €50 application fee is non-refundable in all cases. Cancellations received before June 1, 2027 receive a full refund of the remaining balance. Cancellations between June 1 and July 4 receive a 50% refund of the remaining balance. After July 4, no refund is available, though your place may be transferred to another participant with our approval. Medical emergencies and family emergencies are an exception. If you must withdraw for medical or emergency reasons at any point, the full tuition will be refunded less the €50 application fee. Written documentation may be requested.
If the workshop is cancelled by the organizers for any reason, all fees, including the application fee, are refunded in full.
Is there a minimum age?
The minimum age is 16. Exceptions may be made for younger guitarists accompanied by a parent or guardian who arranges their own accommodation and supervision — please contact René before registering.
Can I attend with a chamber music partner?
Yes. Past participants have come as guitar and cello, guitar and violin, guitar and voice, and guitar duos. Chamber ensembles are welcome to work on repertoire together throughout the week.
Because a duo occupies a single lesson slot, the tuition is €580 for the ensemble, not per person — partners split the cost between them, and a single €50 application fee reserves the place. An ensemble counts as one place against the workshop's thirty. Both members participate fully in special sessions and evening concerts.
A guitarist who also wishes to study solo repertoire should register twice — once for the duo and once as an individual — at full tuition for each.
Non-guitarist partners are welcome and do not need to be classical guitarists themselves, though the ensemble should have repertoire prepared in advance. Please indicate your ensemble and instrumentation when you contact René, so that lesson scheduling and concert programming can be arranged accordingly.
What should I prepare?
Bring at least three performance-ready pieces — memorized and polished enough to play in concert — plus any additional repertoire you'd like to work on in lessons. These are two separate categories. With a concert each evening and six private lessons over the week, participants who arrive with both performance-ready pieces and works in progress get the most from the experience.
Does everyone perform?
Performing is encouraged but never required. There are two concerts each evening — the first more formal, and a relaxed 10:30 p.m. program attended mostly by locals and participants, after the pilgrims have turned in. It's an easy place to start if you're uncertain about playing, and many participants do.
Are scholarships available?
Yes. Five full-tuition scholarships are available for the 2027 workshop — five of thirty places. Each covers the €580 tuition; recipients pay only the €50 application fee to confirm their place, and no balance is due. Travel, accommodation, and meals remain the participant's responsibility.
To apply, submit a video of your playing along with your registration inquiry to rene.izquierdo@gmail.com by February 28, 2027. Recipients are notified by April 4, 2027. Applicants who will require a Schengen visa should contact René before applying, so that timing can be arranged. These scholarships are made possible by private donors to Camino Artes. All applications and inquiries go through René.
Can my spouse or family come with me?
Yes — you're welcome to bring anyone you like. Companions are warmly received at all concerts, and Carrión is an easy and beautiful place to spend a week. They arrange their own accommodation alongside yours.
What is the weather like?
Carrión sits at 838 meters, which produces a big daily swing: early-August highs near 29°C / 84°F with overnight lows around 15°C / 58°F, and essentially no rainfall all month. Bring a light layer for evenings — the churches stay cool, and late concerts can feel chilly after a warm afternoon.
Do I need a car?
No. Everything — sessions, concert venues, restaurants, and lodging — is within walking distance in the historic center. Most participants arrive by train and bus and never need a car. If you decide to travel around, we recommend you consider renting one.
About Carrión de los Condes, Spain
Carrión de los Condes has played an important role in the history of the Camino de Santiago since the earliest centuries of pilgrimage. Its medieval heritage remains visible throughout the historic center, in its churches, monasteries, and other remarkable buildings.
Among the town’s most celebrated landmarks is the Church of Santiago, renowned for its magnificent Romanesque façade and depiction of Christ Pantocrator. The Church of Santa María del Camino is also notable for its beautifully carved frieze, which includes a representation of the Adoration of the Magi.
Another important site is the Convent of Santa Clara, founded in the 13th century. Its church and museum house an important collection of religious sculptures and objects, including a Pietà by the renowned Spanish sculptor Gregorio Fernández.
Near the medieval bridge, on the outskirts of town, stands the Monastery of San Zoilo. Founded in the 10th century, it once served as a refuge for pilgrims traveling to Santiago de Compostela. Its magnificent Renaissance cloister, designed by Juan de Badajoz, is an extraordinary achievement of both artistic ornamentation and architectural craftsmanship.
Helpful links and information for registered students
Contact information
Federico Sheppard: caminoartes@gmail.com Tel. +34 648 924 182 Spain
René Izquierdo: rene.izquierdo@gmail.com Tel. +1 414 324-7570 USA
Ignacio Barcia: i.barcia@outlook.com Tel. +44 74865 49688 UK
GETTING INTO CARRIÓN DE LOS CONDES
From Madrid: Take a Renfe train from Madrid Chamartín–Clara Campoamor Station to Palencia. From Palencia, continue by bus to Carrión de los Condes. The Palencia bus station is conveniently located near the train station.
Buses from Palencia to Carrión generally run three times a day Monday through Friday, with a reduced schedule on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. Note that arrival day, August 8, is a Sunday. Please verify current departure times before traveling, as schedules may change.
Bus schedule courtesy of the Ayuntamiento de Carrión de los Condes. (bus schedules here)
By taxi from Palencia: approximately €60, about 40 minutes. Advance booking is recommended, particularly for Sunday arrivals: +34 608 486 059, Mariano's Taxi +34 659 602 144 or +34 662 557 568, or Taxis García +34 691 864 754.
Traveling from Burgos or León: Carrión de los Condes can be reached by ALSA bus on the route connecting Burgos and León. The bus stops in Carrión in both directions, but service is generally limited to one bus per day. Please check current schedules and purchase tickets in advance through the ALSA website, as departure times and availability may change.
What to Bring
Please bring your guitar, extra strings, sheet music, a music stand, and any other guitar-related accessories you may need. We also strongly recommend bringing a portable music-stand light, as some of the churches have limited lighting, which can make reading printed music challenging.
Medical Insurance
All participants are responsible for obtaining appropriate medical and travel insurance for the duration of the workshop. Before traveling, please confirm that your insurance provides adequate coverage while you are in Spain.
Housing and Accommodations
Participants are responsible for arranging and paying for their own accommodations. Carrión de los Condes offers hotels, hostels, guesthouses, apartments, and economical religious accommodations within walking distance of the workshop activities.
Because availability may be limited during the summer and along the Camino de Santiago, we strongly recommend making reservations as early as possible. Rates and availability are determined by each property and may change.
Hotels and Hostels
Hotel Real Monasterio de San Zoilo
Telephone: +34 979 880 050
Email: hotel@sanzoilo.comHostal Santiago
Telephone: +34 979 881 052Hostal Restaurante La Corte
Telephone: +34 979 880 138
Email: reservas@hrlc.esHostal Comfort Suites
Calle Santa María, 12Hostal Plaza Mayor
Telephone: +34 669 340 131
Email: hostalplazamayorcarrion@gmail.comHostal Albe
Calle Esteban Collantes, 21
Apartments and Vacation Rentals
Apartamentos Lux Carrión
Calle Padre Gil, 7
Email: apartamentos@luxcarrion.comApartamentos Casa Tía Paula
Telephone: +34 979 880 331La Abuela Maye y Me
Telephone: +34 979 741 587 or +34 616 034 152
Please contact the property directly to confirm availability.
Religious and Economical Accommodations
Casa de Espiritualidad Nuestra Señora de Belén
Telephone: +34 979 880 031 or +34 674 287 210
Private rooms and rooms with shared bathrooms are available. Reservations are accepted, and a pilgrim credential is not required.Hospedería del Convento de Santa Clara
Telephone: +34 979 880 134 or +34 646 163 883
Email: clarisascarrionblog@gmail.com
Private rooms and shared accommodations may be available.Albergue Río Carrión
Plaza Marcelino Champagnat, 1
Please contact each property directly to confirm current rates, availability, room types, and reservation policies. Camino Artes provides this list for informational purposes but does not arrange accommodations on behalf of participants.
Where to eat
Carrión de los Condes offers several restaurants, cafés, and tapas bars within walking distance of the workshop venues. Many establishments serve traditional Spanish cuisine, regional specialties, daily menus, and menús del peregrino.
Restaurante La Corte
Traditional Castilian and Mediterranean cuisine
Telephone: +34 979 880 138Restaurante Naturale
Grilled meats and fish, rice dishes, roasted lamb, and regional specialties
Telephone: +34 659 161 520Restaurante Las Vigas
Located inside the Hotel Real Monasterio de San Zoilo
Telephone: +34 979 880 050Mesón El Portón
Traditional home-style cooking, tapas, and regional dishes
Telephone: +34 979 880 559Restaurante El Nuevo Doblón
Grilled meats and traditional roasted lamb
Telephone: +34 620 619 494Bar Chanffix
Casual meals, tapas, sandwiches, and drinksTaberna El Peregrino
Casual dining, tapas, hamburgers, and pilgrim-friendly meals
Telephone: +34 648 953 625La Cerve
Tapas, sandwiches, hamburgers, and casual meals
Telephone: +34 979 880 989Yo Que Sé Rest Café
Café, drinks, and casual diningRestaurante Bar La Muralla
Traditional Spanish dishes and daily menusBar Sol
Tapas and drinks near the Church of Santa María del Camino
Restaurants in Spain often have separate lunch and dinner hours, and some close one day each week. Opening hours may also change seasonally. We recommend checking current hours and making reservations in advance, particularly for groups.
Public Services and Important Telephone Numbers
For all emergencies in Spain—including medical emergencies, police, or fire—call 112.
Ayuntamiento de Carrión de los Condes (Town Hall)
Telephone: +34 979 880 259Centro de Salud de Carrión de los Condes (Health Center)
General information: +34 979 880 260
Urgent care: +34 979 880 245Farmacia Carrión
Plaza Mayor, 14
Telephone: +34 979 880 029Farmacia López Vidal
Calle La Rúa, 4
Telephone: +34 979 880 581Guardia Civil
Telephone: +34 979 880 003
062 is the emergency number for the Guardia CivilPolicía Municipal
Telephone: +34 649 916 983Local Taxi Services
+34 608 486 059
Mariano's Taxi: +34 659 602 144 or +34 662 557 568
Taxis García: +34 691 864 754
Advance reservations are recommended.Correos (Post Office)
Calle Adolfo Suárez, 18
Telephone: +34 979 880 345
Telephone numbers and operating hours may change. When calling from outside Spain or from a foreign mobile phone, use the country code +34.
