Welcome

SFSS: Kingham Hill School

Sore Fingers Summer Schools is Europe's leading organisation for Bluegrass and Old Time music camps offering world class tuition for all the instruments played in Bluegrass as well as Old Time String Band music and vocals. Although the theme is Bluegrass and Old Time music, the techniques taught are universal and will improve your playing even if you are not a dedicated Bluegrass player.

Go to the news page for the latest announcements about Sore Fingers Oct Weekend 2023 and the Easter Week next spring in April, 2024.

PLEASE NOTE THE DATE CHANGE FOR EASTER 2024, MONDAY 8TH TO FRIDAY 12TH APRIL.

If you wish to go straight to the Booking Page, please click on the link below.

Booking

To pre-register for scratchbands, please click on the link below

Scratchbands Pre-Registion

We have promotional video. It was produced by Eleanor Wilkie (Crossover Festival, Saphire Storm, Midnight Skyracer). There are contributions from Jason Titley, Kier Hague and a special thank you to Roger Netherton for permission to use his track for the background music. See the links page for directions to his website. Have a look and enjoy, Moira and I loved it!

SFSS Promo Video

Baffled about the Music Development Course? Check out Andy's video

Most of our tutors are recruited from the heart of the American Bluegrass and Old Time scenes. We also recruit from the talented pool of musicians based in the UK and Europe. Over twenty seven years, Sore Fingers has played host to over 150 individuals from the top tiers of Bluegrass and Old Time and we are dedicated to providing tuition from the best musicians who are closest to the heart of this American musicical style.

In recent years, we have expanded our teaching to include other complimentary subjects designed to help you understand some of the theory behind things you already know how to play and open up creative opportunities though practical application of music theory. But, fear not, you do not need to read music to attend our courses, our tutors will show you the way.

At present, Sore Fingers Summer Schools run two events.
The main one being Sore Fingers Week, a five day residential course held in the Cotswolds at Easter time. This course is aimed at musicians of all levels and provides a platform where they can learn and improve their knowledge and skills. It is a complete experience where you can escape the daily routine and immerse yourself in music and fun for a whole week. Many of our students become seriouly addicted and return year after year.

Our second event, the Sore Fingers October Weekend is held at the end of October and coincides with the school's half term break. Duration is two days (Friday to Sunday) and the programme of classes is broadly the same as at Easter time. Being shorter, the October course is slightly less intense and has often been described as "laid back" and relaxing. The Sore Fingers magic however, still prevails and some first time attendees will use the weekend as an opportunity to test the water before committing to the full week held at Easter time.

If it is your first visit to this page, we recommend you read the Experience page to give yourself an idea of what happens at our events.

Latest news
26th Feb 2024: 40 odd sleeps....
6th Feb 2024: Only Sixty or so Days to go
30th Jan 2024: S.F. Easter 2024 - Latest
View all news stories
Upcoming events
8th - 12th Apr 2024 Sore Fingers Week 2024 Famous for 27 years now, Sore Fingers is one of the best musical experiences of the year!
View all events