Auditions
Join ING Guitar Ensemble
Listen. Prepare. Serve the Music.
ING Guitar Ensemble, founded in 2024, brings guitarists together to explore the art of ensemble playing through classical guitar repertoire, the Japanese Niibori Guitar Method, and our own arrangements.
We believe meaningful music comes from musicians who listen to one another, take responsibility for their own playing, and work together towards a shared musical goal.
Our aim is to create a positive and encouraging environment with high musical standards — a place where members can learn, improve and enjoy making music together, while taking personal responsibility for the quality of their contribution.
No previous Niibori experience is required.
Why Join ING?
Explore the Niibori Guitar Family
Discover the unique world of Niibori ensemble playing and experience specialised instruments including prime, soprano, alto, bass, contrabass, prime cembalo, alto cembalo, guitarrón and other specialised guitars. ING has its own collection of Niibori instruments, so you do not need to own one to get started.
Play Classical Guitar Ensemble Repertoire
Alongside Niibori repertoire, we explore classical guitar ensemble works across different styles and periods.
Create Our Own Arrangements
We develop our own arrangements for guitar ensemble, allowing members to explore music beyond the established repertoire and create new possibilities for the group.
Grow Through Small Ensembles
Members are encouraged to form and perform in trios, quartets and other smaller groups, developing independence, listening skills, musical confidence and chamber music experience.
Perform Regularly
We aim to provide regular performance opportunities for our members, from full ensemble concerts to smaller group performances and collaborations. These opportunities allow members to gain valuable performance experience and put their musical preparation into practice.
Collaborate and Connect
We collaborate with fellow guitarists, guest musicians, ensembles and other music groups, creating opportunities to exchange ideas, perform together and build connections within the wider music community.
Our Musical Approach
- Encouragement without complacency
- We want ING to be a positive and encouraging environment where musicians feel comfortable learning, asking questions and challenging themselves.
- Accountability without intimidation
- Every musician contributes to the sound of the ensemble. Members are expected to prepare their parts, listen actively and take responsibility for their own playing.
- Efficiency without sacrificing musicality
- Rehearsal time is valuable. We aim to arrive prepared so that rehearsals can focus on what can only be achieved together — coordination, balance, phrasing, interpretation and musical expression.
- Serve the Music
- Technical improvement is important, but ultimately it is in service of the music. We strive to understand our role within the ensemble and make musical choices that serve the piece as a whole.
An Independent, Member-Supported Ensemble
ING Guitar Ensemble is a community-run and independently organised ensemble without external funding. This independence gives us the freedom to shape our own musical direction, organise performances and collaborations, and develop programmes that reflect the interests of our members.
To sustain the ensemble and support activities such as rehearsal spaces, music materials, instruments and concert production, members contribute towards the running of ING. We see this as a shared investment in the ensemble and the musical community we are building together.
What Ensemble Skills Are Important?
Playing in an ensemble is different from playing solo. Members should be willing to:
- Listen carefully to other parts
- Follow the conductor and respond to musical direction
- Maintain rhythm and tempo
- Balance their sound within the ensemble
- Understand how their part contributes to the whole
- Prepare independently before rehearsals
- Give and receive constructive feedback
- Take responsibility for their own playing
- Work collaboratively towards a shared musical interpretation
You do not need to be an expert ensemble player when you join. What matters is your willingness to listen, learn and grow.
How Does Joining Work?
01
Apply
Tell us a little about yourself and your musical background.
02
Have a Conversation
We'll arrange a short online conversation to get to know you, understand your musical interests and answer any questions.
03
Come Play With Us
You'll be invited to join us for a trial rehearsal. This gives you an opportunity to experience how we work, meet the members and see whether ING is a good fit for you.
04
Find Your Place
If it feels like a good fit, we'll help you find a suitable part and introduce you to the Niibori instruments and repertoire.
Membership
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need to audition to join?
- There is no formal audition. We first have a short online conversation, followed by a trial rehearsal where you can experience playing with the ensemble.
- What level of guitar playing is expected?
- We welcome classical guitarists with a working foundation in note-reading, fingerstyle technique and basic ensemble playing. Players from different backgrounds are welcome. Rather than focusing solely on grades, we consider each player individually and look for musicians who are willing to learn, prepare and contribute to the ensemble.
- Do I need prior Niibori experience?
- No. Many of our members are new to the Niibori Method when they join. We will introduce you to the different Niibori instruments and help you find a part that suits your playing.
- What instruments are available?
- For your trial session, simply bring your own classical guitar. ING Guitar Ensemble has its own collection of Niibori and specialised guitars, so you do not need to own one to get started. Our instruments include prime, soprano, alto, bass, contrabass, prime cembalo, alto cembalo, guitarrón and other specialised guitars. If you later decide to have your own instrument, rental arrangements can be made. We are also happy to introduce members to trusted friends and suppliers who can assist with sourcing Niibori guitars.
- How often does the ensemble rehearse?
- We do not maintain a fixed weekly rehearsal schedule. Parts are assigned in advance, and members are expected to prepare independently before rehearsals. In the lead-up to performances, we typically hold two to three ensemble rehearsals focused on coordination, balance and musical interpretation. Because rehearsal time is limited, individual preparation is an important part of being an ensemble member.
- What can I expect as a member?
- You can expect a supportive environment, regular performance opportunities, exposure to a wide range of repertoire and specialised instruments, and opportunities to develop both individual and ensemble musicianship. Members are also encouraged to form trios, quartets and other smaller groups, and to participate in collaborations with other musicians and music groups.
- How long does it take to hear back after I apply?
- We review applications personally and will usually get back to you by email within 1–2 weeks.
Ready to Play With Us?
Apply to Join ING Guitar Ensemble
If you are a guitarist who enjoys making music with others and wants to grow as an ensemble musician, we'd love to hear from you.