We are delighted to congratulate Hendrik Den Dulk, a student on the Guitar-Making and Repair Musical Instrument Craft programme at Newark, on winning First Prize in the inaugural Felixstowe Classical Guitar Festival Luthier Competition.
The newly established Felixstowe Classical Guitar Festival has quickly grown into one of the most exciting additions to the UK classical guitar calendar. Bringing together internationally renowned performers, emerging artists, educators, students, and instrument makers, the festival celebrates excellence in both performance and craftsmanship while fostering connections across the classical guitar community.
As part of the festival's programme, the inaugural Luthier Competition gave emerging makers a platform to present their instruments for evaluation by experienced professionals. Hendrik's guitar impressed the judges, earning him first place and recognition as "a maker of fine classical guitars."
This achievement is particularly noteworthy as Hendrik is currently studying on the Musical Instrument Craft programme at Newark, where students develop a broad range of skills in instrument design, construction, repair, restoration, and workshop practice. His success demonstrates how these traditional craft skills can be applied at the highest level within the specialist field of classical guitar making.
The competition organisers commented:
"Let it be known that Hendrik den Dulk attained first place and is recognised as a maker of fine classical guitars. We hope this helps you on your way in what we feel sure will be a long and illustrious career."
Hendrik's award reflects not only exceptional technical ability and attention to detail, but also the creativity, dedication, and craftsmanship that are central to the Musical Instrument Craft programme. The success of his instrument on a national stage is a testament to the quality of work being produced by students at Newark.
We are immensely proud of Hendrik's achievement and look forward to following his future career as a maker. His success at this prestigious new festival serves as an inspiration to current and future students pursuing careers in musical instrument making.
The course team added:
"Hendrik's success is a wonderful example of what can be achieved through dedication to traditional craft skills and a commitment to excellence. We are delighted to see his work recognised at such an important new event for the classical guitar community and look forward to seeing his career develop in the years ahead."
Learn more about Guitar Making and Repair courses on our courses webpage.
