OUR FESTIVAL TEACHERS
Gerard Cousins
Gerard has performed in festivals and concert halls around the world, from the Purcell Room and Milton Court in London to Europe, South America and the Middle East. Releasing 4 CDs, each one focusing on a different area of music from traditional Spanish repertoire to his original compositions and unique re-imaginings of traditional Welsh music.
Hannah Woollacott
Hannah was awarded a First Class Honours degree from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire after studying there on the undergraduate course under the tuition of Mark Eden and Mark Ashford (Eden Stell Guitar Duo and Vida Guitar Quartet). She is currently studying performance as part of the Alma Guitar Trio on the Masters Course at the Conservatoire.
Shannon Latoyah-Simon
Shannon is studying for a Master’s degree at Trinity Laban Conservatoire where she regularly performs as a soloist. Shannon also thoroughly enjoys participating in chamber music and is part of many mixed chamber ensembles. She has recently obtained her degree in Sound Medicine, Sound Therapy and Nāda yoga with the Vibroacoustic Therapy Association.
Chris Ackland
Chris studied 4 years at the Royal Academy of Music with Hector Quine, and Michael Lewin. Regular recital work followed, both Solo and Chamber, including St. Johns Smith Square, Llandaf Cathedral and participation in master classes with David Russell, Simon Dinnegan and many others. Teaching posts have included Reading and Swansea Universities,
Stuart Ironside
Stuart is a graduate of Cardiff University and is an experienced solo and ensemble performer. Playing in a variety of venues around Cardiff and the South of England, including St. Davids Hall As a composer, he has had works performed by John Burgess, the European String Teachers Association, Retorica Violins and Cardiff University Contemporary Music Group.
Fernando Aguera
Fernando has been teaching guitar for over 14 years and received an MMus with Distinction at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama under a full international scholarship. Previously, he graduated at the School of Music and Fine Arts of Parana, Brazil, studying with the Professor Mario da Silva Jr.