How it works
Learn from the masters
Active participants work one-to-one with three instructors, with each lesson lasting 30 minutes. In your application you list five preferred instructors in order of preference; instructors are assigned according to the order in which applications are received and the availability of the chosen instructors. Active places are limited.
Passive participants can attend all masterclasses as listeners and take part in the festival workshops. Both options include access to the evening concerts.
Masterclasses are given in English and Turkish; active participants who need interpretation are kindly asked to arrange it themselves. Please bring everything you need — footstool, pencil and the scores of the pieces you will play. Music stands are provided.
Masterclasses 2026
Instructors
Participation & fees
Choose how you take part
Active participation
- One-to-one lessons with three instructors (30 min each)
- Access to all evening concerts
- All festival events and workshops as a listener
Passive participation
- Attend all masterclasses as a listener
- Access to all evening concerts
- All festival events and workshops as a listener
All fees
Fee overview
Fees are added together — for example, a competitor in Category B who is not an active participant pays €60 + €25. All competitors must also pay the passive participation fee unless they are active participants.
A parent or guardian accompanying an applicant under 18 can register as a passive participant at 50% (€30). The application form calculates your total automatically.
| Participation | Fee |
|---|---|
| Active participationOne-to-one lessons with three instructors (30 min each) · concerts and festival events included | €120 |
| Passive participationAttend all masterclasses as a listener · concerts and festival events included | €60 |
| Luthier exhibitionOne stand for the whole festival, 3–6 December (all day) · concerts and festival events included | €85 |
| Competition — Category ABorn on/after 1 January 2015 | €20 |
| Competition — Category BBorn on/after 1 January 2013 | €25 |
| Competition — Category CBorn on/after 1 January 2011 | €30 |
| Competition — Category DBorn on/after 1 January 2008 | €35 |
| Competition — Category ENo age limit | €50 |
Guitar fair
Luthier exhibition
The International Ankara Guitar Festival invites luthiers and independent guitar makers to showcase their handcrafted instruments at its Luthier Exhibition, bringing together exceptional craftsmanship, artistry, and the international guitar community.
A highlight of the exhibition will be a special live performance by Cem Çeliksırt, an accomplished guitarist who will bring the featured instruments to life, revealing their distinctive tonal qualities, character, and musical potential. The performance will be professionally audio-recorded and filmed, offering a valuable opportunity to present the instruments through high-quality musical performance.
Participating luthiers will have the opportunity to exhibit their instruments, connect with guitarists, teachers, students, and fellow makers, and introduce their work to a diverse audience of musicians and guitar enthusiasts.
Showcase your craftsmanship, let your instruments be heard, and become part of the International Ankara Guitar Festival.
Luthiers and guitar makers interested in participating are invited to contact the festival team for exhibition details and registration information.
Exhibition area · how the stands will look
Stand booking
All luthiers must complete the application form.
Rules & regulations
Before you apply
Applications and registration
- All participants are required to complete and submit the online application form.
- Active participants list five preferred masterclass instructors in order of preference. Instructors are assigned according to the order in which applications are received and the availability of the chosen instructors; each active participant takes one-to-one lessons with three instructors.
- The number of places in each masterclass is limited. Applications are assessed according to the festival’s registration policy.
- Applications are considered complete once the registration fee has been received.
- The application deadline is 20 November 2026. The festival organisers reserve the right to extend the registration period or to close it earlier.
Payment terms
- The registration fee must be paid using the payment method specified by the festival organisers.
- Participants are required to provide proof of payment where requested.
- Registration fees are non-refundable, except where otherwise stated by the festival organisers.
- Travel, accommodation and meal expenses are the responsibility of the participants, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
General provisions
- By submitting an application, participants agree to comply with the festival rules and regulations.
- The festival organisers reserve the right to reject an application.
- The festival organisers reserve the right to make changes to the programme when necessary.
- Any questions regarding registration or participation should be directed to the festival organisers.
Good to know
- Please apply only once: the form accepts one application per identity / passport number, or per e-mail address and phone number.
- The detailed schedule, including individual performance times and venue information, will be announced after the application deadline.
- Partner hotels with discounted rates: Grand Nora Hotel (reservations via WhatsApp: +90 533 579 32 91) and Days Hotel by Wyndham Ankara Çankaya — see Venue & transportation.
- A paid shuttle service between the partner hotels and the festival venue is planned — you can register your interest in the application form.